Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, I carved out my own path, embracing every opportunity for change and growth. This approach to life has shaped my career and my life, prioritizing the things I value most, including community and giving back.
For a long time, I was living the dream, traveling across the states to help open new hotels every 18 months. Each location brought different problems to solve, and the hospitality side allowed me to meet diverse people, creating an exciting environment in which I thrived. However, when I met my wife, Erica, my priorities gradually began to shift. We wanted more stability, a foundation to build our lives together. It was at this crossroads that I tapped into my entrepreneurial spirit to reshape my career around our shared desires for a more rooted life.
I'd always had a passion for photography and finally had the courage to take it from a hobby to a full-fledged business. Taking this leap allowed me to step away from the hotel industry and invest in something that not only fueled my creative side but also gave me the flexibility to stay in one place.
As my photography business grew, specializing in event photography, I found a way to integrate travel into my work on my terms. Often, my wife, an event planner, and I would coordinate our schedules. We traveled together, turning work trips into mini vacations and exploring new places while also having a place to call home in Atlanta.
Everything changed when we moved to Blue Ridge, a mountain resort town known for its vibrant community and scenic beauty. The more we visited, the more we felt a pull to this place that seemed to embody everything we were looking for—peace, beauty and a tight-knit community. One day, after my wife faced a two-hour commute home, we decided to move to Blue Ridge.
Photography was taking me all across the world, and now that I had a community I loved, I wanted to be here more often than not. We had started investing in real estate and I got my license to handle our transactions. However, I began to see the potential in real estate to start a new chapter more rooted in the community.
Initially drawn by the financial possibilities, I quickly discovered a deeper connection to the work. It wasn't just about selling homes; it was about helping people find their own piece of paradise, educating them on real estate investing and helping them see Blue Ridge not just as a place to live but as a community to be a part of.
As I grew more involved in real estate, my passion for service found new outlets. I became deeply involved in local organizations, serving as the past president of the Kiwanis Club, the Chairman of the Board for the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce and the Co-President of the Blue Ridge Business Association. These positions enabled me to give back to the community that welcomed us so warmly, supporting local businesses and organizing fundraisers to support important causes.
Opening my own real estate office was a culmination of my journey—an embodiment of my entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to my community. Here, in Blue Ridge, I not only found a home but a place where I can make a significant impact, helping others discover this incredible community and guiding them as they make one of the most significant financial decisions of their lives. It’s about more than selling real estate; it’s about sharing a lifestyle and making dreams come true, one family at a time.
With the right mindset, you can reshape your life around the things you love and turn every challenge into an opportunity. In Blue Ridge, I’ve done just that, embracing the essence of what it means to be an entrepreneur. When we get the chance, my wife and I are still passionate about traveling and enjoy taking our motor home to explore new places in the states.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is the relationships I've built over the years. Many of my clients have become close friends, sharing with me not just their business but their life stories. This connection extends beyond the sale. It's about understanding people's unique needs, whether they are investors looking for the right cash flow opportunity, families searching for a second home or individuals seeking a private retreat where they can unwind. My specialty lies in navigating these diverse needs and finding the right solution!
In Blue Ridge, I've found that many people come looking for a vacation home or an investment, but they often fall in love with the area and decide to stay. Keeping up to date on the latest trends, inventory levels, pricing dynamics, and community changes ensures that my clients have the most accurate information to make informed decisions. My deep understanding of this niche market is invaluable to my clients, giving them options as their needs and priorities change. Even after the transaction is over, I am here to support you as your lifelong REALTOR® and friend!