Justin Brooks always had a sweet side, but at his Baked with Brooksy sales, the cookies were the stars, with their slightly crisp edges giving way to gooey chocolate chunks that melt on the tongue. The centers of the cookies are soft and pillowy. As kids crowd the table to see Brooks’ baked treats, their cheeks puff up as they chew, and smiles stretch across their faces along with some chocolate melted across their lips.
“We’ve been doing the baked sales for a year,” said Brooks. “We’ve raised almost $10,000 selling cookies, and brownies, and cupcakes to bring awareness to the children that we serve, and whether it’s Baked with Brooksy or real estate, I want to make an impact in the community.”
Born and raised in South Florida, Justin Brooks is a native with most of his time being in Broward County. He grew up in Plantation and Davie, Florida, and he’s always appreciated the variety of cultures within the community.
“It’s a great place to call home,” said Brooks. “We have people from all over the world, and my family and I love it here.”
Brooks’ mother was a schoolteacher for Miami-Dade County’s Greynolds Park Elementary and his father worked in finance. From a young age, they taught Brooks the value of hard work. He worked a variety of jobs such as waiting tables, dealing with the soft hum of fluorescent lights flickering above him as he mopped across the floor, and managing people.
“I had a lot of hard jobs,” said Brooks. “But helping families and connecting others is easy. I realized I was building a lot of other people’s dreams, but I wanted to build my own dream.”
Working towards his dream included earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology at Florida State University in 2008. Learning communication skills and a passion for community, he realized real estate is another way of helping the community.
This led to him forming The Brooksy Group at Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas’ Coldwell Banker Realty.
“We’ve helped dozens of families secure homes in Broward County,” said Brooks. “It’s been a fun journey, and we want to see what’s next on the horizon. We’re also heavy in the nonprofit area, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to build our own dream while spreading kindness and supporting our community.”
In a world of competitive markets and high-stakes sales, he stands out as someone who cares about more than just closing deals. He realizes it’s about finding a place where children can play, where a couple can grow old, where life’s moments can unfold.
“But I couldn’t do this all by myself,” said Brooks. “I have a great team of people.”
But it’s not just Brooks. His team of realtors also reflects his values who he’s also mentored and seen the growing group of real estate agents who share his vision. They aren’t just looking to sell; they’re looking to connect, and Brooks’ team is a growing family in its own right.
“We needed a little more assistance,” said Brooks. “She recently came down from New York, and I was lucky enough to meet Rin [Swan Belvedere] and we have the same core values of wanting to help people.”
Their genuine desire to help others also comes from working for nonprofits and doing a variety of activities for kids. An example is when Brooks and his friend, DJ Sweet Tooth, went to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital formerly known as Miami Children’s Hospital where suddenly, the door swung open, and in walked in the superheroes.
“We got the costumes from Marylinn Wick,” said Brooks. “My friend dressed as Batman and I was Spider-Man, and we gave toys to the kids.”
Brooks’ community kindness has also led him to where whispered “mmm’s” fill the air at his Baked with Brooksy bake sales. From cookies to tiny chocolate chunks scattered throughout, brownies that are still warm enough to ooze their creamy goodness as teeth sink in, and fluffy kernels glistening with a perfect coat of glossy, golden caramel.
Selling baked goods for one year, his Baked with Brooksy bake sales have raised almost $10,000 with all proceeds benefiting the children at Voices for Children of Broward County. The events are held at Fort Lauderdale’s Invasive Species Brewery and they even have themed sales such as on October 27th being a Halloween theme.
The baked treats are donated such as from ‘Arielle’s You Bake Me Happy’, and Brooks’ gather’s local shops and entrepreneurs to bring attention to foster kids of Broward County.
“We also have DJ’s, Raffles, and Food trucks,” said Brooks. “We do them every other month, and it’s a lot of fun. We have Red Velvet cakes in a jar, [and] white chocolate peach bread pudding, but it’s about bringing awareness for the children and that’s what we’re happy to do. Be there or be square for our kids.”
Brooks will also dress up wearing a towering red and white striped hat that sways slightly as he moves. Around him, children and adults alike can’t help but smile, he leaves a trail of happiness, like confetti falling in the wake of his every step.
“We did a Dr. Seuss bake sale and I was Cat in the Hat our last one,” said Brooks. “We also do holiday bake sales dressed as Santa Claus, Easter will dress as bunnies, Valentine’s Day, and we also have a reading circle and games for the kids.”
Brooks will also do cash drops around South Florida and has even done it overseas, where he hides cash money, and a lucky finder gets a surprise. He’ll add his business sticker and QR code with the cash, and he does it every Saturday.
“Every Saturday we bless some people and have some fun,” said Brooks. “We show it and use it on social media to generate leads and one video about it had 15,000 views.”
Along with the bake sales and cash drops, he also volunteers at beach cleanups and is a dedicated board member of The Local Octopus Foundation, contributing to marine conservation efforts in Fort Lauderdale.
“We’re working to show the sweet side of South Florida,” said Brooks. “It’s about building a brand, but it’s also about building and spreading the vision of working hard and being there for the kids and the ability to just help others.”
For more information and to contact Justin Brooks, you may visit email him at justin@buywithbrooksy.com, or call (954) 459 – 1250.
