Jim Fite, the President and CEO of CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company, stands as a distinguished figure in the real estate industry. With over five decades of experience, Jim’s journey reflects a dedication to continuous learning, strategic planning, and resilience in the face of challenges. His career is marked not only by his achievements in real estate but by a commitment to cultivating strong values and leadership skills within his team. At EliteX, we are proud to have Jim Fite as part of the edition: Prominent Business Leaders Making Waves in 2024.
Jim Fite | CEO | CENTURY 21
Jim’s career in real estate began in 1972 when he started in sales. Choosing to leave college after only a year, he agreed to his father’s condition to spend an hour each day reading, studying, and thinking, five days a week, along with attending at least twelve days of classroom instruction annually. This routine became the foundation of his lifelong dedication to growth and learning. Jim credits his father for setting him on a path of continuous education, beginning with a book on goal-setting, which laid the groundwork for his strategic thinking. His early exposure to the Greater Dallas Association of Realtors, where he received training in strategic planning, had a lasting impact. Since those formative years, Jim has helped create and implement an annual strategic plan for CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company, ensuring the business was prepared for both prosperous and challenging times. Over 45 years, this planning approach has fortified the company against market fluctuations, positioning it to thrive despite the inevitable ups and downs of the real estate industry.
“A business is either growing or dying; we’re here to succeed, not just survive.”
Jim’s transition into leadership came after attending a course at Texas A&M University, where he felt prepared to take on a larger role. Within a month, his father gave him and his sister, Jan Fite Miller, the opportunity to lead the family business. This marked the beginning of Jim’s journey as a business leader and his commitment to fostering a culture of growth and resilience at CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company. The real estate market is notorious for its cycles, and Jim has faced numerous challenges, including the recession of 1979-1981 when the company was struggling financially. To turn things around, they hired a consultant who provided insights into managing income and expenses, laying the groundwork for a more financially resilient business. Recently, Jim shared these lessons in his book, SUCCESS Through a Recession, detailing the processes and mindset that helped the company navigate through economic downturns.
Jim’s leadership is rooted in a clear focus on goals. He believes that motivation and success come naturally when one is working toward well-defined objectives. By setting actionable plans and hiring the right team members, CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company has been able to seize opportunities even during challenging times. Jim credits the company’s debt-free status and savings as key factors that allow them to grow when others may struggle. This fiscal strategy has enabled the company to expand strategically while staying true to its core mission and values. Jim’s leadership style is characterized by a willingness to let his team succeed—and sometimes, to fail forward. He believes in empowering people and values their input and ideas, provided they have earned his trust. Jim’s approach to leadership has been a gradual evolution, shaped by experiences and refined over time. He emphasizes that success is a journey, not a destination, and that learning and adapting are lifelong pursuits.
Jim believes in leading by example and understands the importance of creating a shared vision within his organization. CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company operates with a clear mission, vision, culture statement, and core values that provide direction and purpose to the entire team. By investing in cutting-edge technology, providing top-notch training, maintaining consistent marketing, and offering a comprehensive suite of real estate services, Jim fosters an environment where his team can thrive and contribute to the company’s ongoing success. In times of failure or setbacks, Jim’s response is straightforward: return to the plan, make adjustments, and continue moving forward with the original goals in mind. His strategic approach ensures that setbacks are viewed as opportunities to refine the company’s direction rather than as obstacles.
Looking ahead, Jim sees several trends likely to impact the real estate industry in 2024, including economic factors and increased government intervention. Litigation, inflation, and market volatility are all elements that business owners in real estate must navigate, requiring an adaptable approach. Jim is prepared to tackle these challenges by staying informed, identifying opportunities, and maintaining a focus on core values that have guided CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company for decades. To stay ahead, Jim adopts a disciplined approach to planning, waking up early, and learning from past experiences. He focuses only on what competitors excel at, choosing not to chase every flashy new trend. Instead, Jim relies on the strong foundation of CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company’s core values to guide business growth and innovation.
“In business, people are your greatest asset. Take care of your team, and they’ll take care of each other—and the company.”
Technology has transformed the real estate industry, and Jim recognizes the need for adaptability in this area. While technology has streamlined many aspects of the business, it also presents challenges, especially as people may be resistant to change. Jim’s approach to innovation balances the need for efficiency with a commitment to helping his team and clients adapt to new tools and processes. Jim attributes his ability to balance work and personal life to meticulous planning. Both his professional and personal schedules are planned with precision, allowing him to maintain a fulfilling personal life while meeting the demands of his role. This time-oriented approach extends to his financial planning as well, reflecting a consistent dedication to intentional, goal-driven living.
One of Jim’s most valuable lessons as a business leader is the importance of hiring the right people. He emphasizes that a business is only as strong as its team and believes in hiring slowly and, if necessary, terminating quickly. By prioritizing people, Jim ensures that CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company is a place where employees are valued and supported. This people-first approach has cultivated a loyal team that shares a collective dedication to the company’s success. For those who aspire to lead, Jim’s advice is simple yet powerful: never stop learning. His lifelong commitment to daily reading, study, and contemplation has been fundamental to his success. Additionally, Jim encourages attending seminars and conferences to stay updated on industry trends and gain fresh insights. By continually investing in personal and professional development, he believes that aspiring leaders can build a solid foundation for long-term success.
Looking to the future, Jim envisions continued growth for CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company. In his view, a business must be continually expanding or risk stagnation. Jim is not content with mere survival; he is driven by a vision of sustained success and expansion. His dedication to growth, combined with a disciplined focus on goals and strategic planning, has positioned CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company as a resilient, thriving leader in the real estate industry. Jim Fite’s journey in real estate exemplifies the power of lifelong learning, strategic thinking, and people-centered leadership. His unwavering commitment to goals, values, and growth has shaped CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company into a beacon of resilience and success in a constantly evolving industry. Jim’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring leaders and highlights the importance of staying true to core values, embracing challenges, and always looking ahead with a clear plan and vision.
“Success is a journey, not a destination. With every goal and challenge, we’re building a foundation for what’s next.”
