In the world of real estate, success often comes from a combination of skill, dedication, and the ability to connect with people. For Nikki Segraves Wood of ERA American Real Estate in Shalimar, these qualities have not only defined her career but have also earned her a place among the industry’s top performers.

• Wood was recently named a Top 1% Real Estate Agent in ERA globally at the FUEL convention in Nashville, Tennessee. This prestigious recognition places her among the top 150 individual producers in sales volume and unit production out of nearly 15,000 domestic agents.

For Wood, the accolade came as a touching surprise, especially given the personal challenges she faced in the past year.

“It was a shock. I had no idea that I had won,” Wood said. “The award has never been available. It was a new award that the CEO has just rolled out.”

The recognition was based on 2023 production but awarded at the 2024 convention. What makes this achievement even more poignant is the timing.

• “It came at a time where I was not focusing on work because my mom was dying,” Wood shared. “It was a pleasant surprise and it was a great last hoorah for her…to make her proud more than anything.”

Wood’s journey to the top of her field is a reflection of her resilience and adaptability. Originally pursuing a career in emergency medicine as a firefighter and paramedic, she found herself at a crossroads when she moved back to Northwest Florida from Massachusetts in 2000.

Facing challenges entering the local fire service, Wood worked in hospitals and hospitality. It was during this time that a chance encounter with a developer opened her eyes to the world of real estate.

“I fell in love with real estate,” Wood recalled, a smile across her face. “It was probably a year and a half to two year transition. That’s when I got my broker’s license and together we opened up our own brokerage.”

This rapid ascent set Wood apart from many in the field. Within two years of entering real estate, she had obtained her broker’s license, driven by a goal to open her own brokerage.

Along her journey in real estate, Wood has formed lasting professional relationships that have shaped her career. One such relationship is with Linde Bowman, VP and Head of Brokerage at ERA American, who saw Wood’s potential early on.

• “I worked a lot with Linde way back in the heyday. We did a lot of investment stuff together,” Wood reminisced. “She tried to recruit me for a solid 14 years prior to getting to ERA American.”

This long-standing connection speaks volumes about Wood’s reputation in the industry and the mutual respect between professionals. Wood spoke of Bowman’s ongoing support:

“Her phone is always on and she’s willing to answer any questions. Even the questions where you know the answer, you just need to hear her say it,” Wood said, laughing. “She’s phenomenal and she’s a great motivator, and also your accountability partner.”

Throughout her career, Wood has faced numerous challenges, from market crashes to personal setbacks. But it’s her approach to these obstacles that truly sets her apart.

• “There are no easy deals out there right now,” she said. “Everything is convoluted with something, whether it’s probate issues, whether it’s boundary issues, whether it’s inspection issues.”

Rather than being daunted by these challenges, Wood sees them as opportunities to grow and help her clients.

“I’m the first to go, ‘we need to do X, Y, and Z.’ If I don’t know how to do it, then I have people and resources that I can lean on to say, ‘how do I fix this?’” she said.

Wood’s commitment to her clients goes beyond just the closing table. She sees her role as a guide and educator, helping people navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives.

• “Once you’re a client, you become family,” Wood said warmly. “I’m actively listening to what they really want and not just trying to sell them on anything. They’re going to find what they love [in a home] themselves. I’m there to navigate the things that they don’t see.”

This dedication extends to future generations as well. Wood believes in educating young people about smart financial decisions that can lead to homeownership.

“Don’t go buy a new car the minute you have the ability to go buy one. Instead, buy something used, save that money to be able to buy a house when you turn 18, then buy the car,” Wood advises. “It’s all about training the youth for their growth as they come up in the world.”

Perhaps one of the most touching aspects of Wood’s story is how she balances her successful career with her role as a mother and wife. A pivotal moment early in her career reshaped her approach to work-life balance.

• “My little one came home to me one day after school, just 4-years-old maybe, and said, ‘Mommy, when can I have an appointment?‘” Wood recalled, her voice softening at the memory. “And I said, ‘An appointment for what?‘ She says, ‘For us to go color.’ And it broke my heart.”

This moment led to a profound change in how Wood structured her work life.

“The very next day there was no more home office for me,” she said. “I figured if customers didn’t like it, then it wasn’t a fit for us.”

Now, Wood starts her workday at 7 a.m., allowing her to focus on being present for her children after school hours.

• “My day prioritizes being mom and wife as number one and then work as second, which is different for a lot of people,” Wood said.

Wood credits much of her success to the supportive environment at ERA American Real Estate. She spoke fondly of the mentorship provided by broker/founder Gloria Frazier.

“Gloria Frazier is an icon in the real estate industry and she’s a second mom to me,” Wood said with admiration. “Her wealth of knowledge, having been in the industry for so long … she’s able to navigate it and she navigates it with a very level mindset, non-emotional, and teaches you how to do that and replicate her successes.”

The torch of leadership has now been passed to Tony Lombardo, who Wood praised for his forward-thinking approach.

• “Tony is doing an incredible job redirecting some things with new technology and a younger generational view, but with the old-soul-roots of what ERA really is,” Wood said appreciatively.

Wood also highlighted the contributions of Zee White, the Director of Talent Development at ERA American Real Estate.

“Zee does a great job with all of the training between new agents and old, and is not afraid to get the old ones back in the classroom to brush up on things,” Wood said. “She’s definitely not afraid to do that.”

While Wood’s professional network at ERA American provides invaluable support, she emphasizes that her success stems from a combination of workplace mentorship and personal backing. At the heart of her support system is her husband, Keith, and the unwavering support he gives her. Wood speaks of him with a warmth that goes beyond professional admiration.

• “Keith is my rock and my biggest cheerleader,” Wood says, her voice softening with affection. “He believes in me tremendously and isn’t shy about singing my praises to anyone who will listen. His support at home gives me the strength to push forward in my career.”

This personal support forms the foundation of their partnership, which extends into their professional lives as well. Keith, who serves as VP and Head of Property Management & Commercial at ERA American, brings his own expertise to the table.

“Keith’s on the rental side and that is a whole different ball game. I don’t dare do rentals, but he can navigate landlord tenant laws,” Wood said proudly. “Even commercially, if you don’t know what you’re doing there, he knows what he’s doing.”

• Their complementary skills and mutual support create a powerful synergy, both at home and in the office. “You have so many people that you can learn from at ERA American, and it’s all underneath one roof. It makes all the difference in the world,” Wood added, acknowledging the strength of their personal and professional partnership.

As she looks to the future, Wood dreams of completing the Great Loop boating journey with her husband. But for now, she remains committed to her family, clients and her community, driven by a desire to help others achieve their dreams.

“My why is my kids,” she said, her voice filled with purpose. “It’s so they have generational wealth when they get older. They are who I do this for.”

As Wood continues to make her mark in the real estate industry, her achievements have not gone unnoticed by ERA’s leadership. Tony Lombardo, CEO of ERA American Real Estate, emphasized the significance of Wood’s accomplishment:

• “Nikki’s achievement in earning the prestigious Top 1% Award highlights her unwavering commitment to her customers, clients, and delivering outstanding results. As the only recipient in Northwest Florida, her dedication and hard work set a high standard for all of us.”