Giving Back

Giving Back

Ten years ago I was approached with the idea of creating a networking group.  I thought to myself, "Interesting idea."  Having never done this type of thing I figured, "Why not?!"  

Ten years ago Phoenix was in a booming housing economy and business was being handed to us and the phone just rang. We didn't stop to think where business was coming from, it just came.  It was a baby boomer-esq type of reincarnation of the good "ole days!"  

Partnering  with another realtor at the time, she supplied the name of a home inspector for a home I just sold.  I had attended the RE/MAX Convention in Las Vegas, February, 2005, and met a fellow RE/MAX agent from NY.  We hit it off and I told her about our market.  

Pictured - Kenny Wright (left), John Elson (center), Paul Kozluk, Alliance Pest Management.  Some of our awesome members!

That RE/MAX agent and I stayed in contact and I sold her a home as an investment property in July 2005.  The inspector that my partner recommended I call was out of town . Another inspector was filling in for him, John Elson, Inpsect it 1st.  John and I hit it off instantly.  He cracked jokes and I laughed.   We have the same work ethic - work hard for your clients and do the best job you can possible do for that person. 

That November, 2005, we decided to form a networking group, Pinnacle One Group.  With John's vast networking experience, I followed his ideas and methods of setting up the organization.  We fell into our roles with him orchestrating the meetings and me filling in with the details in ink and balancing dues and the budget.  It was a no-brainer. 

Ten years later, we are still cracking jokes, working transactions, feeding the homeless and creating the best housing based networking group around.  We don't keep track of referrals by person, but in total. There is no pressure as far as quotas but each person is expected to pull their weight, contribute their time and talent, and be a responsible citizen.  

Not pictured and participating that evening, Steve Dietrich, The Logo Man; and Michelle Tran, Clark Hill PLC.  Our other members are in insurance, insurance and wealth management, general contractor; loan officer; handyman services; pool construction, design and repair; Cox business services; EC charging stations; energy auditing, and plumbing.  Of course I'm in the group, too! 

My hats off to you John!  You have maintained the same business model all these years and we are always a successful team in real estate  Ellen, you captured a heck of a guy!  

Giving back is easy.  It's taking part that's the hard part! 

By the way, that same agent from New York will be re-listing that home for sale with me this July, so stay tuned!  Giving Back!