Why I Chose Real Estate:
As I approach the big three-zero, I often reflect on my first thirty years. Things have fallen in place for me and in ways that blur the lines of intentional and accidental. Many might look at me as being successful and purposeful. I on the other hand, see my life as a ship with big sails, it just so happens I have had some divine winds.
The first thing I can remember wanting to be was a professional fisherman, then later an archeologist, paleontologist, and ultimately a college professor. I have always had a passion for science (and fishing). I hit a road block as a college freshman not knowing where to go, or what degree to seek, if any. This is when my winds began to blow. My sails were full and a few years later I had a BS in Environmental Science and Biology. After graduating with honors I was on top of the world.Then the anchor of the mighty dollar, society, and responsibility stopped my boat dead in the water.
I taught high school scienc
e a while, and later local government conservation work. While these were fine jobs I felt that my compass might be broken. Science is great, and I still love it today. However, if you take something you love and make it a job, it often ceases to be fun. After all, it is called work.
Then the mighty doldrums tightened my sails and weighed my anchor: Enter my older and only sibling Kristen. With seven years between us she had a nice head start on life. She had decided to enter the real estate industry as an agent after our family was party in a real estate transaction that did not go well. She made it her passion to help people and guide all her clients through real estate transactions with a fervor that was unprecedented in our area. Her sincerity, hard work, and honesty made her into the fine real estate professional she is today.
I witnessed her success and envied the satisfaction she gained through real estate as I slaved through my trivial job. Hence, when she approached me about joining her and forming a team I was all ears. Mind you, I had no clue about how real estate worked. Kristen paid my way through real estate school with the understanding that I would work under her and repay the costs through my sales. After several weeks of licensing classes on the weekends (when I was not working) I somehow managed to pass the state test, and just like that I was a real estate agent.
I thought I was at the helm of my own ship for the first time ever. However, this can be likened to Forest Gump driving his first shrimp boat. Now that I was in control, I could wear what I wanted (no more dressing up), do what I wanted (sleep in), and answer to no one. This was where I could have used Jones from Andy Adrew’s The Listener to provide me with some perspective.
After realizing that my seemingly flawless plan was not generating results, I (and my new wife) thought there might be another way. I decided not to re-invent the wheel, but rather observe and implement what successful agents (and Kristen) were doing. Since no one was telling me to do it, I wanted to wear my shirt and tie, get up early, and do what needed to be done. Finally, I had a solid heading with steady winds.
Seven years later my sister and I are equal partners with a highly successful business. She is now the manager of our company and I am a rain maker and accountability coach (ironic huh?). We are 
blessed with calm seas, clear skies, and hope to sail this gratifying vessel until God calls us home.
You might ask, “But Stephen what about your passion for science?” I get my science fix by teaching my nephew and my son all about the environment and nature. We often go hiking, fishing, camping, and exploring our natural world. Likewise, I am active with Boy Scouts and I get to share my passion with them. Real estate is my career, the family business, and my way of life. Why did I choose real estate? I became a REALTOR because I finally let God’s winds fill my sails instead of trying to drive without a license.
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