What sets Lacy J. Hardman apart is not just her sharp instincts or her impressive accomplishments. It is her unwavering faith, fierce determination, and deep-rooted empathy that define her unique path as a modern leader.

With strength drawn from her spiritual beliefs and a mindset anchored in service, Lacy has paved the way for others by embracing courage, humility, and purpose. Her guiding principle, inspired by Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us,” continues to shape her approach to leadership and life.

Lacy believes a strong woman is someone who understands her divine worth and embraces her higher calling, choosing to partner with God in every endeavor. This spiritual grounding led her to adopt Jesus Christ as her mentor early in life, a decision that would profoundly influence her career, her choices, and the legacy she is now building.

A Life of Service and Transformation

Lacy’s journey includes many chapters, each marked by bold transitions and meaningful impact. As an Army Officer, she stood among the top three percent in her field. She commanded a company of 200 Soldiers and turned a struggling unit into a high-performing team that accomplished its mission in Iraq with excellence.

Transitioning into real estate, she found similar success. She was named Realtor of the Year, served as President of her local real estate association, and earned Top Producer honors consistently. Today, she leads her own brokerage and mentors agents through her Builder Agent Academy, helping them reach six-figure careers with confidence and skill.

At The Swell Retreat, her family-run venture, she merges recreation with personal growth, offering space for individuals, couples, and organizations to reset, reconnect, and realign with their goals. Every milestone in her leadership story is rooted in faith-driven decisions, a willingness to face the unknown, and the courage to act.

An Entrepreneurial Spark from the Start

Lacy’s entrepreneurial instincts were nurtured early in life, often during hunting and fishing trips with her father, where Monopoly games subtly sowed seeds of business thinking. Her first taste of leadership came in high school through a network marketing experience that introduced her to personal growth literature and the power of mindset.

Although that path didn’t resonate long term, it gave her clarity. She wanted to create solutions, build relationships, and lead with authenticity. Above all, she dreamed of becoming a mother, and knew she needed a career that offered flexibility, financial freedom, and the opportunity to serve.

During her transition from military life, she actively explored the real estate world by interviewing agents. One of them, a fellow church member, invited her to join client appointments and showed her firsthand what a successful real estate career could look like. That generosity and mentorship inspired Lacy to walk the path she’s on today.

Creating Builder Agent Academy

Lacy’s entrepreneurial vision took shape after joining a business mentoring group, Pinnacle Global Network, where she connected with purpose-driven leaders. Through those relationships, she was encouraged to develop a curriculum based on her real estate experience. This was the beginning of Builder Agent Academy.

Her program equips real estate agents with the knowledge, systems, and tools to confidently represent builders as seller agents. With months of research, online learning, and curriculum development, Lacy built a system that teaches agents how to proactively pursue opportunities in builder representation, rather than waiting for luck to strike.

“Our approach prepares agents to take control of their careers and income,” Lacy shares. “It’s not about quick success, but about steady, purpose-driven growth.”

Builder Agent Academy includes training, certifications, and a strategic framework for agents to follow. It turns a largely unstructured niche into a clear path with measurable milestones, helping agents unlock long-term success in a competitive field.

Faith, Family, and Fulfillment

Lacy sees herself as a “mommy-vet-preneur”—a title that reflects her service to her country, her commitment to her family, and her passion for entrepreneurship. Her mornings begin with scripture study, gratitude prayer, and quiet reflection. These daily rituals provide her with the clarity to lead effectively and show up fully for her team and her clients.

She lives and works alongside her family on their ranch, caring for animals and managing business operations remotely. Whether through Zoom calls or strategy sessions at The Swell Retreat, Lacy ensures her vision is supported by efficient systems, a dependable team, and a deep love for the work she does.

“I built the Swell Retreat with my husband and children to create an environment where success and serenity coexist,” she says.

Bridging Military Experience with Business Wisdom

Many of the leadership traits Lacy developed in the Army continue to shape her business approach today. She draws parallels between writing mission plans and building business strategies, between coaching Soldiers and mentoring clients or agents.

She believes divine guidance and practical systems are equally essential. Her leadership is informed not just by textbooks, but by real-life challenges and lessons that continue to mold her into a more refined leader, businesswoman, and parent.

Empowering Others to Think Bigger

From reading Rich Dad Poor Dad at sixteen to launching a national coaching platform, Lacy has always had a clear vision of growth and contribution. For aspiring women entrepreneurs, she offers this advice: shift your mindset from self-employed to business owner. Seek mentorship early. Hire support staff sooner than you think. And above all, never stop fine-tuning your systems.

“A good coach or program can accelerate your journey. But your mindset is the real game-changer,” she notes. “Each trial you face is a lesson designed to strengthen your leadership.”

The Road Ahead

Looking to the future, Lacy’s mission is expansive. Her goal is to train and certify 10,000 agents across the country through Builder Agent Academy. She believes niche training will elevate the real estate industry, empowering agents to better guide their clients through every step of building and buying a home.

And yes, she is also adding goat yoga to The Swell Retreat.

“I love where we’re headed,” she says with a smile. “This journey has been about purpose, people, and living the life I was meant to lead. And we’re just getting started.”