Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Green.
Hi Brandon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Rock Springs Wyoming, grew up in Iowa, and moved to the area in the late 90s. I planned to go to school on the East Coast but instead started a career in real estate. What began as a solo agent career turned into a big entrepreneurial opportunity. I co-founded and grew Keller Williams Capital Properties into one of the region’s largest real estate brokerage franchise systems with 7 locations and $60M in revenue. I sold that company in 2019, and started working on the plans for Willowood Washington with my husband, interior designer Christian Salinas. Using my real estate experience and my husband’s interior design experience, we transformed Willowood Washington from a countryside bed and breakfast/wedding venue into one of the region’s most luxurious private estates. Our customers continue to be weddings, along with corporate retreats and luxury vacation rentals.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When we start reimagining the property we asked for a zoning change to allow us to build more buildings on the 66-acres. That was a frustrating and ultimately unsuccessful experience. 2 years and a lot of money later, we decided to continue the wedding business and set forth on a complex project to both modernize the historic estate, all while keeping the history and charm. The project has taken about 6 years. During that time the financing market changed, the economy shifted and about everything you can imagine has stood in our way.
We’ve been impressed with Willowood Washington, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Willowood Washington is a historic estate wedding and luxury event venue set on 66 acres in Boonsboro, Maryland. The property is built around an 1835 farmhouse first settled by the Schlosser family, and that heritage runs through everything—from Schlosser’s Fording at Antietam Creek to our five estate suites (Schlosser, Mini’s, Harvey’s, Crane, and Kempton) and a historic stone-and-timber barn.
What sets us apart is how we host. Willowood is a full-buyout estate, which means we take on only a limited number of weddings and events each year so that every couple has the entire property to themselves. That exclusivity is the heart of what we offer.
We’re also proud of the estate’s design. Our interiors, created by designer Christian Salinas, blend a deep forest-green and antique-gold palette with the farmhouse’s original character, so the spaces feel refined without losing the warmth and history that make the property what it is.
Our guiding idea says it best: Your Estate. Your Story. No Compromises.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Most businesses are strikingly similar. Same issues. Same opportunities. Follow proven models of success; try not to reinvent the wheel. Use the wisdom of others who have come before you. That doesn’t mean every successful person is a good model to follow, so learn to know the difference between a highly successful individual and a successful model.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://willowoodwashington.com/
- Instagram: @willowoodwashington
