For Atlanta native Joe Crochet, “hard work” are familiar words. As a three-sport athlete in high school and an All-American and team captain in college for the Citadel Bulldogs’ football team, Crochet honed a work ethic and a winning mentality that he applies to building his real estate business today. “I strive to outwork anyone I am up against,” says Atlanta Agent magazine’s 2022 Rookie of the Year.

A third-generation Realtor, Crochet has always been passionate about real estate and helping others, but the death of a friend was the catalyst that led him to pursue a career in the industry almost five years ago. “It made me realize life is too short to not follow your dreams and do what you love,” Crochet observes. So, he left a career in construction tool sales and marketing and went to work at getting his real estate license.

Since then, his deep familiarity with his hometown of Atlanta, along with his strong communication skills and a reputation for finding off-market properties, has helped Crochet achieve a total sales volume of $65 million since 2020 while helping more than 150 clients buy or sell their homes. Clients describe him as respectful, knowledgeable and professional, and they appreciate that he counsels them through the entire process, from start to finish.

Crochet sets a personal goal to become the best version of himself by getting 1 percent better each day, and this year he reached another goal by being named to the National Association of Realtors’ 30 Under 30 list. “I had that on my vision board for two years and was thrilled to be named as a member this year,” he shares. This accolade joins several others, including recognition among the Atlanta Realtors Association Top 5% in 2022.

Off the clock, Crochet stays active with friends and family, playing football, tennis, basketball and water sports.