In real estate, success is often measured in numbers—sales volume, market share, year-over-year growth. But for Matt Herbst, those figures have never told the whole story. Behind every contract is a family navigating change, a decision rooted in hope, and a moment that carries far more weight than a signature on paper. That understanding has quietly shaped both his career and the culture of Triple Creek Realty from the very beginning.
Matt’s path into real estate didn’t start with brokerage ownership in mind. He was initially drawn to the hands-on side of the industry, flipping homes and learning firsthand how structure, design, and function come together to create livable spaces. That early experience instilled an appreciation not only for the mechanics of a home, but for its potential—to shelter families, to grow with them, and to serve as the backdrop for everyday life. In 2018, after working alongside trusted colleagues in the industry, Matt made the decision to open his own brokerage. What began with just three employees has since grown to a team of 22, earning a spot among the area’s top performers, including a second-place ranking in local sales last year.
Growth, however, has never been the goal for growth’s sake. In a profession that can easily become numbers-driven, Matt remains grounded in the belief that integrity matters—especially in a close-knit community where trust is currency and referrals are earned, not bought. At Triple Creek, clients are placed before profit, every time. Transactions are treated as personal commitments, not checklists to move through as quickly as possible.
That philosophy stems from the deeply intimate nature of the work itself. Buying or selling a home is rarely just a financial decision; it’s emotional, stressful, and often life-altering. Matt describes the role of an agent less as a salesperson and more as a coach—someone who absorbs pressure, manages details behind the scenes, and helps clients stay grounded when emotions run high. It’s about listening carefully to goals and motivations, not steering people toward what’s easiest to sell, but guiding them toward what makes sense for their lives and their futures.
The scope of Triple Creek’s work reflects the diversity of the Parkland area itself. Residential homes, commercial investments, and farm and land properties each require a distinct approach. Commercial transactions tend to be analytical, driven by returns and long-term strategy. Residential deals are shaped by family dynamics, timing, and personal priorities. Land and farm sales often blend business with lifestyle, requiring deep knowledge of acreage, zoning, and agricultural considerations. Navigating these nuances isn’t optional—it’s essential. And having the right inspectors, lenders, appraisers, and specialists involved at the right moment can make all the difference.
That same intentionality defines the brokerage’s internal culture. Matt is selective when building his team, valuing character and ethics as highly as experience. Collaboration is encouraged; competition is secondary. Drama has no place here. Each agent defines success differently, based on individual goals and seasons of life, but the expectation is universal: do right by clients and serve the community well. When that standard isn’t upheld, difficult decisions are made—not out of severity, but out of respect for the trust clients place in the brand.
Community involvement is not an extension of Triple Creek’s mission—it is the mission. With strong ties to FFA and 4-H and deep roots in the agricultural community, the brokerage has been recognized with honors such as the 2025 Agricultural Business of the Year and the Heartland Hero Award. Even so, Matt admits there’s always a sense that more can be done. Giving back isn’t a marketing strategy; it’s a responsibility that comes with being born and raised here, and with building a business that thrives because the community does.
That local connection has become especially important in recent years. As families relocated to Missouri in search of space and affordability, many found themselves navigating unfamiliar territory. Helping those newcomers settle in means more than unlocking doors—it means acting as a trusted resource. From recommending contractors and service providers to explaining neighborhoods and community rhythms, Triple Creek serves as a bridge between house and home.
Education is central to the client experience. Buyers are encouraged to begin with clarity—understanding budgets, prioritizing needs versus wants, and approaching the process prepared. Sellers are guided thoughtfully through each stage, from preparing their homes and understanding marketing strategies to navigating showings and closing with transparency. Surprises are avoided whenever possible. The goal is simple: make the process feel steady, informed, and even enjoyable.
And when the transaction ends, the relationship doesn’t. In a smaller community, clients become familiar faces—seen at school events, local businesses, or years later when it’s time to move again. Those ongoing connections reinforce what Matt has always believed: real estate is not a one-and-done business. It’s built on follow-through, communication, and care that extends long after the keys are handed over.
Looking ahead, Triple Creek’s vision is one of intentional growth. Plans include continued agent development, expanded services, new licensing opportunities, and strengthening the brokerage’s role as a trusted local force. With a new office on Valley Drive and ambitious yet thoughtful goals for the years ahead, the foundation remains unchanged.
In a world where houses are bought and sold every day, Triple Creek Realty continues to remind the Parkland community that a home is something far more meaningful—and helping people find it is both a privilege and a responsibility.