Vija Williams Joins eXp Realty to Launch Transformational “UPGRADE” Community

BELLINGHAM, Washington – Renowned real estate thought leader and industry insider Vija Williams has made a landmark move, joining eXp Realty to create the innovative “UPGRADE” community. With more than two decades of experience shaping the real estate landscape, Williams’ decision to partner with eXp Realty marks a pivotal moment in her already impressive career.

Having previously served as the Head of Industry at PLACE and co-owner of the highly successful Vija Real Estate in Seattle, Williams is launching the UPGRADE initiative alongside eXp powerhouse Spring Bengtzen. UPGRADE (Unlock Potential, Grow Real Estate, And Design Everything) is a groundbreaking platform designed to elevate real estate professionals in all facets of life. The community’s focus will span personal and professional development, encompassing health, wealth, business strategies, investing, leadership, and lifestyle.

“This is more than a move, it’s a mission,” said Williams. “I’m joining eXp Realty to build the UPGRADE community with Spring Bengtzen, and together, we will help agents and leaders unlock their full potential across all areas of life. UPGRADE is not just about business growth but holistic development.”

The Vision Behind UPGRADE

The UPGRADE community aims to cultivate an environment where high performers are surrounded by like-minded individuals who challenge, support, and elevate each other. With a powerful commitment to personal growth and leadership, UPGRADE will serve as a platform for real estate professionals to achieve extraordinary success both in their careers and personal lives.

“Vija Williams is one of the most visionary leaders in our industry, and we are thrilled to welcome her to eXp,” said Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty. “Her UPGRADE community aligns perfectly with eXp’s core values of innovation, growth, and agent empowerment. We are excited to see the positive impact she will have on our global network and are proud to support her mission.”

A Legacy of Transformation

Williams’ career has been nothing short of transformative. As the former President of Ben Kinney Brokerages, she oversaw rapid expansion, growing the agent count from 1,250 to over 1,750 and achieving a remarkable 251% growth in sales volume in just three years. Additionally, she continues to own and operate Vija Real Estate, a high-performing team specializing in Seattle’s luxury and move-up markets.

She has also been a prominent voice in the coaching and speaking arenas, reaching thousands of professionals through her work with Cheplak Live Coaching and her role as a national speaker at events such as Inman Connect, Mega Camp, and BuiltHow. Williams’ dedication to leadership and growth extends beyond real estate, with her co-founding of She Inc., an organization focused on empowering women to build wealth and thrive in business.

“I’ve transformed my own life physically, financially, emotionally and now I want to help others do the same,” said Williams. “With UPGRADE, we’re creating a community that offers real value to agents, brokers, and leaders, providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to elevate every aspect of their lives.”

A Partnership for Growth

In addition to her work with UPGRADE, Williams will continue her role as Head of Industry for PLACE, collaborating closely with PLACE co-founder Ben Kinney. She will also partner with eXp Realty leader Dan Beer and the Fast Forward Movement, one of the fastest-growing agent communities within eXp Realty.

Through this collaboration, Williams is setting the stage for transformational growth, both within the real estate industry and in the lives of the professionals she will help lead.

The eXp Realty Advantage

As a cloud-based, agent-centric brokerage, eXp Realty offers an unparalleled platform that empowers agents and brokers to thrive. With a global network spanning 26 countries and over 81,000 agents, eXp Realty provides agents with industry-leading commission splits, revenue-sharing opportunities, and equity ownership. For Williams, this platform offers the perfect foundation for launching UPGRADE.

“eXp Realty gives me the platform and tools to create transformational growth for our community,” Williams said. “We’re building something truly special with UPGRADE, and this is just the beginning. Together, we will make a lasting impact on the industry and on the lives of countless real estate professionals.”

Looking to the Future

As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, Williams’ bold vision for UPGRADE stands as a beacon of innovation and empowerment. By blending personal growth with business success, UPGRADE promises to reshape how agents approach their careers, fostering a community where collaboration, mentorship, and leadership are at the forefront.

For Williams, this new chapter at eXp Realty represents the culmination of years of hard work, learning, and personal development, and the beginning of an exciting new era for real estate professionals worldwide.

About eXp World Holdings, Inc.

eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI) is the parent company of eXp Realty® and SUCCESS® Enterprises. eXp Realty is the largest independent real estate brokerage in the world, with over 81,000 agents in 26 countries. As a cloud-based, agent-centric brokerage, eXp Realty provides real estate professionals with industry-leading tools, commission splits, revenue-sharing opportunities, and access to a global network designed to help agents build thriving businesses.

Vija Williams’ move to eXp Realty, alongside the launch of UPGRADE, marks a revolutionary step in the real estate industry empowering professionals to grow not only in business but also in every facet of their lives. With a visionary leader like Williams at the helm, the future of real estate looks brighter and more transformative than ever before.