Chris Wade is the director of data operations at Showcase IDX. Wade has managed data licensing and compliance for one of the largest MLSs in the country, built MLS feed connections and mapped listing data, to now leading the data team responsible for powering the website of one of the largest real estate brokerages in the world. In his time at Showcase IDX, Wade has led the growth of their “data footprint” from 102 MLS feeds, and an estimated 64% of total US listing coverage, to over 330 feeds. He also spearheaded the company’s drive for 50-state data coverage and ensured the top 225 MLSs were connected to the Showcase IDX system. 

In his current role, Wade leverages his knowledge of the unique methods of transport and standardization used within the real estate industry to help data engineers build the most robust system possible. Wade’s ability to speak intelligently with data engineers about data transport and then instantly shift to discussing MLS data license rules and requirements, makes him an invaluable asset. His familiarity with the MLS feed onboarding and maintenance processes, from start to finish has made him a natural leader in this area. Not only does the engineering team come to him with technical questions on data transport, but the operations and customer support teams rely on him to help navigate the MLS licensing and compliance ecosystem. 

What is one thing you would tell a younger version of yourself?

Dream big, deliver small. One thing I see time and time again is teams coming up with great ideas, but failing to deliver on them. Many times this is because they try to make everything perfect. Instead, taking that great idea and breaking it up into much smaller deliverables will unlock a team’s ability to deliver incremental pieces. These “small wins” boost team morale, and show progress to the larger goal.

Name:

Chris Wade

Age:

40

Title:

Director of Data Operations

Company Name:

Showcase IDX

Industry

Real Estate