Every so often, life presents a chance to break away from the ordinary and forge a path that aligns with your true passions. Real estate gave me the opportunity to help people in my community achieve their dreams and goals while also fulfilling my own.
After years of working at a car dealership, where I climbed the ranks from washing cars to finance management, I grew tired of the car sales culture. I realized that punching a clock and following the conventional work path wasn't for me. I wanted to create something of my own that offered more freedom and personal fulfillment.
While running a mowing business on the side, I found myself drawn to the world of real estate. I spent countless hours mowing lawns while listening to audiobooks and podcasts about real estate investing. It sparked a fire in me. I often joke that I went to college on a lawnmower because of how much I learned during that time. Real estate intrigued me not just as a means of investment but because it offered a unique way to help people find their dream homes and make wise investments. I wanted to be part of that process, guiding and supporting people through one of the most significant decisions of their lives.
In 2018, I decided to take the plunge and get my real estate license. From the moment I ordered the study program to the day I had my license in hand, it took just 19 days. I was all in. My first year was a blend of learning and applying my knowledge. I still had my mowing business, so I wasn't in a rush to make sales but to understand the market deeply.
By the end of that year, I had already exceeded my initial five-year goal. I planned to increase my sales by a million each year, but I managed to sell $5 million in production in just one year. My success stemmed from my deep roots in the area and my genuine desire to help people. It's not about me; it's about helping individuals identify and achieve their goals with my guidance, knowledge, and support.
Two years into my real estate career, I earned my broker's license. The rapid success I found opened up new opportunities, and soon I found myself serving as Vice President and then President of the Three Rivers Board of REALTORS®.
My drive to learn and grow didn't stop at the local level. I got involved with Missouri REALTORS®, serving on several committees and boards, graduating from their Leadership Academy, and even making it to the Executive Committee. On top of my involvement in associations, I’m dedicated to continuous learning and improvement. I attended numerous conferences each year, staying updated on market trends, policy changes, and best practices. The more knowledgeable and involved I am, the better I can serve my clients.
Community involvement has always been at the heart of my work. Having lived in Poplar Bluff my entire life, I am deeply committed to giving back to the place that has given me so much. I enjoy coaching soccer, sponsoring teams and schools, hosting 5Ks, and working with the Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation Department to organize events and sponsor programs that benefit our residents.
Currently, I run our downtown office, guiding new agents as they navigate the journey I once did. I believe true leadership is measured not by the number of followers but by how many leaders you can create. In sharing my knowledge and experiences, I want to better our industry and the experience of our clients.
This journey has brought more than just financial freedom—it has given me the ability to choose my own path, help others achieve their dreams, and make a positive impact on my community! My wife and I, married for 11 years, have two kids. We love to travel and often take spontaneous trips to explore new places. I’ve been to 26 states and six countries. I also enjoy golfing, fishing, and spending time with my family.
Poplar Bluff, Missouri, has been my home for my entire life, and it's where I've raised my family, built my career, and strived to make a lasting impact. Through Nest Investors, a company I co-founded in 2020, I’ve applied my knowledge of real estate to help contribute to the revival of downtown, renovating properties in distress and even helping create subdivision developments. I've seen firsthand the positive changes that come from investing in our community and creating spaces and neighborhoods that people are excited to call home.
This commitment to community development directly influences my approach to real estate, where my clients are always at the center of everything I do. I specialize in a wide range of real estate, from helping first-time homebuyers to recreational properties, riverfront land, and luxury lake homes. I also handle commercial developments and assist investors in purchasing and managing rental properties, including Airbnbs. My goal is to make each client feel like they are my only client, offering guidance, support, and expertise to help them achieve their real estate goals. By staying informed on market trends, policy changes, and best practices, I ensure that my clients receive the best possible advice and service.