Meet April Harrington

We recently connected with April Harrington and have shared our conversation below.

April, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

For me, finding my purpose has been a journey of aligning my passions, experiences, and the impact I want to have on others. I’ve always been driven by a desire to build community, create opportunities, and uplift people in meaningful ways. That’s why real estate has been such a natural fit—it’s not just about buying and selling homes; it’s about guiding people through some of the biggest decisions of their lives and ensuring they feel supported and empowered.

Beyond that, I find purpose in mentorship and leadership. Whether it’s through my firms, teaching master classes, or advocating for inclusivity and ethical business practices, I’m passionate about creating spaces where people can grow and thrive. Purpose, to me, isn’t just something you find once—it evolves as you do, and I stay open to where my skills and passions can make the most impact.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m April Harrington, a real estate broker, business owner, and community advocate. I own and operate EXIT Real Estate Experts, EXIT Real Estate Experts East, and our newest expansion, EXIT Real Estate Experts South. My passion lies in creating a supportive, ethical, and community-driven space for real estate professionals to thrive. Unlike traditional firms, we offer high-touch mentorship, hands-on training, and a strong focus on agent success, with a broker-to-agent ratio of 1:20 instead of the industry norm of 1:200.

Beyond real estate, I’m deeply committed to philanthropy and community impact. I co-founded the Nashville Industry Fund, which helps creative professionals in Music City become homeowners, and I’m involved in multiple nonprofit initiatives that support housing, diversity, and local artists.

Right now, I’m focused on expanding our firm, launching new educational programs for agents, and growing our VIP client events—including an exclusive movie night and a whale-watching tour in Mexico. I also recently received the Nashville Scene’s “Best Agent” award and a Nashville Business Journal award for being an outstanding community voice.

At the core of everything I do is helping others build the life they dream of—whether through homeownership, business success, or community impact.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to continuous learning.

Resilience – Building multiple businesses, leading teams, and navigating challenges (both personal and professional) require the ability to adapt and push forward. There have been tough moments—setbacks, difficult decisions, and times when I questioned everything—but resilience kept me moving. My advice? Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Learn to see challenges as opportunities to grow rather than roadblocks. Surround yourself with people who remind you of your strength when you forget it yourself.

Leadership – Leadership isn’t about a title; it’s about how you show up for others. Whether guiding my real estate agents, mentoring industry professionals, or leading community initiatives, I’ve learned that great leadership comes from empathy, consistency, and action. If you’re early in your journey, focus on building relationships and developing emotional intelligence. Lead with integrity, even when no one is watching, and always be the person others can count on.

Commitment to Learning – The moment you think you know it all, you stop growing. I’ve made it a priority to invest in my knowledge, whether through real estate education, leadership training, or learning from experiences outside my industry. My advice? Seek out mentors, take courses, attend events, and read relentlessly. Stay curious, stay humble, and never be afraid to ask questions.

Success isn’t about one big moment—it’s about the small, consistent efforts that add up over time. Keep showing up, keep improving, and trust that the work you put in today will pay off in ways you can’t yet see.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed or stressed, I focus on re-centering myself and shifting my perspective. Running multiple businesses, leading teams, and staying engaged in my community can feel like a lot at times, but I’ve learned that balance isn’t about doing less—it’s about being intentional with my energy.

I step away and reset. Sometimes, the best solution is a Boat Day Therapy Session—just me, the water, and a little time to breathe. Whether it’s cruising on the lake, traveling to recharge, or just taking a walk with my dogs, getting out of my usual environment helps me clear my head.

I focus on what I can control. Stress often comes from trying to manage everything at once, so I take a step back and prioritize what truly matters. I make lists, delegate when possible, and remind myself that not everything has to be done immediately—unless, of course, it’s a Margarita Monday, in which case, it’s top priority!

I lean on my support system. Whether it’s my team, my girlfriend, my business partners, or close friends, I surround myself with people who remind me why I do what I do. There’s nothing a good laugh, a margarita, or a vent session with my crew can’t fix.

I reconnect with my “why.” When I start to feel overwhelmed, I remind myself that I built my businesses and my career to create impact, not to burn out. Taking a moment to reflect on the bigger picture helps me refocus and move forward with purpose.

At the end of the day, stress is inevitable, but how we respond to it makes all the difference. Whether it’s a boat day, a well-earned Margarita Monday, or just giving myself grace, I’ve learned that taking care of myself helps me show up stronger for my team, my clients, and my community.

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