Fast-growing residential real estate agency Benchmark Realty has opened an office in Murfreesboro to go with its Brentwood home office. Principal Broker Mickie Howell (pictured here) is leading the location, which also is home to agents John Smith, Leslie Wright, Cindy and Matt Moore, Shauna Mason, Bobbie Jo Brewster, Tim Boyce, Brenda Walsh, Emily Flanders and Sherri Wellborn. CEO Phillip Cantrell, who launched Benchmark in the spring of 2006, says he's looking to open other offices in the Nashville area.

“We are blessed with absolutely amazing growth. Even in the down market we have continued to add nearly 15 agents each month, largely because we offer 100% commission for a fixed monthly fee. Our model allows agents to exert firm control over their expenses – something no other company offers to the extent we do. Agents tell me they come for the savings, but they stay because of the nurturing environment,” says Cantrell.