In a world of home design and decoration, The Heroes Group's donations stand out

Discover how Ryan Keough went from interior design student to vice president of South Florida’s leading boutique real estate team.

Every transaction Ryan Keough’s The Heroes Group closes contributes to the Homes For Heroes program.

Ryan Keough knows how to seal a deal. He’s closed roughly 150 transactions over his 10-year career with True Floridian Realty, making him one of the company’s top-performing realtors. But that’s not the only thing that makes him unique. Keough founded and runs The Heroes Group at True Floridian Realty, a specialized team of agents affiliated with the national Homes For Heroes® program.

The Heroes Group routinely helps healthcare professionals, teachers, firefighters, emergency medical service professionals, law enforcement and members of the armed forces and veterans find and sell South Florida real estate. For every qualifying transaction, the group donates a portion of its earnings to the Homes for Heroes® Foundation, which distributes Hero Rewards—cash in the pocket—to those in need.

We caught up with Keough to learn more about the source of his inspiration and dedication to serving those who serve others.

How did you first get involved with True Floridian Realty?

I was apartment-hunting while completing a degree in interior design. Noelle was my realtor, and she noted my attention to detail and design and asked if I’d consider getting my real estate license. I pursued it and graduated knowing I wanted real estate to be my focus.

Do you believe it helps you as a real estate agent?

Absolutely. Interior designers make spaces functional, safe and beautiful. As a real estate agent, those skills aid me in helping clients gain a vision and imagine concepts that they may not be able to on their own. Having a natural eye for the details like coloring, lighting and other essential elements also helps me stage properties and guide photography. Sometimes it also uncovers potential problems.

And now you’re the vice president.

Yes! I joined True Floridian Realty as the company was getting started. I’ve seen it grow from the beginning, and incredible and inspiring associates surround me.

How did you get into supporting our heroes?

Most heroes say that the act of doing good for others is what motivates them to persevere. However, those who deserve the most recognition often receive little or no credit.

At True Floridian Realty, we believe in providing true support. That means we don’t just do real estate; we improve lives. After being involved with Homes For Heroes® for two years and being inspired daily by my husband, a Broward County 911 operator and EMS professional, I borrowed inspiration from our agency and formed The Heroes Group in 2019.

How do you define a hero?

I view heroes as selfless, brave and noble individuals, such as our healthcare professionals, teachers, firefighters, emergency medical service professionals, law enforcement and members of the armed forces and veterans. To me, a hero is someone who puts their life at risk or always does what’s right for the greater good of others.

I look at heroes like my husband and I think it’s essential to do what we can to help them achieve their goals and dreams.

How does The Heroes Group support them?

Each time a hero buys or sells with our group, they receive “Hero Rewards” or money back through the national Homes for Heroes program. In addition, I strive to maximize their savings throughout our entire engagement, whether that means working with lenders, home inspectors or title companies that reduce their fees or find other ways to give back to our Homes for Heroes clients.

We support local charities and participate in events organized by or directly support our heroes, including the Delray Beach Toy Drive sponsored by the Delray Beach Police Department. We also conducted a fundraiser during 2017’s Hurricane Irma to provide for those in need in The Keys. Hero Movie Nights are another favorite, where we rent a theater and screen movies for our local heroes to enjoy with families.

The Heroes Group donated over $2700 to the Castleberry Family in 2019 through the Homes For Heroes program.

What are your goals for 2022 and beyond?

We’d love to serve more heroes through partnerships and help them save more money while buying and selling their homes.

We have contributed $85,000 to the Homes For Heroes® program. We hope to donate over $20,000 this year.