ERA American Real Estate’s internship program creates career pathways for local students

ERA American Real Estate’s internship program has evolved from a single student opportunity into a pipeline that transforms local students into full-time employees and department supervisors.

• The program, which began as what CEO Tony Lombardo described as “a one-off opportunity for a single student curious about real estate,” has produced notable success stories among area students.

Max Keebaugh exemplifies the program’s potential for career advancement. After completing his 2024 summer internship, Keebaugh progressed to agent support services and now serves as Rentals Inspection Supervisor.

• “During my internship with ERA American Real Estate, I spent a lot of time learning how different departments operate and how they all work together to keep the business running,” Keebaugh said. “I quickly realized there is much more to a real estate company than just selling houses — it takes a lot of coordination and behind-the-scenes work to support agents and clients.”

“The experience proved so valuable — for him and for us — that we expanded the program the following year to include two more interns,” Lombardo said. “What started small has grown into something we genuinely look forward to. These students bring curiosity, energy, and useful skills. In return, we get the chance to invest in local talent and sometimes even discover our next great team member.”

Isabella Lombardo followed a similar trajectory, transitioning from 2025 summer intern to Digital Design Coordinator. Isabella noted that ERA American “has always felt like home because it’s been a part of my life since day one.”

“This experience has given me more than just design skills. It’s helped me understand the impact of thoughtful marketing and has shown me the heart behind our brand,” Isabella said.

Rachelle Wyatt, Manager of Communications and Events, has served as Isabella’s mentor throughout the transition.

• “Watching Isabella grow from intern to Digital Content Coordinator has been one of the most rewarding parts of my role,” Wyatt said. “She’s brought creativity, initiative, and a strong willingness to learn — but what’s truly impressed me is how she’s stepped into this new position with confidence and purpose.”

Current intern Trent Moye gained experience across multiple business areas, including fraud prevention and cybersecurity fundamentals. Moye is returning to the University of Mobile to serve as an Assistant Basketball Coach while completing his dual degree in Business and Cybersecurity.

“I gained firsthand insight into how a real estate and property management business functions day-to-day,” Moye said. “One of my most important takeaways was understanding how financial institutions and real estate firms collaborate to prevent fraud and protect sensitive data.”

The program’s expansion reflects its mutual benefits for students and the company.The internship program demonstrates how local businesses can create meaningful career pathways while developing their workforce from within the community.