Phillip Cantrell

With a career spanning four-plus decades of entrepreneurial leadership, Phillip Cantrell spent 2025 as a vital voice of reason and strategy during a period of significant industry transition. As CEO of Benchmark Realty and EVP of Strategy for United Real Estate, Cantrell continued to drive remarkable growth, maintaining a consistent increase in agent count for the Nashville-based brokerage regardless of market conditions. His influence reached a new pinnacle this past year with the release of his book, “Failing My Way to Success,” which became a No. 1 Amazon bestseller in five categories within 24 hours of its launch.

Cantrell’s commitment to reaching back to guide the next generation is evident in his prolific output of thought leadership, including numerous op-ed pieces and a white paper on mergers and acquisitions. “Seeing our affiliates improve the financial trajectory of their careers because of our model gives me a lot of satisfaction,” he shares. “I’ve had my liquidity event, yet I’m still here helping because I love to see our people win.”

By championing open dialogue on pressing topics like commission structures and industry transparency, Cantrell remains a primary architect of a better way forward for real estate professionals.