What Setbacks Taught Me About Growth, Grit, and the Power of Teamwork
Lessons From My Career in Real Estate
Throughout my career in real estate, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about what you do when things are going well — it’s about how you respond when they’re not.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been predicting growth and taking the right steps to keep business running smoothly in the face of change. The market shifts. Clients change. Technology evolves. Staying one step ahead is hard, but it’s necessary. And the truth is — you won’t always get it right.
The Reality of Running a Business
There have been times where the pace of growth tested every part of my business model. I had to adapt quickly, make decisions under pressure, and sometimes take risks before I felt “ready.” And to be real with you — there was a time I didn’t even have a business model. I was just out here doing deals, chasing whatever came my way, with no real system or structure. Just grinding.
What’s helped me keep going during those moments is twofold:
Leaning on my peers — this industry can feel isolating if you try to do everything alone. Having a strong network of colleagues to bounce ideas off of and learn from has made all the difference.
Keeping communication open with my clients — even when I don’t have all the answers, I keep the dialogue going. That trust and transparency builds long-term relationships, not just one-time transactions.
If You're Struggling With a Setback, Here's My Advice
I’ve had agents come to me feeling stuck — maybe they’ve hit a wall in their business, or they're afraid to take on new clients because they don’t have the systems in place yet. If that sounds like you, here’s what I always say:
Don’t stop taking the business — even if you don’t feel ready.
Seriously. Keep the pipeline alive. You can build the plane while you’re flying it.
And if you don’t have the infrastructure? Leverage other agents. Partner up. Look for a team. Find people who’ve already built what you’re trying to build and offer value in return. Collaboration is a powerful shortcut through uncertainty.
Keep Moving Forward
Setbacks are part of the process — not the end of it. I’ve had to pivot, re-strategize, and start from scratch more times than I can count. But I kept showing up. And if you do too, things will shift.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to keep going.
