From the golf course to the stage to real estate, Patrick Jackson has built a career around connecting with people and helping others succeed.
If you've spent any time around Franklin, chances are you've crossed paths with Patrick Jackson. Maybe it was on the golf course, at a local restaurant enjoying live music or through a real estate transaction. For Patrick, each chapter of his career has shared a common thread: relationships.
A Franklin resident for more than 30 years, Patrick has worn many hats. Professional golfer, musician, business owner, REALTOR® and mentor are just a few. Today, as an agent with Onward Real Estate and a leader in the company's Success Academy mentorship program, he's sharing decades of experience with the next generation of real estate professionals.
From the Fairway to Franklin
Originally from the Midwest, Patrick's journey to Middle Tennessee began with a passion for golf.
After earning All-American honors in college, Patrick pursued a professional golf career before spending 23 years directing golf operations at Vanderbilt Legends Club. Along the way, he served as president of the Middle Tennessee PGA and earned the prestigious Tennessee Golf Professional of the Year honor.
In 2018, Patrick traded the fairway for real estate, drawn by the opportunity to build his own business while spending more time with his family.
"I understood business and wanted more time with my kids," Patrick shared. "Real estate gave me that flexibility."
With a background in business, sales and homebuilding, the transition felt natural. But what Patrick loves most is helping people navigate one of life's biggest decisions.
Helping the Next Generation Find Their Rhythm
For the past five years, Patrick has mentored real estate agents, helping develop and lead Onward's Success Academy program in the Cool Springs office.
For him, teaching comes naturally. During his golf career, Patrick helped numerous assistant professionals advance to leadership positions, an experience he compares to mentoring new agents today.
"I love watching people grow," Patrick said. "It comes naturally to me."
His advice to new agents? Master the fundamentals, stay organized and build relationships.
Patrick emphasizes understanding contracts, knowing the transaction process inside and out, and staying one step ahead. He begins each morning reviewing his active transactions to ensure every closing remains on track.
When agents feel overwhelmed, he encourages them to focus on learning the process and, most importantly, connecting with people.
When He's Not Selling Homes, He's Making Music
There's another side of Patrick that many Franklin locals know well: the drummer behind some of the area's favorite live music performances.
Patrick plays with the Jason Minton Band and Poor Lisa, a local group known for its classic '70s music and performances at Franklin favorites like Kimbro's Pickin' Parlor and Gray's on Main.
With as many as nine members taking the stage, the band has become a familiar part of Franklin's local music scene. But for Patrick and his bandmates, it's about more than entertainment.
"We've all been locals for so long," Patrick shared. "We just played, and people heard us. We want to give back."
That spirit has led to performances benefiting organizations like Waves Inc. and the Williamson County Animal Center, along with community events and a sold-out benefit at the Franklin Theatre.
Meet a Mentor is an Onward Real Estate blog series highlighting the experienced agents who share their knowledge, offer guidance and help shape the next generation of real estate professionals.
