Celebrating the Next Generation of Excellence

Every year, the Rookie of the Year awards remind us of something special about this business: the courage it takes to begin.

Starting a career in real estate requires optimism, resilience, and a willingness to step into the unknown. New agents bring a fresh perspective to our offices—new energy, new curiosity, and a sense of possibility that is contagious.

At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Journey, we love watching those first steps turn into real momentum. The Rookie of the Year award celebrates the agents who not only step into the industry with determination but quickly demonstrate the drive, character, and commitment it takes to succeed.

This year, two agents stood out in remarkable ways—each bringing their own story, their own perseverance, and their own impressive accomplishments to their first year in the business.

Fayetteville Rookie of the Year

Our Rookie of the Year could easily be considered for several of the other awards we present—especially the PAIGE Award.

Beyond an exceptional year in sales, he brought a positive mindset, a relentless work ethic, and a genuinely helpful spirit from day one. He has always been ready to step in, lend a hand, and support the team.

And while this might give it away a little… he would tell you himself that this career sure beats being shot at in Afghanistan.

After months and months of spinning his wheels—hosting open house after open house for a top team in our market—he arrived with an open mind and a willingness to try a new approach.

That attitude paid off.

He had an incredible 2025.

Not only did he sell 36 homes totaling $13.6 million in volume, but he also took the trip of a lifetime to Australia and purchased his very first home.

It’s our honor to celebrate the Fayetteville Rookie of the Year to…

Brock Darby

Bentonville Rookie of the Year

Rookie of the Year is one of our favorite awards.

When a new licensee joins one of our offices, it brings a new kind of energy. It’s refreshing to see that enthusiasm as we watch a new agent grow.

It reminds many of us of when we were new—excited, hopeful… and maybe just a little scared.

Because stepping into this business takes courage.

Now imagine doing that somewhere completely new.

Not just a new career.
Not just a new office.
But a new country.

What if you were building a career in real estate on the other side of the world from where you started?

How about Vietnam?

We are incredibly proud to honor someone who has embraced that challenge with determination and grace.

Always working with a smile, she is active in the community, constantly learning, and building a thriving career in her second language.

Please help us congratulate our Bentonville Rookie of the Year…

Tu Le

A Strong Start to the Journey

The first year in real estate is often the most challenging—but it is also where the foundation for a lasting career is built.

Both of these agents demonstrated what it means to step into this industry with determination, humility, and a willingness to learn. Their accomplishments in their first year reflect not only impressive results, but the mindset and perseverance that will carry them far into the future.

At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Journey, we believe the future of our brokerage is shaped by the people who are bold enough to begin.

To Brock and Tu—congratulations on an incredible start. We are proud to be part of your journey.