Compass Conversations host Jared Klein sits down with Will Hardy, Vice President of Strategy and Business Operations at Compass, to discuss the Compass and Anywhere merger, Compass International Holdings, three-phase marketing, client choice, leadership, ego, and staying top of mind in 2026.
Key Takeaways
Will explains that Compass and Anywhere officially came together on January 9, 2026. The brands under Compass International Holdings will remain independent, with their own identities, offices, and leadership.
Will describes the new parent company as being built by real estate professionals for real estate professionals. The goal remains helping agents better serve clients and grow their businesses.
When clients ask about the merger, Will encourages agents to focus on what makes them different: their process, relationships, marketing plan, local knowledge, and service.
Will discusses three-phase marketing as a way to give sellers more choice. Agents look stronger when they present a plan, explain the options, and help clients choose the right strategy.
Will reminds agents that clients may not always remember who they are. Staying in touch and consistently reminding your sphere of your value is part of the job.
Reflecting on his time as Chief of Staff to Robert Reffkin, Will explains that team members perform better when they understand the bigger picture and feel included in the mission.
Will encourages agents to use the merger news as a reason to reach out. A social post, email, newsletter, video, or LinkedIn update can create a natural client conversation.
Will shares a note from his father that guides him: work hard, laugh a lot, and keep your honor. He connects this to trust, professionalism, and keeping your word.
Will names Collaborate Without Ego as the Compass principle that stands out most. His message is that better ideas come when people share openly across teams, roles, and markets.
Why This Matters
This episode gives agents a clear way to think about major company news, client conversations, and the future of the industry. Will’s message is to stay grounded, lead with your value, share useful updates, and use collaboration, choice, and professionalism to create better client outcomes.
Connect with the Speakers
Host Jared Klein: https://www.compass.com/agents/jared-klein/
Will Hardy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-hardy-0072a355
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