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I'm Grateful For My Business/Life Partner

By
Real Estate Agent with Franklin Homes Realty LLC (615) 495-0752 or www.FranklinHomesRealty.com TN License #326261

I'm grateful for my business/life partnerIt's not a pleasant thought when I think back to three years ago. No, I wasn't going through any life threatening illness, and my family was healthy. The problem was in me...that I didn't feel I had a purpose. That sounds silly, but anyone who has retired after having a very successful career faces these demons.

I retired early, leaving my job after 31 years at age 55. My wife Tammie, our two youngest and I hit the road in an RV for a year. It was incredible. We've told that story elsewhere so I won't go into it, but it was a great transition initially after retirement.

After the RV experience, I took on the task of home schooling our two kids through high school. This was another rewarding task. But then...what? Tammie had started her Real Estate career 4 years earlier and the kids went off to college. I played some golf, mowed some grass, and twiddled my thumbs. Not good.

I know Tammie saw me spiraling into a depression of sorts. So, she did what any smart wife would do, she suggested I get off my a$$! Oh yes. 

Yep, she asked me to start accompanying her when she was showing homes to prospective buyers. I had strict rules to follow. I couldn't give any advice, but I was expected to be "sociable". I was along for the ride--more or less.

It was fun. I can be sociable. However, I longed to be able to do a lot more with clients. Tammie suggested I get my real estate license. Sounds good, I said, and went through the schooling process. I got my license almost two years ago and I have purpose back in my life. I simplify here, but I think you get the idea. I was lost for a bit...then I was "found".

We often work together with clients, showing homes and going through all the crazy ups and downs of the business. I call her "the big cheese" when it comes to our work, because she's really, really good at what she does. I'm extraordinarily proud of what she has accomplished! I'm also incredibly grateful to her for giving me a push when I needed it most.

We are considering some major changes in our business in 2015 and have set some challenging goals. I know with the two of us working side by side we'll find success and balance between work and family in the upcoming year.

An entry into Sally Cheeseman's Defining Gratitude & Goals Contest

Posted by

TW Realty Group
 
Tom White, REALTOR®
Franklin Homes Realty LLC
(615) 870-8169
 

 

 
 
This posting with the content written here and photographs displayed are the intellectual property and opinions of Tom White of Franklin Homes Realty LLC. Any party who uses this material without the written permission of Tom White is subject to copyright infringement and possible lawsuit.

Comments (14)

Ted Glover
Alderman Classic Realty, LLC - Moultrie, GA
ABR in Moultrie, Georgia 229-854-5422

Hi Tom that is a great post. A lot of things were pulling on you during that time. Its good to know you had such a wonderful partner who knew when to push you and get you motivated. Looks like she did a great job getting your started.

Nov 23, 2014 01:01 PM
Tammie White, Broker
Franklin Homes Realty LLC - Franklin, TN
Franklin TN Homes for Sale

You bring a great deal to our team--more than you give yourself credit for. I'm the lucky one!!!

Nov 23, 2014 01:16 PM
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Tom. You are a very fortunate man. Your path has taken you to this place, a place in time and have now truly found what is important to you and your family.

Make it a great week!

Nov 23, 2014 05:19 PM
Amanda S. Davidson
Amanda Davidson Real Estate Group Brokered By Real - Alexandria, VA
Alexandria Virginia Homes For Sale

Tom, what a wonderful post! I think it's great that you work together as a team in Real Estate and in life. Very special.

Nov 23, 2014 09:58 PM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

Kudos to Tammie for giving you the kick in your A$$ that you needed Tom.  I'm sure you two work well together and make a great team!

Nov 24, 2014 01:26 AM
Shannon Milligan, Richmond VA Real Estate Agent/Associate Broker
RVA Home Team - Richmond, VA
RVA Home Team - Winning with Integrity.

You two make a fine team both in life and in business. I am glad you have each other to lean on and to fulfill that purpose together!

Nov 24, 2014 02:40 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Tom- You're very fortunate because Tammy knew exactly what to do.  And she's lucky because you were willing to do it!!!  You both make a great couple.

Nov 24, 2014 03:17 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

You two make me smile - such a dynamic duo. I'm happy for you both - having a wonderful partner makes life so joyful. D

Nov 24, 2014 03:28 AM
Tom White
Franklin Homes Realty LLC (615) 495-0752 or www.FranklinHomesRealty.com - Franklin, TN
Franklin Homes Realty LLC, Franklin TN

Ted--Thanks, I have been very blessed!

Tammie--All right, let's arm wrestle to see who is more fortunate!

Joe--I've been in a place where things aren't the greatest so I really appreciate where we're at now.

Amanda--We're livin' it and lovin' it!

Roger--Sometimes that's what it takes...Glad she didn't miss.

Shannon--Thanks, she's a little bossy, but I love her! LOL

Kathy--Yes I am! 

Debb--Maybe that's our next tag line--"The Dynamic Duo"! Ok, maybe not...

Nov 24, 2014 04:20 AM
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

 Good morning Tom. You are so lucky to be able to have such a wonderful relationship with Tammie. A lot of men do not have good relationships with their spouses.

Nov 24, 2014 05:32 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Tim

So happy for you both as this list transition clearly suits you anTammy to a tee. We are loking forward to hearing about your 2015 plans

Jeff

Nov 24, 2014 11:02 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

My parents are the most happily retired people I know.  They stay busy, but not with work... and both also retired really early.  My mom at 42 and my dad at 52.

Nov 25, 2014 04:12 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

That was a good move on Tammie's part and now she has a business partner. But remember who is in charge, Tom. You make a great team.

Nov 25, 2014 10:30 PM
Sharon Paxson
Sharon Paxson, Realtor® EQTY Forbes Global Properties - Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach Real Estate

Hi Tom - your wife sounds like a wise woman, and so glad you are able to work together, would love to hear the RV story at some point too!

Nov 27, 2014 11:47 PM