In this episode of the Texas Land Guys Podcast, Tim and Tom Dosch sit down with their Houston partner, Derek Graber. Derek takes us back to his very first interview right before COVID-19 changed everything and walks through his journey to becoming a key leader at DMRE.
He opens up about the challenges of starting out in such uncertain times, the lessons he has learned from great mentors, and why staying humble and hungry has been central to his success. Derek also shares how focusing on the process, not just the paycheck, has shaped his approach to deals, and how faith, family, and personal growth keep him grounded.
From mentoring younger brokers to helping build a culture of abundance and impact, Derek’s story is all about resilience, values-driven leadership, and finding meaning in the work.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation that goes beyond land brokerage and into what it really takes to build a lasting career.
Key Takeaways:
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Entering the market during crisis years builds resilience and a long-term perspective.
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Success in brokerage comes from focusing on the process and relationships, not the fee.
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Personal growth in faith, family, and health fuels professional excellence.
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Strong mentorship and team collaboration are vital to enduring success in real estate.
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Impact is more valuable than income when you prioritize the first; the second follows.
In This Episode:
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[00:00] Introduction
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[01:37] Derek’s commute and audio preferences
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[02:53] The value of mentorship and learning
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[04:21] Derek’s journey to joining DMRE
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[05:28] Navigating the challenges of COVID-19
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[09:36] Derek’s early days at DMRE
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[13:00] Reflecting on growth and opportunities
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[19:31] The importance of loving the process
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[20:23] Focusing on client success over fees
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[22:46] Navigating market challenges
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[24:12] Personal development and family priorities
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[27:20] Spiritual growth and work-life balance
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[33:00] Health and wellness in business
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[36:29] Mentorship and leadership
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[41:50] Conclusion and final thoughts
Resources and Links:
Derek Graber
https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-graber-21487a16b/
Tom Dosch
