Today we’d like to introduce you to HAKIIM HERRING
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m Hakiim Herring, known as “Your Real Estate Partner,” my journey in real estate has been shaped by more than just deals and transactions—it’s about changing lives, empowering others, and building lasting legacies. For over 20 years, I’ve worked tirelessly to make a difference, first as a broker, then as an investor, and finally as a mentor, helping individuals and communities build wealth through real estate.
My path into the industry wasn’t a straight line. I began with a 9 to 5 job, but the desire for more—a desire to build something of my own and create lasting change—drove me to take the leap into real estate at 21 years old. I saw real estate as a tool to create financial freedom, not just for myself, but for those around me. Over the years, I built a successful real estate brokerage, The Herring Group, and an international vacation rental business, but my work didn’t stop there. I became passionate about mentoring others, teaching them how to use real estate as a means of building generational wealth.
I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to mentor countless investors, first-time homeowners, and individuals looking to make an impact in their communities. Whether it’s connecting aspiring homeowners with down payment assistance, guiding investors toward high-yield opportunities, or helping individuals navigate creative real estate strategies, my focus has always been on creating opportunities that empower people to build wealth for future generations.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my career has been my work in revitalizing historic communities, particularly in Atlanta. As the founder of Wealth Partners LLC and the “We Are Westside” initiative, I’ve been able to lead efforts to transform neighborhoods, providing sustainable opportunities that preserve cultural integrity while fostering growth. My mission is to ensure that real estate development benefits the entire community—not just investors or developers, but the families who have lived there for generations.
But my journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In 2019, I faced one of the most heartbreaking moments of my life with the tragic loss of my brother. His passing was a devastating blow, but it also refocused my determination to succeed. His memory became the driving force behind everything I do, reminding me that life is short, and I must continue to push forward, even when the road gets tough.
Through this loss, my commitment to community and my work in real estate became even stronger. I realized that it’s not just about making money—it’s about making an impact. That’s why I continue to mentor, lead, and support initiatives like Empower Success Fest, where we bring together industry leaders to speak on the four pillars of success: Entrepreneurship, Generational Wealth, Mental Health, and Community Services. I’m also actively involved in the Black Exp Network of Atlanta, the Atlanta Black Chamber of Commerce, and other community organizations where I work to elevate Black real estate professionals and give back to the communities that have supported me.
I’ve learned that success is about more than financial gain; it’s about creating change, leaving a legacy, and empowering others to do the same. My story is one of resilience, determination, and the belief that, no matter the setbacks, with the right mindset and a commitment to your community, you can build a better future—not just for yourself, but for everyone around you.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Throughout my career, I’ve faced some significant obstacles, and those challenges have truly shaped who I am today. One of the toughest times in my life came during the 2007-2008 market crash. I was one of the non-believers—I thought the real estate market would never go down. I believed there would always be someone in a position to buy or sell a home. But when the market crashed, I found myself facing foreclosure and losing everything I had worked so hard to build. It was a humbling and painful experience, and for a time, I didn’t know how I was going to recover.
But adversity has a way of revealing what you’re truly made of. I had to reinvent myself and adapt to a new reality. I knew I couldn’t rely solely on the real estate market anymore, so I started looking for other sources of income. I decided to go back to school—this time to insurance school—and I obtained my insurance licenses. I became an independent contractor for Allstate Insurance, adjusting insurance claims. This was a big shift, but it taught me valuable skills, and I learned the importance of pivoting when needed.
During that time, I also saw an opportunity in the tax business. I partnered up with a friend, and together we launched Tax King. It was a completely new venture, but it allowed me to diversify and build new streams of income. These changes weren’t easy, but they were necessary. I had to adapt and expand my horizons, and that experience showed me the power of resilience and flexibility.
Ultimately, I made it through those difficult years by staying focused and learning to adapt. The market crash didn’t define me—it fueled my determination to find new opportunities, reinvent myself, and keep pushing forward. It was a tough chapter, but it also helped me see the value of diversification and being ready for whatever life throws your way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At the heart of my work is The Herring Group, LLC, my real estate firm, and Wealth Partners, the community organization I founded. Through these platforms, I’m able to bridge the gap between business success and social impact, ensuring that both individual financial success and community transformation are at the core of everything we do.
The Herring Group, LLC is where I work directly with clients as a real estate professional, offering services in real estate investment, brokerage, and property development. We specialize in community revitalization and creating opportunities for individuals to build generational wealth through real estate. What sets The Herring Group apart is our commitment to empowering communities, particularly through revitalizing historic neighborhoods in Atlanta. We focus on projects that don’t just generate profit but also make a lasting difference in the neighborhoods we touch.
Our community organization, Wealth Partners, is designed to empower individuals and entrepreneurs by providing education, mentorship, and resources to help them succeed in business and real estate. Through Wealth Partners, we create opportunities for networking, collaboration, and growth, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and real estate professionals who want to build wealth and leave a positive legacy.
One of the initiatives I’m most proud of is “We Are Westside.” This community-focused project is centered on the revitalization of historic Atlanta neighborhoods. “We Are Westside” aims to restore the integrity of these communities, preserving their rich history while making them more vibrant and sustainable. It’s not just about developing properties—it’s about creating thriving communities that offer opportunity and inclusivity for all residents, old and new.
What I want readers to know about my brand is that it’s about more than just transactions; it’s about creating lasting social change. Whether it’s through The Herring Group’s real estate development projects, the mentorship and empowerment provided through Wealth Partners, or the community work we do with “We Are Westside,” everything I do is about improving lives, revitalizing communities, and building wealth for future generations. My work is driven by a passion for giving back, ensuring that all individuals—no matter their background—have the resources, knowledge, and support they need to succeed in real estate and beyond.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, I see the real estate industry undergoing significant shifts, especially in the context of historic Black neighborhoods and communities. We are already witnessing rapid development and transformation, particularly in cities like Atlanta, where gentrification is becoming increasingly prevalent. While gentrification can have positive impacts, such as the revitalization of neighborhoods and improved infrastructure, it also comes with challenges.
The good side of gentrification is that it brings in much-needed investment and revitalizes communities that may have been neglected for years. It often leads to new businesses, improved schools, and enhanced amenities, all of which contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of an area. However, the downside is that it can drive up property values and push out long-time residents, making it harder for them to afford to live in the neighborhoods they’ve called home for decades.
As a result, affordable housing is going to become an even bigger concern in the real estate industry. The gap between affordable housing and market-rate housing is widening, and this trend is likely to continue unless there is a conscious effort to address it. I believe that real estate professionals, developers, and community leaders need to work together to ensure that as neighborhoods are revitalized, they remain accessible to the people who have lived there for generations. This includes creating policies that prioritize affordable housing alongside development and ensuring that community members have opportunities to benefit from the growth.
In the next few years, I expect to see more initiatives aimed at maintaining affordable housing options, especially in historically Black neighborhoods. As an industry, we need to be proactive in finding solutions that balance development with the preservation of cultural integrity and affordable living spaces. It will be crucial to navigate this fine line as we continue to grow and develop these communities.
Ultimately, the future of real estate will rely on a collaborative approach that considers both economic growth and social responsibility. It’s about revitalizing communities in a way that benefits everyone—not just investors, but the residents who have deep roots in these neighborhoods. The next decade will bring both challenges and opportunities, and I’m committed to being part of the solution.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hakiimherring.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hakiim.herring/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hakiim.herring
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hakiim-herring/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hakiimherring
