If you had to describe Michele Velcheck in one word, passionate would certainly suffice. As founder and CEO of Solid Source Real Estate Companies—independent companies more than 2,000 agents strong, recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing, independent real estate firms in the nation—Velcheck’s passion runs deep. From the company’s philanthropic endeavors to the character and values the company is built upon, there’s no question that Solid Source Realty’s heart is in the right place.
Providing Hope and Opportunity
For many businesses across the board, giving back to the communities in which they serve is often a lot of talk and no real action. But at Atlanta-based Solid Source Companies, nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to the amount of time, energy and resources the firm dedicates to giving back.
Whether it’s delivering Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas toys to local families, sending food and supplies for tornado relief or donating truckloads of food to local charities, Solid Source goes above and beyond to make a difference in people’s lives. And not just on a local level. In fact, several from the Solid Source family recently returned from a mission trip to Africa where they put the finishing touches on a project that’s been two years in the making.
“Two years ago, we began creating a Picture Bible Story Book designed to meet the needs of the millions in Ugandan villages who can’t read,” says Velcheck, “and through our partnership with Davar Partners Ministry, we were able to participate in translating the entire Bible into the Luganda language onto an audio device that’s solar powered.”
While the motivation to get involved in supporting ministries in Africa began many years ago, today, Solid Source has provided free education, food, clean water and other assistance to the neediest families in Kenya, Uganda and Zambia. “Our goal is to help these beautiful people obtain basic life necessities, which opens up available time to grow in their walk with God and develop as a self-sustaining community,” says Velcheck. “At the heart of Solid Source is a commitment to providing hope and opportunity to orphans, widows and the working-poor families in the most desperate need. We work through ministries with a sustainability plan and exit strategy and are committed to teaching people how to fish, rather than just accepting fish,” she adds.
Pushing Boundaries Every Step of the Way
A true visionary whose foresight and commitment to excellence is unparalleled, Velcheck continues to push the boundaries. “There has never been a proverbial ‘finish line’ regarding how we define success,” says Velcheck. “We love doing what we do and we come to work each morning with joy, excitement and focus. Our commitment is to listen, learn and lead with integrity.”
Solid Source is driven by a strong commitment to add value in new ways to the client and agent experience, beginning with ensuring that all office support staff hold a real estate license to offer a superior level of service to clients and customers. “Our broker staff prioritizes keeping the license of each agent and firm safe by dedicating time to studying real estate rules and regulations, researching new case law and maintaining awareness of industry changes,” says Velcheck.
And with the introduction of a suite of tools that enhances the home-buying and -selling experience through the use of technology made simple, Solid Source is uniquely positioned to always be at the forefront of what’s next. “Being the first to adopt technologies from different industries and apply them to real estate can be compared to building a bridge as we walk on it,” says Brian Cowling, vice president at Solid Source.
The recent launch of mobile websites for listings and a website to accept earnest money payments online are two such examples. “Clients and agents love the additional exposure the mobile websites offer and are thankful for the time savings of not having to drive an earnest money check to an office,” says Rebecca Meredith, president of Solid Source Companies.
But perhaps most important is the training offered through the firm. “Solid Source delivers training through a variety of mediums, including online sales meetings, classroom sessions and streamed content, so agents can access the class from any computer or smartphone,” says Velcheck.
“Solid Source allows me the freedom to market myself and provides a technology platform of services that is intuitive and superior to any I’ve seen in the industry,” says Cindy Bowers, the firm’s No. 1 agent in 2013. “When I joined the firm seven years ago, I kept waiting for the ‘catch’ because it was hard to believe that a company could offer better service, support and technology than my previous brokerage at a fraction of my previous commission structure.”
Making a Difference
Here’s a look at some of the initiatives Solid Source Realty has been involved in over the years.
Uganda
- Purchased fields for soccer ministry to mentor next-generation leaders
- Created Picture Bible Stories and funded the recording of the entire Bible in the Luganda language onto solar-powered audio players
Kenya
- Drilled a well in Muvukoni to provide clean water for over 5,000 people
- Funded Camp Highland Kenya to teach life concepts such as faith and trust
Zambia
- Funded land purchase and school building development for orphans and widows
- Initiated food program to provide orphans with one nutritious meal each school day
Locally
- Support charities and plan giving strategies to promote a hand up
For more information, please visit www.SolidSource.com.
