Insights from Miranda Black & Kevin Ochs

There’s a point in every agent’s career where you stop and ask, “What’s next?” For some, it’s about scaling. For others, it’s about finding a support system that actually supports. And for a lot of solo agents out there, it’s about not feeling like you’re doing this business completely alone.

Miranda Black and Kevin Ochs both had those moments. Different stories, different starting points—but one thing in common: they both chose Lockstep Realty, a team brokered by eXp Realty, to be the next step in their careers. Now, they’re thriving in an environment built for collaboration, momentum, and personal growth.

Here’s what they had to say.

Real Estate Starts with a Spark

For Miranda, real estate clicked when she was just 21. She bought her first home young, and when it came time to sell, she worked with a family friend who was also a REALTOR®. Watching her walk through the listing presentation lit something up in Miranda.

“I just remember thinking, I can do this too. That moment changed everything.”

Kevin’s path was less direct but just as personal.

“While I was finishing my Master’s, we were assigned Rich Dad Poor Dad for a class. That book opened my eyes—it completely rewired how I thought about money, freedom, and business.”

Kevin had always had the entrepreneur bug. Childhood ventures like Kool-Aid stands, shoveling driveways, and burned CDs were all part of his story. But real estate? That clicked one day while watching an episode of Million Dollar Listing.

“I realized this job combined everything I already loved. I didn’t act on it back in 2009, but that fire never left.”

The Moment They Started Thinking “Team”

Miranda wasn’t actively looking for a team. In fact, she hadn’t really thought about it at all—until she saw an ad for Lockstep on Facebook.

“It caught my attention, and I just knew I needed to look into it. Once I interviewed, it became clear this was what I was missing. I didn’t realize how much I needed structure and accountability until I saw what a real team could offer.”

Kevin had a similar a-ha moment—but it came through observation.

“When my wife and I sold our house, we already knew we’d work with our friend, Krystal. What I didn’t know at the time was that she’d joined a team. And throughout the transaction, the difference in her business was obvious.”

That experience made Kevin seriously reconsider his return to real estate. He was invited to an eXp event by Lockstep—before he even had his license active.

“I didn’t know anyone there besides Krystal, but from dinner to conversations, everyone treated me like family. I walked away knowing this was where I belonged.”

From Solo Agent to Team Player: What Changed

Miranda didn’t hesitate on this one: “Having an admin changed everything.”

She explained how, as a high-drive agent, slowing down to get organized wasn’t her strength. But having Kellie on the backend—keeping everything in line—meant she could stay in her zone of genius.

“I can stay focused on clients and goals without the overwhelm. It’s made the work way more efficient and way more fun.”

Kevin called the change “night and day.”

“Sure, every brokerage says they have support. But at Lockstep, the support and training are next-level. There’s always someone available to jump in and help. Always another set of eyes on contracts. And that makes you feel secure in your business.”

He also talked about how fulfilling it is to be part of the safety net for others.

“It’s not just about what the team gives me—it’s about being part of that lift for someone else too. Everybody wins here.”

Mindset Shift: From Real Estate Job to Real Estate Life

Since joining, Miranda’s momentum has picked up. But it’s not just about numbers. It’s about energy.

“Our weekly meetings are packed with value. We’re not just going through motions—we’re learning, growing, hearing what’s actually happening in the market.”

That kind of real-time collaboration and feedback changed how she approached her business. “I’m not doing this alone anymore, and that’s made all the difference.”

Kevin echoed that mindset shift.

“Being around this team—this group of high-level people—it made success real for me. It’s not this distant thing anymore. Real estate doesn’t feel like a job. It’s something I actually enjoy. And that kind of environment changes everything.”

He’s right about that. Culture is contagious—and the one at Lockstep is rooted in growth.

Advice to the Agents Still Sitting on the Fence

Miranda’s advice is simple: don’t wait too long to explore. Not every team is the same, but Lockstep has created something that works.

“Take the interview. Ask questions. Explore it. The worst that can happen is you learn something.”

Kevin got real about the decision.

“I wish I had joined from day one. If you’re still on the fence, it’s probably because you haven’t felt enough pain in your business yet. But here’s the thing—you don’t have to feel it. There’s another way.”

His perspective is rooted in experience.

“It’s actually been wild how quickly success has come—and how much better my personal life is at the same time. This is the closest thing to freedom I’ve felt in a career. If you’re struggling, this is the solution.”

Why eXp + Lockstep = The Right Move

There’s no shortage of brokerages out there—but eXp Realty stands out as a fast-growing, cloud-based platform offering unmatched flexibility and opportunity. And Lockstep Realty, brokered by eXp, is where that flexibility meets structure.

Agents who join Lockstep get the best of both worlds:

• Full admin and transaction coordination

• Weekly tactical coaching and accountability

• Peer collaboration from producers who are in the trenches

• A tech stack that works: Follow Up Boss, Skyslope, Google Workspace

• A leadership team that’s not afraid to give honest feedback and expect excellence

This is a team for agents who are ready to do the work—and be supported every step of the way.

FAQs

What is Lockstep Realty?
Lockstep Realty is a top-producing real estate team based in Central Indiana, brokered by eXp Realty. We help agents grow with systems, support, and mentorship.

How is Lockstep different from other teams?
We don’t believe in fluff. Our training is tactical, our support is full-time, and our culture is strong. We hold each other to a high standard—and we win together.

Can new agents join Lockstep?
Yes. We welcome both new and experienced agents—as long as you’re coachable, hungry, and ready to work.

What’s it like working under eXp Realty?
It gives you access to a national network, unmatched tools, revenue opportunities, and ownership. Combine that with Lockstep’s local leadership, and it’s a powerful mix.

How do I learn more?
Just reach out. There’s no pressure—just an open door to a conversation about what’s possible for your career.