Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Butler.
Jill, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I founded RedKey Realty Leaders St. Louis in 2012—arguably the most challenging moment for real estate since the Great Depression—and plenty of people thought I was crazy. We began “officing” out of the Hilton Frontenac, and, honestly, some of my favorite memories come from those scrappy early days. Before launching RedKey, I had spent years working both as a realtor and as an executive for several large, well-known agencies. Those experiences taught me exactly what I wanted to build: a brokerage where success wasn’t defined by the commission split, but by the support, culture, and energy we poured into our people. I wanted agents and clients alike to feel genuinely valued and treasured.
By the end of 2013, while the overall market grew 19.6% in volume, RedKey grew 260.6%. Our positivity-infused weekly company meetings, our commitment to celebrating each other’s wins, and our deep focus on client relationships set us apart from day one.
Fast-forward to today, and we’ve acquired several exceptional real estate teams while remaining proudly independent and rooted in St. Louis. With four offices across the region, we consistently rank in the Top 10 of thousands of local brokerages in sales volume—and year after year, we continue to significantly outperform the market. Our story is still being written, but our mission remains the same: to elevate real estate through love, service, and fun.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing about this journey has been smooth—building RedKey has meant learning to thrive in the unpredictable world of real estate. We launched during one of the toughest market periods, and from the beginning we had to navigate dramatic shifts in the industry. As we grew—both through acquisitions and by attracting top-tier agents—we had to be intentional about scaling. That meant pressing pause at times to build the right systems, processes, and support structures so our growth was sustainable. Each challenge forced us to become stronger, more strategic, and more aligned with our mission, and those experiences ultimately shaped RedKey into the company it is today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about RedKey Realty Leaders?
RedKey is an independent real estate agency built on three simple but powerful core values: love, service, and fun. Those values guide everything we do. Our agents and staff genuinely love this work, and it shows—in the way we deliver exceptional, concierge-level client service while still bringing joy and energy to every interaction.
We’re proud to be recognized not just for our results, but for our culture. RedKey has been named one of the Best Places to Work in St. Louis and a Top 25 Real Estate Company by the St. Louis Business Journal, and we’ve consistently earned Top Workplace honors from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. That culture is a magnet for the region’s most talented, motivated agents—professionals who are deeply committed to their clients and to the communities they call home. This shared spirit is what allows us to create a consistently exceptional experience for every client we serve.
In addition, community is at the heart of RedKey. Each year, we donate approximately $50,000 in time and financial support to local organizations and causes. We also created RedKey Cares, a committee made up of agents and staff who dedicate their time, skills, and passion to serving nonprofits throughout the region. Giving back isn’t a program for us—it’s part of who we are.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is being surrounded by the people who bring meaning to my life—my RedKey team, my family, and my closest friends. Their energy, humor, and support fill me up in ways nothing else can. I’m energized by watching people grow, collaborate, and shine, and I consider it a privilege to be part of a community that lifts each other up.
Travel is another huge source of joy for me. Exploring new places, cultures, and ideas expands my perspective and fuels my creativity. I also love getting lost in a good book, experiencing live music, and immersing myself in art of every kind. Art feeds my soul—it reminds me to stay curious, open, and connected to beauty.
I’m happiest when I’m learning. Whether it’s through travel, reading, conversations, or new experiences, I’m constantly absorbing ideas so I can bring fresh inspiration and innovation back to RedKey. Growth—both personal and professional—lights me up, and sharing that inspiration with others is one of the most fulfilling parts of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: redkeystlouis,com
- Instagram: @redkeystl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedKeyStLouis
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/red-key-realty-leaders
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Redkeystlouis
