For many high school students, the focus is on classes, activities, and what comes next after graduation. For Blake Lawrence, founder of Real Media MN, that future is already well underway.
Blake is currently a junior in high school, but not for long. Through a work credit program, he’s graduating 1 year early and already running a growing business focused on real estate media.
Discovering a Passion - and Acting on It
Blake’s journey into entrepreneurship didn’t start with a long-term plan; it started with curiosity and a willingness to try something new.
“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” Blake shared. “I never really enjoyed working for someone else, so I knew I wanted to build something of my own.”
That opportunity came through a high school photography class. Within just a couple of months, Blake discovered a passion for photography and didn’t waste any time acting on it.
“Before the class even ended, I bought a camera. I knew I had to make something out of it.”
Finding the Right Niche
Like many creatives starting out, Blake experimented with different types of photography. Initially, he considered
senior photos, but quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit.
“I didn’t love posing people,” he said. “But I realized I really enjoyed showcasing spaces.”
That realization, combined with guidance from a mentor and some research, led him to real estate photography, a niche that aligned perfectly with his interests.
To get started, Blake took a bold approach: cold calling property owners from Zillow listings to offer drone photography services.
“It wasn’t perfect at first,” he admitted. “But I was able to get some business, and it started to snowball.”
That early momentum allowed him to reinvest in better equipment, moving from borrowing a drone to owning his own and expanding his service offerings.
Building a Business at 17
One of the most defining moments in Blake’s journey was realizing that people were willing to trust him, despite his age.
“As a high schooler, it’s kind of crazy that people trust you with their properties,” he said. “But once I started making money and upgrading my equipment, I realized this was a real business.”
Today, Real Media MN offers a full suite of services, including:
From condos to multi-million-dollar homes, Blake works with a wide range of properties across the Twin Cities.
Standing Out Through Simplicity
In a competitive industry, Blake knew he needed to differentiate his business. His solution? Flat-rate pricing.
“No one else in the Twin Cities is really doing it this way,” he explained. “I wanted to make pricing simple
and transparent, so agents always know exactly what they’re paying.”
Rather than charging based on square footage, Blake offers consistent pricing across properties, removing the guesswork and building trust with clients.
“I think a lot of companies say they have transparent pricing, but they don’t. I wanted to create something that’s simple and honest.”
This approach not only simplifies the process for real estate professionals, but also strengthens relationships built on clarity and consistency.
The Power of Visual Storytelling in Real Estate
Blake has seen firsthand how real estate marketing has evolved, and how important high-quality visuals have become.
“Photos are important, but they’re almost not enough anymore,” he said. “Video and more creative media help create an emotional connection.”
From music and transitions in video to thoughtful framing and lighting in photos, today’s media plays a critical role in helping buyers envision themselves in a space.
“It’s about pulling people in and helping them feel something about the property.”
Looking Ahead
As Blake prepares to graduate and focus on his business full-time, he’s just getting started.
Recent additions like property video have already expanded his offerings, and he’s exploring new innovations like 360-degree drone experiences.
“I’ll be working harder than ever, and I’m really excited about it,” he said.
Advice for Real Estate Professionals
For agents looking to elevate their listings, Blake encourages them to think strategically about their media partners.
“Shop your photographers like you would insurance companies,” he said. “Things are always changing; pricing,
technology, and trends. Find what makes the most sense for you.”
A Fresh Perspective on Entrepreneurship
Blake’s story is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship doesn’t have to wait. With curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to take risks, he’s built a business that’s already making an impact, before even finishing high school.
“I think what I’m doing is innovative,” he said. “And I think it has the potential to really change the way real estate media works.”
Connect with Real Media MN
If you’re looking to elevate your real estate listings with professional media, Blake makes it easy to get started.
Email him at blake@realmediamn.com or visit https://realmediamn.com/ for more information!
