Dave Watson

Written by Zachary Cohen | Photos by Shawna McDuffie, Peak RES
Over the past two decades-plus, Dave Watson has solidified his role as a leader in real estate. He’s led teams from Tulsa to California, run an independent brokerage, grown multiple offices, and coached countless agents. The throughline in all of Dave’s roles is his commitment to servant leadership. 

Dave describes himself as “a builder”—someone who is deeply committed to helping others achieve their goals and live abundant lives.

“Yes, I want to succeed, but I'm following that Zig Ziglar quote, ‘You can have everything in life you want if you will just help other people get what they want,’” Dave says. “That’s how I run my business.”

Before beginning his real estate career in 2001, Dave spent over a decade as a professional musician. 

“I grew up in church singing and loving music,” Dave shares. “As I got out of high school, I started playing more music. I started a band, and we played all over San Diego. We ended up moving to Vegas and then touring the US.”

After having children, Dave transitioned into more traditional jobs, working in various sales positions. His final role in manufacturing sales brought him to Tulsa, where he settled down and launched his real estate business.

“Because of my music background, I’m a little independent and rebellious,” Dave laughs. “I wanted to own my own business. While in manufacturing sales, I grew the business from $3 million to $6 million in sales and saved the company $200,000 in expenses. I missed my sales goal by $500, and they did not give me my bonus. So I decided to start my own business. Searching for a business, my daughter came up and handed me an invitation to a real estate recruiting event and said, ‘I think you'd be good at this.’ So I went.”

Dave quickly grew his business and moved into leadership. By 2005, he was the broker of an independent office, and in 2011, he joined Keller Williams, where he’s been since. During that time, Dave has held various roles: he was the Tulsa office team leader, launched an office in California, became the productivity coach for the Owasso/Claremore Keller Williams office, and joined The Rentz Team as an agent and productivity coach in 2021. Leading and coaching agents has been one of Dave’s greatest joys.

Q&A with Dave Watson

Tulsa Real Producers: What keeps you in the business after so many years and so many success stories?

Dave: Being in business for myself. The results in my business are a direct result of what I learn, implement, and do. 

Tulsa Real Producers: What drives you as a leader?

Dave: When I first became a broker, it seemed like the owners of the businesses and brokers were driven by keeping people paying desk fees and not providing the training and coaching to create successful businesses. That just didn't seem right. I've always come from the perspective that I want to help people create awesome careers, money, and profitable businesses. You do that by pouring into them. In 2004, I found a book written by Gary Keller called The Millionaire Real Estate Agent, and I felt like I had finally found a model that provided the pathway to a successful business. From 2005 to 2011, I was teaching out of that book to my agents. In 2011, I joined Keller Williams and went back into production, and within a year, [I moved] back into leadership as a team leader.

Tulsa Real Producers: Can you share some words of wisdom with the real estate community?

Dave: Have passion for your business. Most people come in and don't really take time to understand the business of real estate. They are working on their natural abilities instead of honing in on the abilities to run a true business. You have to be learning-based to master the business. Mastery is a journey, not a destination. So be learning-based, stay on the journey of mastery, and take responsibility for your business. 

Tulsa Real Producers: When you’re not working in real estate, what would we find you doing? 

Dave: My wife and I spend a lot of time doing random fun things together. Sometimes, I joke and say when I retire I'd like to grow my hair long, sit on a street corner, and play my guitar for tips. Most times, you’ll find me at church, playing guitar, and working in the yard. I look for the simple joys in life.

Tulsa Real Producers: What kind of legacy would you like to leave?

Dave: That I helped a lot of people reach their goals to create and live an abundant life.