Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Ballou.
Hi Austin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 2015, I was searching for a career change—something that would let me use my strengths in communication and client-centered service. A close friend and former roommate had built an impressive career in real estate, and the more I learned from him, the more I felt drawn to the industry. I started working alongside him, and within just a few weeks, I knew I wanted to go all in and earn both my Missouri and Kansas real estate licenses.
What began as a genuine passion for helping people make smart moves quickly grew into a full-time career. I dove in, built strong relationships, and committed myself to providing a smooth, trustworthy experience for every client. I spent over seven years working with that friend and mentor before taking a leap of faith and launching my own brand—AB Crown Real Estate, now widely known as ABCRE.
Over the last decade, I’ve had the privilege of helping more than 200 families, friends, and even complete strangers buy, sell, and invest in real estate throughout the greater Kansas City area on both sides of the state line.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I first started, I quickly realized real estate wasn’t as easy as many people assume—having strong people skills alone doesn’t guarantee success. In an industry where nearly 80% of new agents are out within two years, I was determined not to become part of that statistic. To build my book of business, I began the only way I could at the time: cold calling (yes, cringe). I met with countless For Sale By Owners and knocked on doors in neighborhoods all across the city. With guidance from my mentor, these early experiences helped me build confidence and skill long before I had the chance to serve friends and family.
I also hosted numerous open houses and did plenty of door knocking to meet potential clients—and those efforts paid off. After a few years, referrals from past clients started coming in steadily, and I no longer had to rely as heavily on cold calling and other unconventional methods. It was a lot of work, but those early days built the foundation of the success I’m grateful for today with ABCRE.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about AB Crown Real Estate?
When I took the leap to start ABCRE, I wanted to make sure it wasn’t just about business—it was also about giving back. I organize and run the Trojan Alumni Golf Tournament, a charity event benefiting Park Hill High School here in the Northland. As a Park Hill graduate, giving back to the community that gave me so much is incredibly important to me.
Beyond philanthropy, working with me means you work directly with me—no passing you off to a large team or shuffling you between multiple admins. I handle your entire transaction from start to finish, allowing me to provide the highest level of personalized service possible. I take pride in this approach and remain committed to “Deliver Royal Service” to every client I have the privilege of working with.
I’m also proud of the thought and care that went into creating the ABCRE brand. The name is simple: AB stands for Austin Ballou, my initials. The vibrant blue represents freedom, inspiration, sensitivity, trust, loyalty, sincerity, wisdom, and confidence. The gold reflects generosity and compassion, highlighting my commitment to going above and beyond. The crown symbolizes the royal service I strive to provide, and the home nestled inside it represents my expertise in the residential market and the guidance I offer my clients. At AB Crown Real Estate, my mission is to provide exceptional service fit for royalty.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Outside of work, I’m a dedicated father and husband. My wife, Mary, of over seven years, and our three children—Isabella (5), John (3), and Luca (1)—keep life busy, lively, and full of joy. I treasure our family time and focus on creating memories that will last a lifetime. With such a young family, traveling has naturally taken a back seat for now, but we look forward to exploring more of the world together as the kids grow.
Travel has always been something I love. My favorite trip was when Mary and I visited Italy for our one-year anniversary—a late honeymoon, in a sense. We spent time in Rome, Florence, and Venice, and while each had its charm, Florence completely stole my heart. From exploring the Tuscany region, touring wineries, and savoring incredible food to meeting warm, welcoming people, it was truly unforgettable. We’ve been eager to go back ever since.
Next time, we’d love to experience a different side of Italy—particularly the Amalfi Coast. The idea of visiting feels magical: dramatic cliffs overlooking turquoise waters, winding coastal roads, colorful seaside villages, and some of the most breathtaking views in the world. The Amalfi Coast blends relaxation with adventure, offers incredible food and culture, and has that iconic Italian charm we fell in love with. It feels like the perfect place to slow down, reconnect, and make new memories—one day, hopefully soon.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://austinballou.kw.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abcrownrealestate/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090878260752
