Special Feature

Justin Kwek: Building real estate teams with heart and discipline

August 22, 2025 2:30 PM SGT

Light

Dark

Kwek: I wanted to create a platform where others could succeed... Not just a team for me to be on top, but a team where everyone wins. (Picture: EdgeProp Singapore)

Justin Kwek’s office is adorned with Porsche memorabilia, yet when asked if he’s a fan of the flashy supercar, he admits his car is more of a workhorse. “A Porsche isn’t just fast,” he says, a spark of conviction in his voice. “It’s engineered for endurance. It handles any terrain, remains reliable over time and doesn’t break down under pressure. That’s exactly what I want my agents to be like, built to last.”

This philosophy — precision, durability and shared pride — is the driving force behind Kwek’s leadership. Today, as one of Singapore’s most respected real estate team leaders, he’s known not only for his track record but for cultivating a culture where agents thrive together rather than compete.

His story is built on discipline, forged long before he closed his first deal. Years before real estate, Kwek served as a frogman in the Republic of Singapore Navy’s Naval Diving Unit. It was among the most demanding military roles, and that experience shaped everything that came after.

“When you’re underwater with your team, your life depends on the guy next to you. You learn quickly that trust isn’t optional, it’s everything,” Kwek says. “Real estate is no different. You have to know someone’s got your back.”

A former naval diver, Kwek brings elite discipline and trust into team leadership. (Picture: Justin Kwek)

From diver to director

Kwek’s real estate journey began in 2013 when he entered the industry with a clear purpose: to build something enduring. In his first year, he closed over half a million dollars in transactions, a milestone that many agents dream of reaching after several years. But it wasn’t just personal success that drove him.

“I wanted to create a platform where others could succeed,” he says. “Not just a team for me to be on top, but a team where everyone wins.”

He recruited his first few members through personal connections — former colleagues, friends and those who shared his appetite for growth. By focusing on relationships rather than volume, he laid a foundation that would prove rock-solid.

From a core group of 40, his team expanded to 88 members and eventually surpassed the 120-member mark by 2023. Currently, the Dream Team comprises 368 associates, led by 12 Senior Leaders. What’s remarkable isn’t just the numbers — it’s the retention.

“Agents come and go in this business,” says Kwek. “But when you build a culture of trust, they stay. Our retention rate is something I’m really proud of.”

Servant leadership is Kwek’s foundation, shaped by his military background. (Picture: Justin Kwek)

Servant leadership

For Kwek, leadership isn’t about being on top. It’s about being the first to step up when someone needs help. “Servant leadership isn’t a slogan for me. It’s my way of life,” he says. “I’ll get on the ground and solve problems with you. That’s how I earned the respect of my team.”

Whether it’s accompanying a junior agent to a tough negotiation, funding marketing expenses out of his pocket, or simply picking up the phone late at night to listen, Kwek makes it clear that no one in his team is alone.

“I’ve even helped to cover a few traffic tickets for agents who had received the summons while working hard on deals,” he adds.

It’s a leadership style that traces back to his frogman days, when sacrifice was second nature. “The military taught me that your comfort always comes second to the mission,” he continues. “And in this case, the mission is helping people grow.”

Cohesion activities, daily check-ins, and one-on-ones keep his team connected. (Picture: Justin Kwek)

Cohesion and excellence

Kwek is the first to admit that leading over 350 people is no small feat. But he’s adamant that size doesn’t have to mean chaos — if you lead with intention.

He established a leadership structure with partners Rex Tan and Jeremy Lim, each specialising in different key areas of real estate.

“Rex teaches Project sales with Internet Marketing tools like Google Pay Per Click (PPC) and Facebook marketing, while Jeremy covers the selling and building of high-end commercial properties, including shophouses,” says Kwek, who covers everything resale-related, from HDB and condominiums to landed properties. He is also the only leader who has led multiple en bloc projects.

“Having leaders with diverse expertise allows us to serve agents better as they can learn directly from those who have mastered each niche,” he adds.

Kwek also organises regular cohesion activities — meals, training sessions and team-building events that keep the human connection strong. “If you only see your team as sales numbers, you’ll never build loyalty,” he continues. “I want everyone to feel like family.”

To maintain that sense of unity, Kwek starts every day with one purpose: to be available. “I meet with team members every day — sometimes in groups, sometimes one-on-one. I check in and ask about their challenges. Because sometimes, the newer agents are too shy to seek me out,” he says. “I know how easy it is to feel lost in this business, especially when they’re not thriving.”

He champions consistency and support over chasing short-term performance. (Picture: Justin Kwek)

Helping the 80%

One of Kwek’s driving missions is to empower the 80% of agents who are still working toward consistency.

“It’s easy to celebrate the top producers,” he notes. “But what about the person doing their best every day, even if they haven’t hit big numbers yet? They deserve our support just as much.”

He’s currently working with his leadership team to create more mentorship frameworks for these agents, combining hands-on guidance with mindset coaching to help them find their footing.

“It’s not about turning everyone into a superstar overnight,” Kwek says. “It’s about helping each person become the best version of themselves.”

Kwek’s mission is to build a legacy of shared success and deep trust. (Picture: Justin Kwek)

Recruitment rooted in reputation

While other teams invest heavily in flashy ads, Kwek has built his team primarily through organic growth and personal referrals. “People join us because they’ve heard about the way we work,” he says. “Reputation is your most powerful recruiter.”

Still, Kwek isn’t afraid to innovate. In recent years, he has also experimented with targeted Facebook campaigns and organised recruitment seminars to reach aspiring agents who may not yet have an established network.

Regardless of how someone arrives, the message is always the same: Here, we build together.

“I tell every recruit, this isn’t a place where you’ll be left to figure it out alone,” he says. “If you show up with a good attitude and the willingness to learn, we will do everything to help you succeed.”

Even as he pushes for growth, Kwek is conscious of the need for balance, especially with his family. He’s candid about the sacrifices that come with leadership and the importance of self-care.

“My wife reminds me that I can’t pour from an empty cup,” he laughs. “I’m learning to take care of myself so I can keep showing up for my team.”

His home life — complete with family and pets — keeps him grounded and reminds him of why he works so hard in the first place.

Looking ahead, Kwek isn’t just focused on growing its headcount. He wants to leave a mark on the industry itself. “I want to be remembered as someone who built a culture of trust and mutual success,” he says. “That’s my legacy.”

Ready to join a team that feels more like a family — and where your growth is everyone’s priority?

Connect with Kwek and discover what it means to build your real estate career with discipline, heart and the unwavering support of a leader who has walked the path himself.