Giveback Homes member Robbie Briggs (center), President and CEO of Dallas-based Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty, actively participating in a Giveback Homes “build day” in Dallas.

Giveback Homes: Empowering Real Estate for Global Social Change

The visionary behind Giveback Homes, Blake Andrews, introduced a groundbreaking real estate charitable concept designed to transform lives. This innovative platform offers real estate professionals a direct and impactful channel to donate funds, helping to construct safe and secure homes for families in urgent need across some of the world’s most vulnerable regions. More than just a charity, Giveback Homes is building a movement within the real estate industry, proving that business success and profound social impact can go hand-in-hand.

A Transformative Journey: The Genesis of a Global Vision

The inspiration for Giveback Homes struck Blake Andrews during a pivotal mission trip to Nicaragua in 2011. What he witnessed there deeply resonated and irrevocably altered his perspective. The stark reality of Nicaraguan families living in makeshift shelters, often barely more than scraps of wood and metal or simple tarps, stood in painful contrast to the lavish lifestyles he observed back home in Dallas, where friends were outfitting their new residences with high-end appliances like Viking ranges. For the people Blake met in Nicaragua, even a rusted-out stove represented an unattainable dream of basic comfort and dignity.

This profound disparity ignited a powerful sense of purpose in Blake. Having previously worked with TOMS Shoes, an organization famous for its “One for One” model that provided shoes to those in need, Blake had already played a role in putting footwear on millions of feet. Now, he recognized an even more fundamental need: providing roofs over heads. The lack of basic shelter was not just an inconvenience; it was a barrier to health, education, and economic stability. This realization laid the groundwork for what would soon become Giveback Homes, a mission to leverage the power of the real estate community to address one of humanity’s most essential requirements.

Blake Andrews: A Legacy Forged in Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy

Blake Andrews’ journey is deeply rooted in a family history of entrepreneurial spirit and profound generosity. A true Dallas native, Blake is the son of Lana and Barry Andrews, high school sweethearts from Corpus Christi who, at the remarkably young age of 28, embarked on a significant business venture: acquiring a Miller beer distributorship. Starting with a modest operation — one supplier, two beer brands, seven employees, and a 12,000-square-foot warehouse — they quickly demonstrated an acumen for growth. Their company sold an impressive 350,000 cases of beer in its inaugural year, thus launching what would become the formidable Andrews Distributing.

Today, Andrews Distributing is a powerhouse, boasting partnerships with 31 suppliers, distributing over 200 brands, operating 9 state-of-the-art warehouses, and employing more than 1,100 dedicated individuals. This success story is a testament to the Andrews family’s hard work, strategic vision, and commitment. Beyond business, Lana and Barry, along with their daughter Natalie (married to Mike McGuire), are renowned in their community for being one of the most close-knit, loving, and generous families, instilling these values deeply in Blake.

Inspired by the “One for One” Model: From Shoes to Shelter

Prior to founding Giveback Homes, Blake Andrews, now residing in Manhattan Beach, gained invaluable experience as a Special Projects Manager at TOMS Shoes. It was here that he worked alongside the company’s iconic founder, Blake Mycoskie, the Chief Shoe Giver himself. Interestingly, the two Blakes first crossed paths as children playing tennis in Dallas, only to reunite 19 years later during a chance fishing trip in Costa Rica, where they instantly recognized their shared names and a deeper connection.

Blake Mycoskie’s genius lay in the simple yet revolutionary “One for One” giving idea, which blossomed into a global philanthropic movement. Since its inception in 2006, TOMS has successfully donated over 12 million pairs of new shoes to children in need across more than 60 countries. Expanding its altruistic reach, the company later introduced TOMS Eyewear, dedicated to restoring and saving sight for those facing vision impairments. Witnessing this model’s profound impact, Blake Andrews began to conceptualize how a similar principle could be applied to a different, equally vital necessity: housing.

Giveback Homes: Redefining Real Estate with Purpose

Leveraging his Dallas roots and his experience with TOMS, Blake Andrews officially founded Giveback Homes in August 2013. The organization’s core mission is to provide real estate agents with a tangible and accessible platform to funnel a portion of their commissions towards building homes for individuals and families in dire circumstances. This innovative approach offers a dual benefit: it empowers agents to “give back” in a meaningful way while simultaneously enabling them to distinguish their services and brand from competitors, creating a true win-win scenario.

The model is straightforward yet effective. For a modest $50 monthly membership fee, agents gain access to exclusive Giveback Homes branding, which they can proudly integrate into their professional identity. Members are prominently profiled on the Giveback Homes website, enhancing their visibility and credibility. Furthermore, they can purchase a comprehensive suite of marketing materials—including door hangers, client thank-you letters, and other promotional items—all designed to educate potential clients about their commitment to charity. This enables agents to articulate their values, attract ethically conscious buyers and sellers, and build a business founded on purpose. Currently, the Giveback Homes network comprises 109 agents nationwide, with notable participants like Rogers Healy leading the charge in Dallas, embodying the spirit of community and compassion within the real estate sector.

The Business of Benevolence: Industry Recognition and Growing Affirmation

The groundbreaking work of Giveback Homes and Blake Andrews quickly garnered attention within the real estate industry. Blake was honored at Inman Real Estate Connect in July of last year, a testament to the innovative nature and profound potential of his initiative. Just a week later, the compelling story of Giveback Homes was prominently featured in Inman News, a leading voice in real estate media. Accompanying the feature was a quick survey posing a crucial question to the industry: “Is broadcasting your good works good for business?” The response was overwhelmingly positive, with an astounding 85% of respondents affirming that, yes, doing good translates to good business.

Building Alliances: Key Partnerships Driving Greater Impact

The success of Giveback Homes hinges on strong partnerships, and Blake Andrews has proven adept at forging meaningful alliances. Last spring, his recruitment efforts brought him to Dallas, where he engaged with prominent brokerages such as Virginia Cook, Dave Perry-Miller, and Keller Williams. However, it was his meeting with Robbie Briggs, the esteemed President and CEO of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty, that yielded an extraordinary level of commitment and enthusiasm. Robbie Briggs not only pledged Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s participation in a Habitat House work day but took personal initiative, disseminating a memo to every agent and actively joining the construction efforts himself. This hands-on leadership exemplified a true dedication to the cause, showcasing how top-tier real estate leaders are embracing social responsibility.

Dear office:

I want to introduce you to a very exciting organization, Give Back Homes (GBH). GBH was started by Blake Andrews of Dallas after he worked with Tom’s Shoes and brainstormed a great partnership with Habitat for Humanity and the real estate industry. I am sending you a link to learn more about this group as I have committed to a Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s Habitat House work day on a home being constructed in South Dallas on June 14th. Anyone interested in joining me that Saturday is welcome…it will be so fun and rewarding.

On May 19th, Blake will be here to tell everyone about GBH and his vision. It is a program for real estate agents to partner with Habitat, in a slightly easier way to make a difference while marketing yourself as a member of this worthy cause. Go to www.givebackhomes.com to learn more.

We will host a light lunch at the office on Monday, May 19th at 12:30 and Blake will be here to present for all who are interested. There will be sign up sheets for anyone wanting to participate in the BF Habitat day.

Realty One Group: Scaling the Vision for Nationwide Impact

Giveback Homes is now expanding its reach significantly, hitting the big time with a pivotal partnership: Realty One Group has come onboard as its first brokerage partner. This is a monumental step, as Realty One Group stands as the sixth-largest brokerage in the U.S. by 2013 transaction sides, encompassing over 5,000 agents spread across 50 offices, primarily focused in the dynamic Southwest region. This strategic alliance is designed to amplify Giveback Homes’ impact exponentially. The partnership will provide a substantial discount to the standard monthly Giveback Homes membership fee for approximately 1,400 Realty One Group agents operating in Orange County, California. This initial rollout is just the beginning; in the coming months, the collaboration is set to expand to other key Realty One Group locations, including major markets like Phoenix and Las Vegas. Clearly, Blake Andrews is not just building homes; he’s building a powerful, scalable model for philanthropy within the real estate industry, demonstrating remarkable momentum and a clear path toward national influence.

Beyond Profit: The Enduring Value of Socially Conscious Business

The core question explored throughout the journey of Giveback Homes resonates deeply: While the intrinsic satisfaction of helping others is undeniable and profoundly rewarding, does actively promoting these good works genuinely benefit one’s business and attract new clients? The evidence, from industry surveys to the enthusiasm of leading real estate professionals, suggests a resounding yes. In an increasingly conscious marketplace, consumers are not merely seeking services; they are seeking alignment with brands that reflect their values.

Businesses that openly embrace social responsibility and actively contribute to community welfare differentiate themselves in a crowded market. They build trust, foster deeper client loyalty, and enhance their brand reputation. Agents associated with Giveback Homes are not just selling properties; they are selling a vision of a better world, inviting clients to be part of a larger, more meaningful endeavor. This approach transforms a transactional relationship into a partnership based on shared values, creating a powerful competitive advantage. As Giveback Homes continues to grow, it reaffirms that ethical business practices and philanthropic efforts are not merely supplementary but are becoming fundamental pillars of sustainable success in the modern real estate landscape. What are your thoughts? We invite you to consider how purposeful giving can elevate both your personal impact and professional trajectory.