No kid grows up thinking "I want to be a salesperson." Well maybe some geeky little robot, but I know I didn't. What or who were you before you got into real estate? What was your path into the world of professional sales? I'll tell you a bit of my story, but I want your comments and pictures in return...fair enough?
Since age 12, when Bruce Willis released The Return of Bruno on Motown records (I am not making this up), I wanted to be a rock star. Of course, I didn't know how to sing in tune or play any instruments. That didn't stop Bruce! (kidding, people...kidding!)
Actually, Willis was known for his harmonica playing. So that was my first instrument, too. My fifteen I was playing guitar at church. And in college I finally met up with the guys that would later form the band skypark.
After three years of college, we had a record deal. For me, it was a dream come true. The other guys graduated, but I dropped out. I just knew this is what I wanted in life.
We put out two records, played a lot in LA and OC, toured in some fascinating places (a military tour took us to Guantanamo Bay in the year 2000. Another time we were in Hong Kong just as a Typhoon was headed toward the city). And our second major studio release, overbluecity, was actually produced by a legendary producer, Ed Stasium. While in the recording studio, we met Lisa Marie Presley (she was working on her own album in another room at the studio). We spent over three months and $80,000 making that record. It's one of the greatest things I have ever been a part of. Would you believe that you can buy the record at Amazon now for only 1 penny? That will keep you humble!
Here's a photo in front of our biggest crowd...I'm the guy playing the electric guitar on your left. This is at a music festival in Holland in front of 9,000 people, although it's hard to tell from this angle.
We were on a record label called Word and distributed by Epic (Sony), but in 2000 our label was bought by Warner Bros and there were layoffs...including our A&R guy (sort of a middle man between the act and the record company). We begged to get out of our contract.
Of course, I thought we'd just sign to another label...what else did I have going for me? But for the first time in seven years, the guys in the band just couldn't agree on our next move. We decided to lay low. We called it "the year of no ambition", and actually began writing and recording the album NoAmbition, our last record.
Our lead singer, Tyrone, started playing local coffee shops, working on his skills as a guitarist and songwriter. The rest of us, as gigs started dissipating, got day jobs.
I was in my late 20s when I became a part-time teller at a bank. It took a lot of time and spiritual growth before I realized that it was time to dig in and move on. I remember the day when I finally stopped feeling bitter that my dream was slipping away. I let go...and said to my wife, "You've supported my dream to be a full-time musician. And I've given it everything I had. I got to do stuff most musician's only dream about. Your dream was to be a stay-at-home mom. I'm going to go to work full time and support your dream now."
I can't say it was always easy, but it turns out I actually did have some skills to serve me in the real world. I was always the money guy for the band...working with the budgets, contracts, lawyers and accountants. I found myself rising quickly in banking until I became a mortgage loan professional about four years ago.
It's nice not being away from my wife and kids for months at a time. And I guess I've come to grips with the fact that I was better at appreciating good music than actually writing and performing.
All in all, my life has more balance, more consistency, and I feel that I make a greater contribution now as a real estate professional. That sounds funny, but it's true. Showing up every day ready to serve people with that big of an investment...it takes a lot more than it does to get up on stage and pretend you're a big shot.
Where are the guys now? We still love eachother to death. We've been in eachothers' weddings, and we actually never really broke up...we just gradually phased music out. How many bands can say that? 13 years with the exact same lineup? We just met up last Sunday to play darts, barbeque, and thank God for the good lives he has given us.
Keith Gove (drums) just graduated from the Army's chaplaincy program. He's in the reserves and hopes to get full-time employment as a chaplain for a hospital or the police.
Tyrone Wells has a successful career as a musician, currently recording for Universal Records. His music is mellower now, but is a better fit for his voice...more soulful, funky and melodic. I think he's exactly where he needs to be.
I think we all are exactly where we need to be. And I'm grateful for the journey.
NOW...WHAT ABOUT YOU?
66 Comments on Who were YOU before real estate? I was a rock musician.
I just did computers but my wife made a few albums.
i worked - am still working - for at&t since 1980. started out as a long distance operator and am now in IT. may 2010 i'll have 30 years and access to a full pension and benefits. i've waited tables and done some catering along the way. i've had my real estate license for just over a year. i work at at&t at night - i'm there now - and sell houses during the day. i'm hoping that in the next 3 years, i'll build up enough of a clientele to retire from at&t and live off of my real estate earnings.
I was a computer geek, being in the computer industry has certainly given me an advantage over others in this industry because I do all the computer work myself. It is the best of both worlds as I still get to feed my need for technology.
Short version - raised by a land developer (been looking at real estate since I was 2), licensed at age of 18 (just finished college prep school graduating from high school with a full year of college credits, finished in business finance including courses such as real estate I, real estate II, real estate law I, real estate law II, real estate appraisal I, real estate appraisal II, real estate finance, business law I, business law II, business communication, etc. (did not use my license during college but kept it active), took a job in land acquisition, development and marketing of new homes. Made vice president by 22 and have gone from there - been licensed since 1979.
Presently owner/broker, own a portfolio of mortgage loans and investment properties, have mortgage lending experience and training as well as development experience.
I didn't choose this career - it chose me. When I graduated from college the last thing I planned was to do anything real estate related (planned to go on to law school) and when I moved to CA, I took the lowest paying of the 3 job interviews I took (working for a company that did land acquisition, development and marketing of new homes.......still specializing in land acquisition, development and marketing of residential construction as well as some commercial land sales.
Did any one plan a real estate career? I didn't.....
But my husband has decided I would look good on stage so he sent me this.........http://www.paloozahead.com/1651661-426e-250627 (Warning ....turn your volume down).
I was a record spinner..in high school in Houlton Maine at one of three Maine stations owned by Howdy Doody who had the first 5 day a week nationally broadcast kids show back in the 1950's. AKA Bob Smith moved to Princeton Maine to retire. Went on thru college for broadcasting/journalism and worked at WZON a Bangor station owned by horror writer Stephen King. Great job, super back ground for real estate, but you have to leave Maine to make any kind of money. And when the thought of raising kids entered my head, no where better than Maine to do that . So presto chango...took real estate courses in Bangor Maine and loved it..that was 28 years ago. Thanks for your blog...everyone has a path that leads to where they are now...thanks for sharing! Have a brother who played for years in a band without any notion of making it big like 1% do. Hard old life...tearing down equipment at 2am, smelling like cigarettes and stale beer, watching a wife come in removing her ring and the hustle of dancers that gets louder and louder as the night wears on and the alcohol takes effect. You could write some heavy duty country songs about that man!
Joey, you wrote a really interesting post! Great photos, too. I was a lubrication engineer, a credit manager, a store owner, and a restorer of old homes before I got my license.
Great post! Actually from the age of 9 I wanted to be a journalist. I got to the top of my profession (working on national newspapers and TV investigative programs) by the age of 22. It was a great life, but like newspapers all over the world, circulations started to decline and newspapers became more about games like Bingo than they did about news. Investigative teams which in the past had been given three months to go out and nail something were now being given a week at best and so I left and started by own corporate communications company.
I am also a published author my favorite short story can be found on Amazon as can many more of my short stories. You can check it out here: Mean Time Edited by Jerry Sykes (Paperback - May 1999. BUY NEW: $14.95.)
I will write more fiction in the end, but I came to Florida after I met and ultimately married my wife.
This was an excellent post. I have juggled many roles most of my life. I absorbed many of my mother's roles in the household when she died, making me even more of a mother figure since I am the oldest of three. I was also a full time student, part time retail worker, and real estate agent in any other time I had. I have recently graduated with my bachelor's in history, but naturally still fill the first aforementioned role.
Fun post! Let's see, I was a financial analyst, sales rep for a desktop application software company, sold NIC cards (oh, joy, that was fun), became a business analyst for a market research company, stay-at-home mom (that just about did me in for 5 years) and now, for the past 5 years, full time real estate agent. Couldn't do this as well without all of my experiences, but can't imagine doing anything else!
Joey, I really enjoyed this post. Very interesting. OK let's see if I can give the short version as well.
Started work in a grocery store at 13. Did that for about 7 years. Then I was a waiter in an upscale rest. for 9 years. This was when TLW and I got together. She was the bartender at the club next door. Booked tours for timehsares out of a kiosk in the mall and many different hotels and rest. for about 5 years. Drove a taxi. Waited tables again for about a year. TLW and I opened up a guest service company where we sold attraction tickets and transportation. Became a property manager. Started selling vacation homes. Opened up Tutas Towne Realty 9 years ago. Trying to become a professional blogger:)
Joey, I was a symphonic musician before I got into real estate. No pink hair or guitars or anything like that, just touring, recording & performing with symphony orchestras. The job took me to Europe and the Middle East and I lived overseas for two years. I also taught music at several colleges once I got back in the States and got settled here.
Do you still play at all? Take an occasional gig? I wonder how many other musicians there are here on AR..
I have a culinary degree and spent 29 years as a Chef/ Kitchen manager of just about any job to do with food. Very happy to be done with the long hours and stress.
I was a professional photographer and photo assistant for a decade or so. I got to chase my dream. It was great. Now I have new ways of chasing it. I've raced sports cars, and rolled rock crawlers... I think I want to roll more rock crawlers... ok, I want to race some more sports cars, too.
In 1971 @ age 18 started working for AT&T-retired in 2001 at age 48. Technical stuff. Joined the Army at 19. In between got married had three boys 34, 14, 10.
At age 20 read a small book "How to make money while you sleep" It was about investing in Real Estate. (Tenants figure how to pay you while you sleep-go figure) The next year I bought my first investment property of 14 that I eventually owned. No flipping, long term stuff.
1986 got my RE license, wanted to keep those commissions.
WOW. This is what I get for sleeping in...here goes...
Ki: Austin's a great music town. Some of my friends were just there a couple months ago. Just a computer guy? Yes I had the pink hair and black fuzzy jacket, but if the iPhone, Bill Gates and Active Rain show us anything, it's that the nerds have WON decisively. Come back soon.
Nancy: What, no picture of you as a youn AT&T phone operator? Good for you gettin gyour real estate license. I know that you can retire in three years if you pour yourself into this. You may want to sign up for the Real Agent Help TeleClass and podcast.
Linda: What, no picture of you in the coke-bottle glasses and pocket protector? ne of my best friends ever, Matt, is the king of geeks. He recently made the transition from an employee to a business owner and I get to consult him in the ways of the entrepeneur...it's fun. I also bug him to do work for me, too. It works well. Thank you for visiting!
Julie: "I was an embryo." !!! Love that. I kept looking for the button to give your comment a 5, but, alas...I'm bummed paloozahead is down and I didn't get to see that. I really appreciate you keeping in touch.
Andrew: You get a A+ for including the photo, even if it is of Howdy Doody. (side note: my wife collects vintage toys and has a howdy doody clock!). I've always wondered what it would be like to work in radio. It was always fun to be a guest. Come back soon!
Brian: Thank you for contributing. I have no idea what a lubrication engineer is, but because of your short list I got the impression you left out a whole bunch of other jobs, too!
Scott: And where's the old photo of you at CBGB with Television? You can't just say something like that and not let us know more! Come back soon.
Lenn: Championship Skeet Shooter!?! And you never even ONCE mentioned that in your real estate profile? I gotta see a picture of you with the goggles and earphones. You know, with very little exception, I've loved every job I've had, too. What an awesome, varied experience you've had.
Simon: Journalist and author! AWWWW. I'm so jealous. I'm a huge reader and secretly harbor a dream to write fiction. The link didn't work...email it to me offline. Thanks!
Danielle: Congrats on the BA! I got my father in law, a very conservative preacher, to agree that if I ever finish school he'll get a tattoo..and even that doesn't motivate me! My oldest sis fell in to the mom role, but because of a nasty divorce. Not easy. Thank you so much for dropping in.
Sam: I love flying. Isn't it wierd that up until the last few years nobody saw the world from that perspective except the birds and their God? How cool. And I soooo relate to being home more often. That's a tough job. Keep coming back.
Jennifer: Isn't it wierd how all of our experiences roll into the next step? And surviving the stay-at-home mom thing...good job. My wife does that, and we recently decided to homeschool (4 kids), so I have to be deliberate about getting her out of the house on a date, lest she lose her mind. Thanks for visiting!
Dude, this appears to be a very cool post. I am bookmarking it for later reading and more comments. I want to share something with you about some friends who are musicians here in Austin.
Bryant: Thank you for visiting and for the kind words. Hotels, restaurants and taxis...oh my! You have stories, I'm sure. Professional blogger, eh? I saw your last entry and can't figure out whether you're on your way to fame or infamy. Come back soon.
Charles: 20 years and counting. You're still the owner of your business. Glad to hear you're enjoying it!
Eric: You create the musicians group and let me know..I'll join it. But can us phony pop musicians be in the group with the real musicians, like yourself? Thanks for visiting!
Hugh: Oohh...culinary degree! I love me the good food. We'll have to party at your place soon!
Lane: Way to go...that transition is awesome. I feel the same, although I haven't raced cars yet. My wife is getting into photography and I'm supporting it. I like the way she sees things. Maybe you could visit her collection and give her some feedback? Thanks for swinging by...See you soon.
Joe: One of the best tours we did was for the US military. Went to Honduras, Ecuador, Guantanamo and Puerto Rico. Thanks for serving. That's interesting that you have several rock guys doing real estate...I wonder why that is. Keep in touch.
Joey - This was a terrific post. I gave it a "5". I am listening to "Ocean of Secrets" by skypark as I write this. Abby (17 months) is jamming to it. Good music! I loved the breakdance battle video - I watched it with my wife. He has taken to heart that you should "dance like no one's watching". He reminds me of my favorite high school teacher, who was actually a former minor-league basketball player for the Hawks farm team in Italy.
As for my musician friends, as a fellow Christian, I thought might be interested to hear that I am pretty good friends with the bass player for Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves. He is also the co-writer of "How Great is Our God", "Forever", "Famous One", and some other songs that you have probably heard at one time or another in church. Jesse is a past client twice over, and he has been very good about sending friends and family. We also helped Nic Gonzales from Salvador, and Shane from Shane+Shane, if you have heard of those guys.
Joey in my best English accent...lol. I love your story and can't get anywhere near that in terms of interest. I originally wanted to join the British Navy but for some reason didn't. Before I left school I worked and trained as a chef, but the hours didn't suit a teenager looking for night life etc. So I went to college, actually at Oxford.... and became a Civil Engineer working for the county building roads and bridges. Part of my training actually involved surveying landfill sites...the smell in the summer was not good. I did that for a number of years and then got into marketing and became marketing manager for an international company manufacturing building products. I had the opportunity to buy a company that manufactured and installed steelwork. I ran this for 10 years or more before getting completely frustrated with working for and not getting paid by large housing companies. We worked mainly in London on high rise projects. Boring so far hey. You will have to wait for the second installment on how I ended up owning a real estate business in the US.
Jason: How cool. Those Reeves songs are fantastic. And the Salvador guys were on the label with us back then. Tony really is an amazing teacher...he had those gifts in the band too. We'd all fight, he would listen quietly, then he would wisely set us all straight! So, were you a secret agent or something...how come you're not giving us your story?
Graham: Did you see your face on my recent post? Thought you should know. You do have a fantastic story and I command you to give us all part II when you have the time.
Joey - I worked for the FBI in covert ops for the first five years out of college. I swore an oath with the US Government to never discuss anything I saw or did.
Actually, here is my list of jobs:
Volunteer at a hospital - starting at age 14
Sacker at a grocery store - 16
Did an internship with a general practitioner
Entered college as a pre-med major - didn't last very long
In college, I worked in the library and in the admissions office (giving tours of the campus, etc.)
Worked as a delivery man for an office supply company in Dallas
Graduated in 1992 with a business/economics degree
After college, I worked as a rental car company manager
Worked at Dillard's for a very short time - It was so dull, I was mistaken for a mannequin THREE times
Worked as a restaurant manager for two years at Souper Salad (salad bar/buffet type restaurant)
CompUSA - Manager of cash office and customer service - one year - hired by a friend from church
Started my own business in 1996 producing marketing materials for Realtors (printing, photography, etc.)
Got my license in Jan. 1997
Started my own brokerage in Oct. 2004 - we have grown from four agents to about 20 in not quite three years
WoW, Joey, what a story. And I have to say, that is one HUGE tree you and your family are standing in front of....holy smokes.
I graduated from university with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Genetics and did government research and field and report writing for a few years for Agriculture Canada and local Conservation Authorities. I grew weary of working alone in laboratories and the field all day and decided to change careers.
I have also worked as the manager for a tour company and had a wide territory and many co-ordinators that were working under my direction....this was for a company based out of Quebec and our tours were to a casino in New York State. From there I got into real estate !
Okay everyone, if having a picture of young Lenn Harley carrying a rifle doesn't warrant this post getting featured, nothing does. Anyone able to influence the AR gods in this has an obligation.
John O: Everyone who knows me from real estate can't picture me as a rocker...and all my rocker friends can't believe I wear a tie every day. Truth be told, I loved dying my hair.
John T: Physics teacher? What laws of motion sent you into sales?
Jason: You know what I love about these stories? It's uncommon for people to really take control of their career...to give up the security of a 'regular job' and to reach for something more. Real estate isn't the easiest work in the world, but it's so rewarding. Kudos to you for your accomplishments. I have an assistant that I'm moving to part-time. Eventually I intend to manage a team of loan professionals. People say that I should go into business for myself, but the risks/rewards of working with my company are just so fantastic that I don't think I'll every go. Everyone should be so lucky.
Jo-Anne: That picture is at Big Sur, a camping spot near the coast in Northern California. The redwoods are absolutely majestic. My wife and I took a week-long cruise, with all the best food, special events, etc...and decided that our idea of good family time is just camping at Big Sur. It's so peaceful and beautiful and you really get away. Besides...you can camp for a week at Big Sur for less than it costs to stay the night in a good hotel in San Diego! Zoology and Genetics? I wonder how that sort of education and experience affects your real estate business. Thank you for contributing!
Vicki: You get an A+ for adding the photo. Great job! My mom ran a family daycare, too. I always joked that I've been changing diapers since I got out of them! When you think about it, dealing with a bunch of loud, immature humans who need a change is pretty good training for real estate! (kidding, people). I'm really glad that you stopped by, and hope to hear from you again soon.
Joey - By the way, I also thought this one should be featured, for what it is worth. Highly entertaining stuff! I think I may even spring for a one-cent copy of your album on Amazon. In fact, why not buy 100 of them and give them away as closing gifts?
I forgot to respond to what you said about Jesse Reeves. He is one of the coolest guys I know. Their music is really terrific and well-written worship music, huh?
I was a heavy metal journalist and publicist in LA during the hair metal years (before your time -- I could have promoted you if you'd been born sooner), an English teacher at a juvenile facility, a belly dancer and most recently, an author (you can find my books on Amazon, I hope not for a penny but maybe so). Real estate? Why not?
Joey - Take a look at my latest post when you have some time. I think you will appreciate it! I may try to call you tomorrow afternoon if I have some spare time.
Lisa: (Lenn, cover your ears)...I swear I yelled out loud when I saw that photo, "Lenn Harley is AWESOME!" I showed my wife the picture and explained how Lenn was kind enough about a week ago to talk with me on the phone for an hour, critiqueing my blogging and telling me to get to work. More than anyone else on AR, Lenn slaps me around. It's hilarious. She's got this 'oscar the grouch' act and then does her best to help me out. And then, when I don't think she could be cooler, she sends me this picture with thr rifle and 'Fro of the year. I'm such a fan it's awful.
Rhonda: Compliance and HR...into real estate? That's a great step. It's so easy to rely on that 9 to 5 and you didn't. You got wild and crazy. Thank you for commenting!
Anne: Well, well, well...Look What the Cat Drug In? What a Cinderella story. Your previous work Warrants some serious admiration. Forgetting our past is like Poisoning our souls. You probably still have that old Appetite for Destruction in you. Well, the folks on this comment string are a Motley Crue, but they Don't Need Nothin' but a Good Time, so Welcome to the Jungle, Sweet Child o' Mine!
Jason: I look forward to our chat. I neglected to mention, I know you have kids, so keep in mind that our records were never really aimed at that crowd...they're PG-13, so to speak. Deal with a lot of deep issues and in an oblique sort of way. I just didn't want you playing that for the kiddums before screening it. I'm very cautious about that meself.
In an earlier blog, covered this same thread on former life or former profession that helped build or lead up to where we are today here. Neat to see similiar themes leading to process of getting to this juncture Joey.
Joey - I actually did screen a couple of the songs before playing them. I was only playing the songs with the baby in the room, not the older kids. Thanks for the heads up though! You guys were/are talented. I like what I heard so far.
Julie: Yep...read it, got it...I'll take you up on the 5-er, since you asked...and who doesn't like pink hair? Actually, when I was working as a bank teller there was a customer, an elderly woman, that had long silver hair...but she died several strands in bright, punk rock colors and braided them. It was beautiful, fun, and very eccentric. thanks for coming by again!
Hi Joey! Wow. Pink hair. :) Another great post.....did I miss your book meme post?! Hmmm....lets see. Well I was a professional photographer for many years....my daughter was my muse and we have hundreds upon hundreds of pictures of her....some she still hasn't forgiven me for taking or showing people. :) Then I worked in the hotel industry for many, many years. After that I worked for the federal government, but I can't tell you what I did there(well I could, but I'd have to..... ) and then I became a real estate agent. This has been the most satisfying for me. I love helping others. :)
Out of college I did dishes at a Howard Johnsons...... and after working at various restaurants over the past 30 years..... I owned a pizzeria for a while...then a floor stripping/waxing, carpet cleaning business.....
I became a Minister........
Then got my real estate license 10 years ago......
Giving this blog a 5.......I thought everyone was hatched into real estate - this shows how truly diverse the Active Rainers are and there are some exceptional stories here ....................
Pamela: Guilty, guilty, guilty. I haven't done the book meme blog post. I'm just not mr. flying fingers and I'm so addicted to books that it would take me an hour just to narrow it down! Do you have any of your professional photos you could throw in this comment string? I'd love to see that!
Alexander: I studied ministry at Hope International University in Fullerton, CA...before deciding it just wasn't for me. Did I leave that out of my story? That was my major when I dropped out to rock and roll.
Julie: It is super-fun to get the skinny on all these folks. I'm really honored that you take the time to respond and for your kind words. HEAR THAT, PEOPLE? JULIE GAVE ME A 5! WOO HOO! Uh, sorry about that outburst. Big ego.
Joey - I didn't realize that you were a fellow book addict as well. I wish we lived closer to each other. Check out my latest post when you have a minute. I think you will like it.
Jason: I could read all day and night. I loved your recent blog post. I just realized that somehow I mis-clicked and wasn't subscribed to your blog. I won't let it happend again...it was a great read. Thanks!
I haven't had a book meme assignment (thankfully), because I would also have a lot of trouble choosing books to use. Did you ever see the shocking statistics I posted about books?
Part II - As commanded by Joey. Wow Joey you are so demanding...lol
Well after deciding to get out of Contracting in the UK I found myself at a loose end. I wanted to give something back to the community so I volunteered to work for a local charity. This Charity based in Tring was founded in the eary 1600's and is run by a board of trustees and a couple of volunteers. It's aim is to support the poor people of Tring who when retired find themselves without any money and more impotantly without a home. Over several hunderd years through donations the charity had got into a position whereby it owned around 30 homes and several small holdings. My job was to call on and monitor the well being and health of the occupants and attend to any small maintenance task thet was needed along with negotiating and overseeing any major works. It was very satisfying but didn't pay the bills. I was then contracted by one of my previous rivals to head up their sales team back in construction. I agreed and did this 3 days a week with two days devoted to the charity. It was then that a bomshell was landed on my wife. She was laid off work after 17 years with the same company. We had both pretty much mapped out our lives based on her long term employment and pension etc. So after a lot of soul searching we decided to change our lives completely and pursue my dream of relocating to the USA. After about 18 moths of researching markets with my very good friend Christopher Walker we settled on opening our Real Estate Business Hemet and Yucaipa. Now that was the easy bit, obtaining the necessary legal visas etc (yes I am legal) took another 18 months and a lot of money. So in 2003 Christopher Walker and I founded Mission Grove Realty and moved my family from England to California..... Stay tuned for the next 10 years... Still awake???
Hi Joey! Well the only pictures I have kept from those days (we are talking the 70's here....I am 53) are the ones of my daughter and I'm not sure if she'd let me post those.
I love your band! The songs are great. As for me, I was an Orthodonitc assistant. It was fun-and gross sometimes, but I really enjoyed it when I was living in NY, Now in Utah-it sucked! So I needed something new to do-so here I am, and loving It.
Eric: The gun's not pointed the wrong way. Outside the frame, about 30 yards behind Lenn, you'll find the lender that added some fees at closing.
Penny: Wow...a compliment for our adolescent rock and roll musings...thank you much. Why in the world is being an Othodontic assistant different in New York than in Utah? They probably drink less soda in Utah and eat less pizza...so no problems there.
No kid grows up thinking "I want to be a salesperson." Well maybe some geeky little robot, but I know I didn't. What or who were you before you got into real estate? What was your path into the world of professional sales? I'll tell you a bit of my story, but I want your comments and pictures in return...fair enough?
After three years of college, we had a record deal. For me, it was a dream come true. The other guys graduated, but I dropped out. I just knew this is what I wanted in life.
We put out two records, played a lot in LA and OC, toured in some fascinating places (a military tour took us to Guantanamo Bay in the year 2000. Another time we were in Hong Kong just as a Typhoon was headed toward the city). And our second major studio release, overbluecity, was actually produced by a legendary producer, 
company). We begged to get out of our contract.
I was in my late 20s when I became a part-time teller at a bank. It took a lot of time and spiritual growth before I realized that it was time to dig in and move on. I remember the day when I finally stopped feeling bitter that my dream was slipping away. I let go...and said to my wife, "You've supported my dream to be a full-time musician. And I've given it everything I had. I got to do stuff most musician's only dream about. Your dream was to be a stay-at-home mom. I'm going to go to work full time and support your dream now."
Tyrone Wells
Howdy Doody who had the first 5 day a week nationally broadcast kids show back in the 1950's. AKA Bob Smith moved to Princeton Maine to retire. Went on thru college for broadcasting/journalism and worked at WZON a Bangor station owned by horror writer Stephen King. Great job, super back ground for real estate, but you have to leave Maine to make any kind of money. And when the thought of raising kids entered my head, no where better than Maine to do that . So presto chango...took real estate courses in Bangor Maine and loved it..that was 28 years ago. Thanks for your blog...everyone has a path that leads to where they are now...thanks for sharing! Have a brother who played for years in a band without any notion of making it big like 1% do. Hard old life...tearing down equipment at 2am, smelling like cigarettes and stale beer, watching a wife come in removing her ring and the hustle of dancers that gets louder and louder as the night wears on and the alcohol takes effect. You could write some heavy duty country songs about that man!
I just did computers but my wife made a few albums.