Two deployments in Iraq. 

Two lengthy stays away from family, friends, and normalcy, done in service to country and fellow man. 

For Josh Gray, the sacrifice was worth it. 

During the past six years, the Cookeville native has established himself as a force in the real estate community through a similar, self-sacrificial dedication to clients and their best outcomes. Josh credits his four-plus years in the United States Army as a pivotal time spent learning skills that influence how he approaches his work as an agent today. 

“The core values at my office are integrity, accountability, and attention to detail. I came from a single mom in a Habitat For Humanity house story. I watched her struggle and didn’t want to do that. The military was a place where everything had to be `100% and, if it wasn’t, it was on you,” he stated. “I think that level of focus and responsibility transitioned well to working with clients. I’m on call 24/7. The biggest thing that clients get from me as a realtor is constant communication. I’m available.” 

Following his military tenure (ending in the final rank of Sergeant), Josh’s career took a winding path to real estate which included owning a medical sales company, welcoming the arrival of his daughter Lexi, and meeting his wife Keirra (herself a Cookeville business owner – The Babe Cave). After spending a significant amount deployed and traveling for work, Josh is grateful for a life and thriving career in his hometown. 

“I love it here in Cookeville. I feel like it’s the perfect combination of a city and true community,” he stated. “I tell my out of state clients all the time, ‘It has a true small town feel with larger amenities like the old town Mayberry that hit it big.’ The lakes, the parks, the community on the WestSide, the events, all of it makes Cookeville such a special place. I’ve been to so many different cities and all the travel I’ve experienced has made me appreciate Cookeville. Most places don’t have what we have in this community. I truly do love it here.”

Though vastly different from military experience, Josh sees parallels between the time spent in the armed forces and his daily work as a realtor in the Upper Cumberland. By putting the needs of his clients first and leveraging the skills he developed in the Army, Josh has earned recognition and a loyal, ever-growing customer base.

“Longevity in real estate comes from referrals and the best way to earn those is by treating people right. If people feel like you view them as a commission check, they won’t use you again or trust you. I’ve been voted the best agent in the Upper Cumberland for the last two years by the Readers’ Choice Awards. People from the community that I didn’t even know voted for me which is amazing; it feels the same with the magazine. This acknowledgement is a direct reflection of how I treat my clients and I feel honored to be a Mover and Shaker.” He concluded, “My deployments taught me that we’re not promised tomorrow. I remind myself every day that we’re not promised anything and with that in mind, I treat people right.” 

From Iraq to the WestSide, Josh Gray’s story is one of selfless dedication to those around him. On behalf of Cookeville Lifestyle Magazine, thank you for your service and commitment to this community, Josh.

– by Andrew Buckner, photos by Abby Weeden