OUR JOURNEY

Meet the Founders

The Bridge Collaboration was founded by two big-hearted local entrepreneurs, Lauren Hance, and Bridget Rodriguez. With a shared vision to disrupt the local real estate market by redefining the “experience” of buying and selling in St. Louis. Both stood at the precipice of monumental personal life changes, and they took a professional bet on each other to open a real estate brokerage committed to the importance of “the little things.”

By leveraging their strengths and hiring a whole health coach to pinpoint and overcome their weaknesses, they created the framework for The Bridge Collaboration with a strong foundation for themselves as leaders of the agents they guide. The personal transformations they experienced became the model for the enjoyable workplace they strive to create for the real estate guides they hire and the collaboration partners they align with.

Bridget and Lauren
STL home interior and exterior

The little things matter and can make a BIG impact.

Built from the Foundation Up

Lauren and Bridget’s paths converged at a prior workplace, where they quickly bonded over similar starts in the real estate world. Both began their journeys as professional nannies for real estate agents, later becoming their personal assistants, then promoted to their professional assistants, and eventually obtaining their real estate licenses. Although their personal tales were 12 years apart, the perspective they gleaned from vulnerably sharing their rookie challenges, professional successes, and personal setbacks profoundly impacted the business they would build. Their individual accomplishments—Lauren in sales, property management, and transaction coordination; Bridget in sales, coaching, management, and brand development—culminated in a rare opportunity to build a real estate brand that will revolutionize what agent representation means to the St. Louis community.

Their operational support, business acumen, marketing prowess, and early emphasis on “the little things” laid the foundation for The Bridge Collaboration. Lauren’s early mantra, “The little things matter and can make a BIG impact,” is a guiding beacon for most decision-making at The Bridge Collaboration. From clear and honest communication with buyers and sellers to fully supported agents striving to provide the best experience possible and a drive to make a long-term impact on the communities we serve, The Bridge Collaboration will change the landscape.

BRIDGET RODRIGUEZ

Bridget is a St. Louis real estate guide, mentor, and coach to The Bridge Collaboration and development director. She is recognized for her transparent, hands-on leadership style, fostering a collaborative workspace, and enhancing the communities of the St. Louis region.

BRIDGET RODRIGUEZ Family
LAUREN HANCE Family

LAUREN HANCE

Lauren serves as broker and ringmaster for The Bridge Collaboration. Known for her calm organization of chaos while managing real estate guides, industry and market changes, and her beautiful children, she always has a warm smile, an answer to any question, and an unwavering commitment to being genuine.