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I sometimes ride backward so I can see where I’ve been.

By
Real Estate Agent with HomeSmart SA541769000

Joe Teaching

The older you get the longer your past becomes. If you are lucky you live long enough to make many memories. I’ve been quite fortunate to have many great working years and to have made a lot of great memories.

When it came to working, I have been blessed to have several successful careers. I have also had a few “jobs” that didn’t last long. It seems when it is just a job it doesn’t last long. You move on quickly.

As I reflect back, it is easy for me to say that the years I spent as a Certified Technical Trainer as the most rewarding. You see I was a member of a team that introduced the world to a new data communications protocol called Signaling System 7 (SS7). Without it, you wouldn’t have many of the telecommunications features we take for granted today. Features like Caller I.D. Call Blocking, or unfortunately, the ability to spoof a phony telephone number into your calling identity. It was all made possible through the magic of SS7.

It is hard to express what a privilege it was to travel the globe introducing telecommunications companies to what amounted to a quantum leap in technology. Of course, the bigger challenge was taking an extremely complex subject and presenting it in a way that the average technician could understand. Something only a handful of people in the world were able to accomplish.

How often does one get the chance to learn, then teach the implementation of life-changing technology? Luckily after years of sleeping in airport lounges, strange hotels and meeting thousands of students from dozens different countries. I was able to retire, for the first time. Since then I have been blessed to take my God-given talents to my new career in real estate.

Why real estate? Well I had a great talent for explaining complex subjects. Educating buyers and sellers is a huge part selling real estate. Because I was comfortable in front of an audience I found it easy to make listing presentations. And, unlike many other agents, I can read a deed, interpret a survey or write a contract that will hold up in court.

As I near what could be my last retirement, it is fun to look back at the work that took up so much of my life. But, who knows? Maybe there is time for one more rodeo? Looking back is fun, but looking forward is more exciting.

 

CTT +

 

Joe Domino is now a Realtor® serving the Phoenix & Scottsdale metro area. You can find more great information by visiting his website at www.Scottsdale-AZHomes.com.

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© 2024HomeSmart Info Joseph Domino All Rights Reserved

Comments(80)

Mike McCann Nebraska Land Broker
Mike McCann - Broker, Mach1 Realty Farm & Commercial Land Broker-Auctioneer Serving Nebraska - Kearney, NE
Farm & Commercial Property For Sale 308-627-3700

Hi Joseph Domino 480-390-6011 Thanks for a great story...what are the chances that you can ride back and insert just one character or glitch in that spot where you can spoof a number?  Asking for a friend!!

Oct 15, 2019 05:34 PM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

The purists that invented the technology probably didn't realize the extent to which some people would go to put their own interests above others.

Oct 15, 2019 08:12 PM
Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

It is good to be able to look at what you've done in life with pride all the while looking forward to the future with gusto! Congratulations on the feature! 

Oct 15, 2019 11:59 PM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Thank You.

Oct 16, 2019 08:39 AM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

Thanks so much for sharing your story with us. I loved the title and congratulations to you too for the featured pos

Oct 16, 2019 03:36 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Thanks. When I used to ride the commuter trains to downtown Chicago I would often sit backwards. Some people had a hard time riding backwards it would give the motion sickness. I always would remark, "I want to see were I was coming from."

Oct 16, 2019 08:42 AM
Gordon Crawford
Gordon Crawford Home Selling Team - Morristown, NJ
Your Morris County Specialist!

Nice post, Joseph.  Reflection is a great teacher just like you.

Oct 16, 2019 05:39 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Thank yoy, Gordon.

Oct 16, 2019 08:42 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

SS7! I remember discussions surrounding that technology from my career days in NY Tel/NYNEX/Bell Atlantic/Verizon. That was a few years ago.

Taking a look back sometimes reminds us of how far we have come, how much we have grown, or what we have learned. It's all good.

Oct 16, 2019 06:27 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Yes, that was a few years ago. Time marches on.

Oct 16, 2019 08:39 AM
Margaret Goss
@Properties - Winnetka, IL
Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate

Fun post - great title. It's nice to know that you've landed in a career that you feel comfortable with - yet you may still find another career in the future. Looking back but always thinking ahead!

Oct 16, 2019 08:38 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Wait until you see my next act!

Oct 16, 2019 08:44 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Interesting post, and having just listened to our corporate attorney, I think we should say as little as possible, other than it depends, but it is a matter of explaining things to our clients so they understand everything and can make the right decision for themselves.

Oct 16, 2019 09:28 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

HaHa, attorneys do a good job of scaring the crap out of you. Everytime I go to a class taught by an attorney I can't sleep that night. How long does it take for me to get back to normal? It depends.

Oct 16, 2019 05:25 PM
Ray Henson
eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277) - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor

Congratulations on your first two careers and good luck on your third!  It is pretty obvious that you will be successful in anything you choose to do.  

Oct 16, 2019 09:54 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Thank you.

Oct 16, 2019 05:26 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Joseph:

I really enjoyed reading this - I had no idea you had this background but I can certainly see how the skills would transfer with success to real estate.

And congrats on the feature, too!

Jeff

Oct 16, 2019 10:24 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Thank You.

Oct 16, 2019 05:26 PM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Joseph Domino 480-390-6011,

When I saw your title I was intrigued to click on it. I immediately thought of taking SeaDoos up the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. It was so exciting to see what was around the next bend. When we knew we had to turn around we could just float back and see everything we may have missed going upstream. There is nothing wrong with looking back. Looking back can help you focus on the forward direction. 

I can see why you are so proud of the development of SS7. It is a wonderful thing to be able to "screen" your calls, however, my own phone number has been spoofed many times and I can't call block my own number!  On the positive side, I know that it is nobody I want to talk with! LOL!

Oct 16, 2019 11:31 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Yes, sometimes you have to take the good with the bad.

Oct 16, 2019 05:28 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Joseph - the ability to explain complex subjects in an understandable way is a great way to approach real estate.  Good for you to be able to translate that skill.

Oct 16, 2019 02:19 PM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Public speaking comes in handy in many types of business transactions.

Oct 17, 2019 08:30 AM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

The past is a record of what was or could have been and over time is even clouded. But not to worry. The moment, the present and the now gives us a chance to create fresh and new plus no need to remember too

Oct 16, 2019 04:01 PM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Tomorrow is full of possibilities.

Oct 16, 2019 08:07 PM
Kevin Mackessy
Blue Olive Properties, LLC - Highlands Ranch, CO
Dedicated. Qualified. Local.

Thanks for the write-up, introspection is something we all must do as the years pass.  

Oct 17, 2019 12:04 PM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Thanks for the comment. Yes, it fun to look back.

Oct 17, 2019 01:52 PM
Robin Wells
WellSwept Chimneys - Victoria Harbour, ON
Giving Peace Of Mind One Chimney At A Time

Thanks for post and it is important for all of us to look back and reflect on the past.  

Oct 18, 2019 04:20 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Thanks Robin Wells 

Oct 18, 2019 09:51 AM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

First congratulations on the feature. Second, thanks for sharing your experience with simplicity.  Yes many of us have taken many career paths and those who can unite the various skills from those previous careers I believe are far more successful.

Oct 19, 2019 06:31 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

We are not just getting older, we are getting better.

Oct 19, 2019 08:08 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Hi there Joe, I enjoyed learning more about you - and your past. I'm always impressed with those who can make technology accessible. Sounds as if you were a great teacher. 

Oct 19, 2019 07:07 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Thanks for the wonderful comment.

Oct 19, 2019 08:09 AM
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

You have an interesting experience and background.

All the best,

Sam

Oct 19, 2019 08:55 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Thank you Sam Shueh 

Oct 19, 2019 09:04 AM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

Catchy title and great post.  Congrats on getting featured and also on the successful careers.

Oct 19, 2019 04:24 PM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Thanks Georgie!

Oct 23, 2019 08:15 PM
Lorrie Semler, REALTOR® in the Dallas area. Call/text 972-416-3417
HomeSmart Stars - Addison, TX
Real Service. Real Results. Real Estate

SS7! I haven't thought about that in a million years - since I was a technical instructor at Northern Telecom, teaching "translations" in the DMS-250 switch. Thanks for the walk down memory lane!

Oct 22, 2019 06:22 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Lorrie Semler, REALTOR® in the Dallas area. Call/text 972-416-3417 Yes, that was a fun time. A lot of changes occurring at that time.

Oct 22, 2019 12:38 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Joseph- I loved learning about your former career and what an exciting one it was!!!!    I love reading your posts!

Oct 23, 2019 05:11 PM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Thank You Kathy Streib 

Oct 23, 2019 08:14 PM