We had the good fortune of connecting with Ak Babers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi AK, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wanted freedom. Not just financial freedom, but the freedom to build something meaningful, to serve my community, and to create generational wealth for my family. I saw too many people stuck in cycles of renting, debt, and misinformation. With AKB Realty Group, I wanted to help families become homeowners and investors. With Manifest Equity, I wanted to make sure families going through probate had a trusted partner to guide them. At the end of the day, it’s all about impact.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Man, where do I even start? AKB Realty Group and Manifest Equity LLC aren’t just businesses to me—they’re my way of helping people build wealth, create stability, and navigate some of the biggest decisions of their lives.

At AKB Realty Group, we help folks buy, sell, and invest in real estate the right way. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer trying to figure out where to start, an investor looking for the next big opportunity, or a seller trying to get the most for your home, we’ve got you covered. Real estate isn’t just about transactions—it’s about strategy, education, and making smart moves that set you up for long-term success.

Then there’s Manifest Equity LLC, which is all about helping families deal with the probate process. Let’s be real—probate is stressful, confusing, and way more complicated than it needs to be. Too many families feel stuck because they don’t know where to turn. That’s where we step in. We take care of everything from handling estate liquidation to connecting families with the right attorneys, financial experts, and resources so they can move forward with peace of mind.

Now, was it easy getting to this point? Not. Starting a business is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. There were moments I wanted to throw in the towel, deals that didn’t go as planned, and lessons I had to learn the hard way. But one thing about me—I don’t quit. I kept pushing, kept learning, and most importantly, kept showing up for my clients.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Serve first, and success will follow. People don’t just want a real estate agent or a probate specialist—they want someone they can trust, someone who actually cares. That’s what sets me apart. I’m not just here to do a job—I’m here to make sure my clients win.

So if there’s one thing I want people to know about AKB Realty Group and Manifest Equity, it’s this: We’re here to make real estate and probate simple, stress-free, and straight-up better. Whether you’re trying to get the keys to your first home or dealing with the complexities of probate, we’ve got you. And trust me—we’re just getting started.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh, now this is my kind of question! If my best friend was coming to Houston for a week, trust me, we’d be outside! Houston has so much to offer—great food, live music, culture, and straight-up good vibes. Here’s how I’d show them a proper H-Town experience:

You can’t visit Houston without indulging in the food scene first. We’d kick things off with brunch at The Breakfast Klub—gotta get that chicken and waffles! Afterward, we’d take a stroll through Buffalo Bayou Park to walk off that food and catch some skyline views. For dinner, we’re hitting up Taste Bar + Kitchen for some of the best soul food and cocktails in the city. Then, we’d close out the night with some live music at The House of Blues or any downtown clubs or bars.

Next, we’d dive into Houston’s rich culture. We’d start the day with a visit to The Museum District, checking out the Museum of Fine Arts or The Houston Museum of Natural Science—because dinosaurs never get old! If it’s a nice day, we’d hit up Hermann Park and maybe even take a pedal boat out on McGovern Lake. For dinner, we’d go all out with a steakhouse experience at Vic & Anthony’s or Steak 48. Then, we’d cap the night off with a comedy show at The Secret Group or some laid-back fun at Axelrad Beer Garden.

For the sports lovers, we’d spend the day cheering on the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park, or if it’s basketball or football season, catching the Rockets or Texans in action. Lunch would be at Blood Bros BBQ or Triple J’s BBQ for some real Texas brisket. After that, we’d take a drive down to NASA’s Johnson Space Center—because Houston is Space City, after all! To wrap up the night, we’d hit a few of Houston’s top breweries, like Equal Parts Brewing, Saint Arnold’s Brewery, or 8th Wonder Brewery for some locally crafted beers and good vibes.

Houston has an incredible Black-owned business scene, so we’d dedicate a day to supporting local entrepreneurs. We’d start with coffee at Day 6 Coffee Co., grab some streetwear at Premium Goods, then have lunch at Turkey Leg Hut—yes, it’s as good as people say! To close out the day, we’d hit Bar 5015 or Faces Lounge—both have a dope atmosphere, great drinks, and a vibe that screams H-Town.

A little road trip is a must, so we’d take a day to visit Galveston. We’d grab breakfast at The Sunflower Bakery, then hit the beach or take a walk along The Strand. We’d rent jet skis, maybe check out Pleasure Pier for some fun, and then grab seafood at Gaido’s before heading back to the city.

For a shopping and foodie experience, we’d hit up The Galleria for the full H-Town luxury shopping vibe. If we wanted something more lowkey, we’d check out Rice Village or Montrose for boutique stores and unique finds. Lunch would be at Gatlin’s BBQ or Bludorn for some next-level eats. Then, we’d check out some food trucks for dinner—maybe The Waffle Bus or Oh My Gogi! for some late-night bites. And of course, we can’t forget about more breweries! We’d swing by Spindletap Brewery or Holler Brewing Co. to taste some of Houston’s finest craft beers.

To close out the trip, we’d do a final brunch at Lost & Found—amazing food and a great place to vibe before heading to the airport. If there’s time, we’d stop by The Waterwall for a few pictures and a peaceful moment before saying goodbye.

Houston is a city that never stops, so no matter what your vibe is—sports, food, music, history, or just chilling—we’ve got something for everyone. And trust me, after this trip, my best friend will be thinking about moving here!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Man, where do I start? First and foremost, my wife, Samantha—she’s been my rock, my partner in business, and the glue that holds it all together. AKB Realty Group and Manifest Equity wouldn’t be what they are without her vision and support.

I also have to shout out my mentors—both in real estate and life. From my early days as an investor to becoming a Realtor and business owner, My Dad and some incredible people guide me. And of course, my military background played a huge role in shaping my discipline and work ethic.

Lastly, my clients! Every buyer, seller, investor, and probate client who has trusted me with one of the biggest decisions of their lives—I appreciate you. Your success is my success, and I wouldn’t be here without you.

Website: https://akbrg.com

Instagram: mrgetyourkeys

Facebook: akbabers

Youtube: MrGetYourKeys

Image Credits
AK Babers

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