Erica Bankston’s rise in the world of real estate started with a desire to help her dad.
Bankston’s father has been in construction her entire life. Building and development have always been a part of her family’s world.
A few years ago, the family was working on a residential project and needed a real estate agent to sell the homes.
“We sat down with my friend, Justina [Johnson], who is a broker, to talk through the plan,” Bankston said. “In the middle of that conversation, my dad looked at us and said, ‘You two should open a brokerage.’”
It was nothing Bankston had thought of doing, but she was a lifelong entrepreneur. Her interest was piqued.
“I’ve always had a passion for taking something from vision to reality, especially when it comes to branding,” Bankston said. “I love creating things that are clean, elevated and full of purpose.”
Though not a licensed agent, Bankston knew she could bring something valuable to the table.
She’s launched several successful business ventures, including Bankston Office Supply and G-fit Fitness Co., but Heritage Group Real Estate Co. has been the most successful.
Bankston also has a podcast by the same name, where she and her guests discuss buying, selling and investing in Arkansas and Oklahoma.
She said she’s proud of the culture Heritage Group has created.
“Our big five — concierge service, integrity, humility, investment, and gratitude — are more than values,” she said. “They are principles rooted in our faith and the way we aim to serve people every day.”
Whether it’s through better training, stronger leadership or new creative ventures, Bankston said her heart and that of the company is to serve people well and build something that reflects the values of its founders.