S1:E11 - From Leasing Agent to CEO: Azia Coleman's Bold Leap

Alrighty. So we are back with the Bold News Podcast, and I have a very special guest. I have miss Asia Coleman or missus Asia Coleman, and she is a phenomenal mover and shaker. Uh, she recently just started a brokerage called Quantum Homes, uh, which was probably focusing, what, on property management and all of that stuff. Yep. Awesome. Yeah. That's that's very cool. I found out in BNI because that's where we met. Um, and you have thirteen years experience in real estate, which is amazing. Um, but, hey. Do you wanna, like, make a quick introduction and just say hi to our audience and let everyone know who you are? Yeah. I'd love to. First of all, thank you for having me. Um, very happy to be here. Um, yes. That is all true. Uh, thirteen years in real estate. Um, I focus in residential property management, but also residential real estate. Um, kinda hyper focused in the investment role world. Excuse me. Um, really enjoy building relationships with my clients. And the cool thing about property management is you can kinda sustain those a little bit more long term, um, than you can in traditional real estate. Nice. Yeah. Yeah. Property management. So I'm curious, like, not focusing really on the home sales, but more of the management of the properties. Exactly. And I've seen, like, so many properties now that are just strictly rental. In fact, like, I talked I have a lot of friends, um, who are, like, a lot younger than me. And they're, like, I don't wanna buy a house. Like, I I'm just gonna rent. I just want it taken care of. And and to me, that's just kind of, like, mind boggling because, like, in my generation, we're like, buy a house. You know? And they're just kinda like, oh, shit. You know? Like, they don't wanna buy a house. It's just so it's kinda weird. Are you seeing that same thing, that same trend too? Definitely. Um, I forget when this statistic actually came out this year, but we're seeing that the average homeowner right now is waiting until closer to 37 years old is the average first time home buyer right now. Um, so, yes, a lot of people are pushing that off. I don't know how much of that is because they actually want to Yeah. Or because of just, you know, the circumstances of life and finances and, you know, savings being incredibly low right now, prices being extremely high, and just kinda everything in between. So Yeah. Definitely what we're seeing. Yeah. I think it's probably a mix of both. Without question. Yeah. And it's it's actually kind of strange because, like, I was gosh. Me and my wife were, like, 23 when we bought our first house. And, like, you talk to a 23 year old now. Like, my nieces are around 23 around that age. And they are they're they're, like, houses are just, like, insane right now. You know? And it's just Average, well, median home price in the valley right now is about $4.10, $4.20. I mean, for the average first time buyer, my I also bought very young, I bought my first house at 21. Yeah. And I paid $58,000 for a little townhouse. So I mean, it's just for the average, you know, first time buyer, new family, trying to conceive coming up with a down payment for a $500,000 even a $400,000 house right now is is hard. Yeah. So That's insane. Yeah. I I'm grateful to be in that part of the business where we can kind of help out in that immediate need in the short term, but ultimately try to stay consistent and build those relationships with people because I've helped a lot of my tenants actually purchase homes as well. So it's rewarding when that comes about. Awesome. Uh, just so our listeners can get a feel for how we know each other. So BNI again, Business Networking International, which I think is I I I say this on every show. I just think it's, like, an amazing group because, like, you build real connections with people. Like, you you just build relationships. And that's, I think, the one of the main key foundations of it that is just so amazing. Um, But, yeah, I mean, it's just, uh, it's pretty awesome. Uh, was this your first experience with BNI, or were you in other chapters before? No. This was my first experience. Afton, who's been a guest already, um, brought me into that chapter. Um, and it's so true what you're saying. I I'm sure you have the same thing in the insurance world. But in the real estate world, every time you look up, there's a networking event or a happy hour or, you know, what have you, which is great. Don't get me wrong. That's how we we build our business. But it's so much better, in my opinion, to be able to go really deep in those relationships. And, you know, I think it helps you ultimately build stronger bonds and therefore better referrals. Yeah. Um, so, yeah, I love it. Yeah. It's it's very cool. And it's always it's always interesting too when you see, like, new people come in, and they don't have that, uh, mindset yet. And they're the first thing you're like, what what do you do? Like, can we get some business going? I'm like, woah. Chill out, honey. I'm like, we're just mad. Like, that's how we know what we are. Oh, man. That's so funny. Yeah. Um, okay. Well, just to kick things off because what this show does, you know, we talk about bold moves, you know, the risks, the, you know, leap of faith that we've taken in our lives, in our business, in our journeys. But just to kind of kick things off, um, what is a moment in your life that really captures the intensity of of your journey? And and really, like, the I guess the real question is, like, what's what's one dramatic or, like, pivotal moment in your property management career or even in in life that just kinda still sticks with you? Yeah. So I wouldn't necessarily say it was in my, quote, unquote, property management career, but it was actually deciding to commit to real estate. Mhmm. I I got licensed when I was, gosh, 18. Um, and that wasn't the path that I was supposed to be going on. I was enrolled in college. I was supposed to be going to school. I was supposed to be doing all of the things. And I probably got gosh, a year, two years into my college career and just, like, had that moment of why am I doing this. You know, I I I ended up doing the real estate license simultaneously while I was in school, um, but there was definitely a point where I was trying to proceed through with the degree, trying to finish, kept, you know, withdrawing from classes, kept just feeling like I'm spinning in a circle. And I just finally said, what do I wanna do? Like, what's gonna light me up? What's gonna make me feel good? So I've always been someone who wanted to work and wanted to do something that was mentally and, you know, physically stimulating. Um, so I finally just said, alright. Is if this is the path I'm gonna go, I'm just gonna go head first. So I quit the job that I was working at. I quit school, and I just said I'm gonna fully commit to doing real estate. Wow. So yeah. With no salary, by the way, because that's not how real estate works. Yeah. Um, I you know. Yeah. So that that was probably the biggest, boldest move I would say so far. What year were you in school when you took that jump? So I that was the thing. I had gone to one college, thought, you know, it must be the school. Clearly not me. I'm not the problem. Right? So I I went to the Art Institute for interior design. That's still Wow. Always has been, always will be my passion. I love interior design. Um, but I got, you know, a semester there and I was like, this isn't working. This isn't for me. So I switched to, alright, let's go the community college route and let's try to work on a, you know, an associate's degree hopefully to build up to a four year. And I probably got a year. So I would say it was technically, like, my sophomore year of, um, college. And I was just like, this is this is just not for me. Yeah. Wow. Yeah. Yeah. That's that's crazy because college doesn't necessarily equate to a lot of success. You know? And it's like, there's so many people I know that have gone through college who are not doing anything. But, yeah, I I would say, like, for me, the same thing. Like, I I went through college for the first time and dropped out, and then I had to go back, like, again, ten years later and actually, like, try to do it Mhmm. Which I did. But still, it's like I'm not using my degree, you know. It's just kinda strange. But it's funny. You you went to the Art Institute of Phoenix. Mhmm. I first, uh, went to a school similar. It was not in business anymore. It was called Collins College. I remember that. Yeah. I do remember that. Yes. Yeah. I went there for web design. And then, uh, I think I was there for, like, a couple months. And then I was like, my ADHD brain was like, let's do something else. Let's let's go to ASU. And I did that, and then dropped out. That's a whole long story. But, um, that's crazy. That's that's pretty funny. It's funny because I was undiagnosed ADHD at the time too. And now, like, looking back, it all makes sense. But at the time, it was just like, this is not right. Something's not right here. You know? Isn't that isn't that interesting how, like, back then, like, undiagnosed, you know, you're just kinda, like, going through things and you're just thinking it's everything. And then now you're like, oh, interesting. Okay. Dots connected. Yeah. Yeah. It's so strange. It's so strange. Like, really, I think social media has, like, really played a role in, like, mental health because, like, you're hearing all of these things, and you're like, wait a minute. Like, that's and then you go get checked out, and you're like, oh, okay. That's legit. You know? It's just kind of kinda crazy. Yeah. Absolutely. And it it like, we were talking about earlier, it helps you understand, like, some of these nuances. Like, oh, that's why I get burnt out after a long day. You know what I mean? Like, just those little things that you don't even think about. Yeah. Yeah. I I didn't know that was a thing. Like, like because, like, even my wife, she would ask me, like, okay. Why are you just, like, kinda just sitting there doing nothing? And I'm like, okay. Well, this this is me recharging. Like, I my brain seriously needs that. Like, it's just so interesting. But what's very interesting is now I can recognize it with my son. Yes. Because my son, he was having such a hard time. Like, he was up, um, like, late at night. He'd played video games all day. Mhmm. And then, you know, he had, like I think he had to read, uh, like, a chapter of the Bible or something before school. And he's, like, trying to read, and he's struggling. He's like, my brain keeps telling me, like, I need to reread it and this and that. And I'm like, I knew exactly what he's talking about because I struggled with that, like, my entire life. And I was like, dude, like, it is the end of the day. Like, your brain is not in the like, it's not in the mood to do this right now. You need to put it down. Also, like, you know, medication wise, that's gone at the day at the end of the day. Like, you're depleted both, like, medically and, like, you know Chemically. Chemically. Yes. And, um, I said, it is not happening. Yes. And, uh, you know, when you kind of, like, put it that way, you kind of, like, oh. When I was like be such a better support. Yeah. Because I didn't you I'm sure you were gonna say I didn't have that as a kid. My kid my parents were like, why can you not get your work done? Yep. Just get it done. You know? So Yeah. Yeah. I got the, like, just suck it up and just get the work done. And I'm like, you know, struggles. That simple. Yeah. Yeah. That's that's crazy. Yeah. Um, so before we we kind of before you took that leap, I just wanna kinda rewind just, like, a little bit. So what did your professional life look like, you know, during your time, like, you know, like, say, Keller Williams before you open up your brokers and stuff as as a team leader? I mean, what aspects of of property management were you handling then, or were you handling project management then? So I I had two kind of worlds when I was at KW. Um, I I was the managing partner of Green Management Group at Keller Williams East Valley. So we managed over 200 properties, and I kind of led the team there and oversaw the team there. Now to be fair, I worked my way up. I started with Marcus Green at gosh, as the lowest position that that company could offer as a leasing agent. Just this was when I had just dove in headfirst into real estate. So I took a job as a leasing agent with no guaranteed pay where basically you eat what you kill, and as many properties as you lease up, that's what you're gonna get paid for. So I literally went there and I did the math and I said, okay. How many lease ups do I need here to be able to pay my bills and be able to make ends meet? And I did it, you know? So I started in that position. I kinda worked my way up through the company. I was with Marcus for a little over nine years, so nine and a half years. Wow. Um, and eventually was leading the team and and just running things for him while he was in Utah, he lived. So lives. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. I leasing's tough. I remember I because I I did I I worked in that office for, like, a little bit. Yeah. Um, and I remember I had to go out on a few leases, and I was like, this is this is gruff. Like It's not me. I'm like, knowing that you're I mean, I know it's not all about the money, but still You gotta eat. Yeah. You know? And I'm like, I I specifically remember there was this one client where, um, the agent I was working with, I knew didn't really wanna work with them. Like, here, Matt, go handle this. And it was just, like, house after house after house for rentals, if you don't mind. And it was interesting because I'd never seen this, but they had she had the mindset of of of, like like, she was gonna buy the house and all these little things. I'm like, this is a rental. It's like, it's not your forever home here. You know what I mean? It was just it was just interesting. The Well and just so your listeners know, the average leasing commission is only a couple hundred bucks. Like, it's not a lot of money. Yeah. And it's it's, you know, almost as much time as you would spend on a trans a traditional sale and a fraction of the price. So it was working at Walmart probably would have been more lucrative. A little gas? Yeah. Exactly. Like, that's expensive. Yeah. Yeah. But it was a means to an end, and it worked out well. I mean, it it really did. I I'm grateful for the experience. But, yeah, that's that's where I started and ended up working up to there. So, um, when I left KW, I was the team leader at the time, like you mentioned. And that was though it was a different industry, if you will, because I'm now recruiting agents, kind of being a support system to the agents that we already have in the office, um, overseeing the office, financials, all of that kind of stuff. So it was a similar set of skills required, but still a completely different industry. Yeah. But I think what kinda helped me is in the property management leasing world, we call it personality management rather than property management because you're always the bad guy, Oh. Um, which ironically enough really paid off and was a very useful skill in the agent, uh, management world as well. Um, not that I did not have wonderful agents, but, you know, there is a lot of personality meshing that has to happen in that world. So yeah. Very interesting. Personalities with clients and agents combined, like, together? Um, so your agents in that world are your clients. Um, you we can't pay our bills if we don't have any agents in our office selling homes. Yeah. So it's a very unique I was in a very unique position where I have to be mama bear, and I have to be supportive and and make sure they feel loved and welcome. And, like like, when they walk in the door, they're at home. But at the same time, my job was also to make them productive and and help them sell more houses. So it's a balance. Yeah. That's a tough balance. It's a very hard balance. Wow. That's crazy. When when we when we go through things in life, there's usually, like, this breaking point or or, like, this spark. So after about thirteen years in real estate, like, what finally pushed you to, like, take this risk, uh, just opening up your own brokerage? Yeah. Was there, like, um, a specific client experience or, like, a a market opportunity that you saw? Like, what was going through your mind when you decided to do that? So I wish it was, like, this lovely story of I just one day woke up and decided I was just gonna open up the brokerage and do it that way. Um, unfortunately, that is not the case. Um, I won't lie. I was super happy as the team leader at, um, East Valley, and, you know, I love those people there. We the leadership and I there had apparently a misunderstanding with what the plan was going to be for my property management business. It was kind of so to answer your question directly, I was always going to do this in my mind. It was always a natural path that I was going to have a team that did property management. I I didn't know that it was gonna push me to the brokerage point. But essentially what happened is there became, I guess, a conflict of interest if you will with the leadership there at that market center and me doing the property management team. Um, so it it really came to a point where it was like, okay. Well, if I can't do this here, like, I gotta do this for me. Um, so that's kinda what pushed me. And I get once again, kinda took that leap of faith. I had one client and it was a lease only client when I left KW, you know, two months ago, three months ago, and we're sitting at just under 25 doors right now. So just in that short amount of time, we've been able to do it. But it was it was scary because there was nothing. You know, I went to having a steady salary plus my sales to nothing. So yeah. Wow. So, like, that's a that's a quick amount of time to go from, like, zero to 25 or one to 25. Like, was there, like, a lot of social media marketing? Or, like, what what did you do word-of-mouth? Like, what was it that, like, just like, how you got there? So I haven't paid for any social media marketing. I I can't stress enough, like, how much I value my relationships. Yeah. Um, people make fun of me because I go almost anywhere, and I know someone there. You know what I mean? But, like, I truly do try to talk to everyone in the room when I go you know what I mean? Like, it it means a lot to me. And I I think that I have built really strong relationships, and those people go out like little soldiers and market for me a lot of times. So I I would give all of my success to people who refer me. You know? Yeah. Okay. So relationships. That's Period. Yeah. That's it. So b did b and I coincide with it did. I'd okay. Yeah. It did coincide because I remember you said, like, you were like, I'm opening up my brokerage. You're like, yeah. Okay. So b BNI probably had a lot to A ton. To do with it. I've made a ton of connections to BNI. And, like, you guys are my biggest cheerleaders. No joke. Like, I I I mean, literally, just today, I get a call from someone who's like, yeah. Everybody's talking about you on this Facebook group. And I'm like, okay. I love what we're doing there. Yeah. It is so amazing. So, like It's powerful. Yeah. It is. So it's funny because when, like, when someone sees a post on there and they're looking for so and so, it's one thing when the person who's actually doing the thing is like, hey. You know? Pick me. Yes. But it's something else when you have, like, even just one other person, like, validate you and say, hey. You need to call, like, this person. And when you have, like, a BNI group of, like, I don't know how many people, twenty, thirty people, all, like that'll be for you. Yeah. I'm going on there. It's like, yes. Picker. Picker. Picker. Picker. Picker. Picker. Picker. Picker. Picker. You know what I mean? It's like it says a lot. And it's a it's It's huge. Yeah. I don't I don't know. I wonder if any other BNI groups are doing that, like, or any other groups. So sincerely because, I mean, I can't that's and no exaggeration. That's the third one from social media. And Yeah. I'm not calling them. They're calling me. Yeah. You know what I mean? And, you know, in our world, like, those warm those warm leads are that's our business. That's our our bloodline. You know? So it's huge. And then in addition to that, like, the people who are my like, my clients are my friends. I go to their kids' birthday parties. You know, they come to my home, and I really not all of them, of course, but, like, I I I truly treat people like they are a part of my family and a part of my circle. And I think I think that pays off, especially as we go more to this world of automation and AI. Like, I think I think that makes a big difference. Yeah. Yeah. I I think it's it's going to be such a, um, a defining, like, moment or defining factor in a in a business transaction because it is now, like, so automated. Even, like, social media stuff, like, you can see a lot of automation. And sometimes you can tell, like, oh, yes. That's, you know, tag GBC or whatever. You know? Yeah. But when you find the the organic, you know, like, in the relationship aspect of it, it just pushes it over. You know what I mean? Like, I I think people are gonna have to really start, um, working on that if they're not. Um, Yes. And the right way to do it because I do believe there are certain things that can really be you can have a CRM remind you that it's so and so's birthday. Yeah. But if you don't pick up the phone and tell them happy birthday, I've been thinking about you. How's your year? You know what I mean? Mhmm. That's that those where those two come together, I think, is where the power is. Yeah. It's so funny. I used to work for this company. It was like a like a growth accelerator for real estate agents. And I was like a growth coach, and I worked with, like, agents. And I was like, k. We should be doing doing this, this, this, and that. You know? And one of the things was calling your SOI. Like, at minimum, like, two a day. You know what I mean? You should be doing a lot more, but that was, like, the bare bones minimum. And it's just picking them up picking up at the phone, and it's, like, exactly what you're saying. Hey. How's it going? Um, on top of all the other stuff that the company did was, like, postcards and mailers and all this other stuff. But that's all extra stuff because I think their thing was, um, probably, like, 12 touch points a month. You know what I mean? Different mediums. It should be well, sorry. My real estate coach is coming out of me now. Um, yeah. 30 a 32 touch plan is what we operated on. So not a month. 32 a year is kind of where Okay. We looked at. So that probably puts it they were just, like, spamming. Yeah. They were over yours was much more thorough, it sounds like. But typically, a 32 touch point is what you need to be doing a year to be top of mind. That's kinda what But what what I found was interesting was that what tied it all together was that voice. Yes. Like I get the phone. Yeah. When and that was that was the one thing that all these agents that I talked to were afraid to do. Mhmm. Like, I I don't know what I'm gonna say. You don't you don't have to know what you're gonna say. Just pick up the phone, and when they start talking, just go. You know what I mean? It was just like, hey. How's it going? Mhmm. It was interesting because, uh, you know Michael. Mhmm. Right? Hernandez. He's he's my realtor. Great guy. Amazing guy. Yeah. There was one time he just called me out of the blue. Mike is amazing at that too. He even call like, he keeps me on his list too. He's amazing. And I love that. Yes. You know what I mean? And he didn't have anything like, oh, here's what's going on in the market today. This and that. He was just like, hey. How's how how are the kids doing? Yep. Like, hey. Fine. It was maybe, like, thirty seconds. And he was like, okay. Well, I just wanna say hi. I'm like, cool. I felt, like, so appreciated. Like Yes. And I was like, he thought to just give me a call and say what's up. Yes. You know what I mean? Didn't ask for anything. Didn't, like you know? It was just kinda like, hey. And I will always, like you know, he's just he's always on my mind, Like, real estate stuff. I'm like, yeah. My my buddy my buddy, Mike. You know? Yes. Um, it's just crazy. Like, it has such a profound impact that people don't don't even realize people do, you know, but there are some that don't. They're scared. I I I only say that because I've worked I I that would again, that was my job, and I would sit out. We had called it the bullpen, but I would sit out there, and I I would say, hey. I'm gonna be doing calls for two hours. If anybody wants to sit out here with me and call their database, let's do it. I'm here. And it was very rare that I had people in there with me doing it. Yeah. Um, but when it did happen, it was very powerful. Like, I I think people seriously under I think it's a combination. You underestimate how powerful it is, but you overestimate how much people are thinking about what you're gonna say. There is no expectation. If you don't set the expectation and if you don't call them and say, hey. Oh, I'm just calling for this, this, and this. They're not gonna know one way or the other, just like you said. He cares about you. He called me, and he thought of me. That like, that's the first step. Yeah. So yeah. Now if it was, like, you know, once a week Yeah. You know, be like, alright. My backup. Yeah. That's funny. Um, cool. Uh, so there's there's always, like, a you know, when you take a big risk, you know, there's always pressure. You know what I mean? Like, especially on your family life. But, like, you know, you got two young kids. You got a husband. You know? This this established career. You know, what were what were the stakes for you, like, personally and professionally? Like, if if Quantum Homes, like, did not succeed, I mean, what were you looking at? Like, how did how did you prepare your family for for this transition? So we didn't have a lot of time to prepare, honestly, because of how unexpected it was. And I would also give the caveat that I don't feel necessarily like we are we're not where we wanna be. I see us. I see the path, and I feel like we've had a lot of success in a very short time, but I still see a lot of runway ahead of us. Um, but I will say my husband is incredibly supportive, probably much more supportive than I deserve. Um, but he basically said, like, we're gonna figure it out. Like, I don't care what you need to do. If this isn't for you and they're not supporting you where you need it, then that's not for us. Mhmm. So it was I mean, within a week, he was helping build out websites and helping get stuff set up. You know what I mean? So, like, that the family support, my my parents were incredibly supportive. Like, I think for me, it's my I am my own worst enemy every single time. Like, I set goals, and I intend to hit like, any of my friends will tell you. I set wildly outlandish goals. It's just my thing. Um, but I have this deep sense of failure when I don't hit them. Mhmm. Um, so for me, it's just trying to keep into perspective. Like, this is a new business. You're not an expert at being a business owner. Yeah. And it's gonna take time. Yeah. And it's gonna take patience, um, and most of all, consistency. So Yeah. Yeah. I'm trying to keep the mindset of consistency overall. Yeah. I I think the consistency part is something that a lot of folks, like, just kind of overlook. Like, it that is huge. Mhmm. It that in so many different areas, it's it's so interesting. Like, just, like, take, for example, like, the videos, like, YouTube, like, TikTok, all this other stuff. Like, there are people that have been consistent on posting their content, like, for five plus years, and then then it it takes off. And I I've talked to us before, but it looks like all of a sudden, something goes viral and then boom. Like, the it's like the money train. You know what I mean? It's just, like, insane. Yes. Most people, like, I post a couple of videos and, like, yeah. I'm not getting anything. I'm done. You know? And they give up. Yeah. I see that in real estate all the time. That's why Yeah. That's why the failure rate in real estate is ridiculously high. Yeah. Um, it's not an overnight thing, especially not in property management. I mean, before you have real success in a property management world, you're looking at a portfolio of even 50 is is small. You really 50 doors or more. That's when you really start to see some true long term success. So my my my spidey sense kinda ticked off a little bit when you said websites. So your husband builds websites? No. He does not build websites. Oh. That is not his profession. I thought I was like, oh, a tech guy. I'm like, oh, okay. This is I'm I'm a techy guy. So Yeah. He is very tech leaning, um, but, no, that is not his profession by any stretch. He's actually a, gosh, a talent recruiter for Signature Aviation. He does all of their, like, senior VP recruiting, um, talent acquisition, that that world. Yeah. That's cool. Yeah. It's it's a very interesting world. A lot of sim recruiting in general is has a lot of similarities to real estate. Yeah. But when you start going into those higher level, like, he was doing an assignment for their person who's working at the White House to do all of their private airlines and so so, yeah, there there are roles for him that are very complicated, and you've gotta make sure that the right person so these interview processes are months at a time. Wow. Yeah. That's intense. Yeah. Anyway so, no, he does not. He is helping me as a a very sweet favor. Oh, that's cool. That's cool. Um, kinda zooming in a little bit here on that exact moment you kind of like took that leap. So Mhmm. Kinda take us to February, like, 2025 when you, like, officially, you know, transitioned. You registered, you know, like, Quantum Homes. You're like, this is it. Where were you when you, like, like, it just it officially trans transitioned and, like, this was a thing. Like, this is official. Where was I mentally or where was I physically in the world? Oh, both. So physically in the world, I have been working I'm just using my home office right now because it's, you know, just me and what my other, um, my partner. And, um, mentally, I was probably not in the best space that I should have been for what was happening and how great this has ultimately become. But it's, uh, like I said, my failure sensitivity is very, very high, very, very low. Anyway, um, I'm I'm very sensitive to failure. Um, I felt like because I didn't finish the job that I wanted to finish at my old brokerage that I I had failed. Like, I felt like I failed my agents. I felt like, you know, I wasn't good enough. There was so many things that were going through my head at the time time I did this. So you've you felt that you were a failure because you didn't finish, like, your job at your last position? Yeah. So that our brokerage I don't I wanna be obviously respectful. Sure. The brokerage wasn't isn't in the best position. There's a lot of there's a lot of room for improvement both from a, you know, culture standpoint and from a monetary standpoint. And I felt like we were making a lot of progress. We were seeing some really, like, promising results as a result of everything that we were putting into the brokerage, um, me and my team there. And, again, it was not my intention to leave. Yeah. And it it felt forced, and I made a very quick decision just based off the circumstances that I was given. And it felt like I was choosing between the promises I had made to them and the promise I I was gonna make to my that I had made to myself about starting my team. Yeah. I can understand that. I mean, I I think that's a, you know, a sign of a good hearted, like, not only leader, but person because you're you're thinking about others. You know what I mean? Like, you know, leaving that behind. But at the same time, you know, like, you have your family to think about. You know what I mean? You have your own, you know, career path. Like, there's a lot of other things that go into it. And I yeah. That's that's a tough call, but I I don't know. I I I would I wouldn't beat myself up over too much. I got over it really quickly. I know. In the sense of, like, I am so much happier. I have so much less stress. Yeah. I get to pick up my kids from school every day. You know what I mean? So those things outweighed, you know, those fears very quickly. Yeah. Um, but there is still that lingering, you know, that question. Yeah. So it's interesting. It's not it's not a a bold journey without bumps in the road, roadblocks, those types of things. What were some of the unexpected challenges that you faced early on when making this transition? Um, like, into real estate, you mean? Um, into, like, opening up your The brokerage. Your brokerage. Um, well, I mean, it's you literally start from the ground. I mean, it was a challenge just to get the business, get, you know, the systems and processes in place. Obviously, I had done this for a very long time. Um, and but I was more in a leadership oversight process building standpoint. It's been very challenging to get back into the weeds of actually you know what I mean? Like, getting into the nitty gritty of your business. Um, so I would say that is definitely been a challenge. Getting the mindset every day that it's all on me. You know? I don't have anybody I can call when I I mean I mean, I do in the sense of I've got my partner. But in the sense of who's gonna make the ultimate final business decisions, it's all on me. You know? Yeah. Um, and then, again, just choosing between the safety of being paid a very good salary and not being guaranteed a penny every single month. I think that's probably, like, the biggest challenge. Yeah. Yeah. That the, uh, no salary and just commissions and bonuses, like, that's I think that's that's a risk for a lot of people, like, making that transition, especially if you're not, like, set up, like, financially and mentally for that because that's that's a roller coaster. Mhmm. Yeah. It's so funny because that's pretty much been my career my whole life. You know? Commissions, bonuses, like, maybe some salary here and there, but my wife just transitioned into a sales job. K. Um, she's been doing, like, life insurance over the phone for about six, seven months now, and she was a teacher for, like, ten years. So straight salary. Consistent. Yeah. Very knew what was going on. My jobs were always up and down. It was always like, what is going on? And I'm like Yeah. You know, I always kinda, like, knew what was going on, but it was kind of difficult, you know, to get get her used to it. Now she's in sales. She totally gets it. Yep. She understands. We're on the same page, which is awesome, um, because she's going through her commission stuff, and I'm like, yep. Summer some months are good, and some months are bad. It's an ebb and flow. Yeah. Yeah. It's I I will say I was blessed in even in my, um, position with Green Management Group to receive a salary there. Yeah. But the brunt of my income came from sales and Yeah. Ex yeah. Without question. Yeah. It's it's nice when they're up. It's great when they're up, but when they're down, you know? Like, we The meals change a little bit. Yeah. You always know when a realtor gets a commission check. Oh, yeah. It's beans and rice's, though. Yeah. Exactly. Oh, it's funny. What would you say, you know, kept you going during those really tough times? I would say my family, um, and my support system. Like, my circle is incredible. Like, b and I, for sure Yeah. And my friends. Like, my circle is is amazing. I that's how I got through. Yeah. Is it is it, um, is your circle primarily from BNI, or do you have, like, outside, like, organizations or groups groups that you're a part of that help you out? So I've been in real estate so long now that I've got, obviously, a huge group of realtor friends that I interact. But BNI is the only, like, network, like, official network that I'm involved in. Um, but I do have this way of my husband teases me. I make friends wherever I go. So I have a pretty good group of a large group of people that I know if I pick up the phone, I could call any of them at any time, and they'd they'd be there. There. Yeah. That's really blessed. Yeah. That's that's really, like, important to have. You know? Like, I I know people that don't have, like, an outside network. Mhmm. You know? Just friends. And that's tough, you know, if you don't. So Isolating. Yeah. Yeah. It really is. But it's so interesting because as soon as you break out of that and you start connecting with people, so many opportunities open up, so many doors. Like, I've been trying to do, like, tech stuff Mhmm. Like, for my job for the longest time and could not, like, get in in anywhere. And had I not, like, branched out, like, went into BNI and started, like, attending meetings, meeting people, talking to people, and, like, making connections, doing this podcast Mhmm. Like, that was, like, I would say, a catalyst to, like, a lot of other things. And now I have a job where I get to do code all day and, like, you know, work on cool AI stuff and, like, just my brain is just, like it's not even working. Like, there's so many times I'm still in the office, and, like, everyone else is leaving. I'm like, I'm still working. I'm still doing my thing. And they're like, okay. Alright. We'll lock up. I'm like I know it's so cliche, but, like, it's seriously when you're doing what you want to be doing. And I'm not gonna say, oh, it never feels like I'm working because that's just crazy. But, like, I don't feel drained at the end of the day Yeah. With what I do now. You know what I mean? I don't feel like, well, I didn't get anything accomplished. I don't feel like I made any, you know, any kind of impact. Like, that's a big thing to work so hard every day and not feel like you've moved the needle at all. Yeah. Um, I feel like that's what burns people out. Yeah. Yeah. Totally. It it really does. I still sell insurance, though. Yeah. Like, every once in a while, I get, you know, I get a policy I get to write, and I'm like, which is still kinda fun. Yeah. But you're doing what you wanna do. Yeah. Yeah. It's it's really cool, though, because, like, I'm doing the tech stuff in a field that I have a lot of experience in that I like doing. And, like, it almost is like a competitive advantage Mhmm. Because there are some things that I'm working on that I get to build that other tech agencies and whatnot really don't have the insight. They have to, like, go farm it out or, like, go do other research. I already know. Mhmm. Like, I already know my mind. I can cut through a lot of stuff and, like, just build. Like, this is really kind of fun. No. I I absolutely love that. And I I I know that feeling. It's an amazing and I think the world is a better place when people are doing not only what they're good at, but what they actually enjoy doing. Yeah. Because I don't think everybody enjoys doing what they're good at. Yeah. Yeah. That's that's a good point. Yeah. So when we look at the, like, bold moves in general, you know, they they often kinda, like, reshape how we define, like, what winning looks like, what success looks like. So how would you say your definition of success, how has it changed because of this journey that you've been on? Um, I think I'm reexamining what success looks like and and recognizing that everybody's success doesn't look the same. Everybody doesn't have this ideal that they wanna make millions and millions of dollars. You know? For me, I mean, it would be nice. I'm not definitely not pushing that away. Take it. Yeah. But, I mean, really, for me, success looks like having a balance in my life where I have enough energy at the end of the day to help my son with his homework, where I'm not drained, you know, at the end of the day, and I can't focus my time to my husband or my kids. Um, so me, personally, I think I know that if I take care of people and I commit to running the business the way that I I envision it, the way I see it, I believe the money will come. So I've gotten I've and in real estate, like, all they train you on is numbers numbers numbers if, you know, you gotta sell this much. So it's retraining my brain to understand that the money is a lag effect. Mhmm. And and the lead up to that is the happiness and putting in the type of work that I want people the the giving people the experience in my company that I want them to have. Yeah. It's I think I don't know if I read this somewhere or or where I I saw something where they're I know. It was like a recruiter I saw on LinkedIn. They were posting some something where he transitioned somebody who was making, like, 500,000 a year or something like that, but was, like, working an insane amount of hours. Like, was not home for his family for a job that paid, like, maybe, like, $1.50. So compared one fifty to 500, you think this guy's guy's not gonna take the job. The guy took it. Yeah. Because it offered basically his life back. Yeah. He was able to spend time with his family like you're talking about and not feel stressed and work like a standard, you know, work week, not, you know, a billion hours a a week. Yeah. There's there's a lot to that. There's so much. Yeah. You can't take the money with you. Yeah. I don't know that if people have figured that out. You can't take the money. So and though we want to be able to take care of our families and lead something and all of that, I would rather leave my children with knowing that I loved them and that I was there and I was present than to leave them with a bunch of money. Yeah. Yeah. Because then you end up with, like, spoiled rich kids. Right. Right. Who when when you're, like, 70 or 80, don't wanna, like, mess with you. Nothing to do with you. Yeah. I know I'm gonna be having some issues, like, you know, eating and, like, walking. We all will at some point. It's gonna happen. No. I'm just like, come on, guys. Like, uh Those experiences and that's something that I like, I'm trying to remember that those experiences like, you I saw some crazy statistic that you only get, like, 12 summer vacations or something like that with your kids. I don't remember. Don't quote me on the number. But it was less than 20 summer vacations with your children. And, like, that really was like, wow. That's crazy. Yeah. It's it's it's crazy. Like, sometimes I'll be, like, sitting down at the dinner table with my kids and and my wife, and we're eating. And it was funny. I I don't know what it was. My daughter, she's, like, eight. And she goes, okay. Let me tell you about my day and what happened. And I'm, like, I'm just sitting there, like, oh my gosh. Like, alright. Let's let's listen to this. But it's funny because you think about it. Like, how many more times is that gonna happen? Because, like, I'm I'm grown. I'm out with my own family. And then there's gonna be a time, like, they're gonna be gone and with their own family, and I'm not gonna, like, be around this. And it's like it's it's weird because in that moment, you're just like, oh my gosh. My kids, they like, sometimes they can be a little much, you know, but then you're like, wait a minute. Like, they're not here, but for how many years? Eighteen years? And Yeah. And that goes by like that. That a blink of an eye. Yeah. I can't believe how quick eighteen years goes by. Um, Yeah. It just really kinda makes you makes you think Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And there's there's this one, uh, social media video I saw. I I don't know how many years ago. It still sticks with me to this day. It's like this cartoon, um, stick like, not, uh, it's like stick figure almost type thing. And there's this dad, and he's, like, working on his computer. And the kid comes up, and he wants to, like he has, like, a soccer ball or football, and, like, dad's like Mhmm. And then then, you know, kid comes up. And as as it's growing, the kid's slowly growing up. You know? And the dad's still working on his computer, and he's, like, pushing it away, pushing it away. And then it kinda flips where the dad is older, and he's, like, coming up to his son to try to do stuff. And the son's like, oh, you know, go away. Go away. You know? And it's just like, I don't want that to happen to me. You know what I mean? And we don't realize it when we do it sometimes. Like, sometimes we truly are just in the middle of something. You're like, no. Not right now. And I understand that it can't always be helped. But I think the more you realize, like, that might be the last time they ever ask you to read that book or whatever that looks. You know what I mean? It Yeah. It changes your perspective. Yeah. I I remember I was I was doing something, like, some web stuff or coding something. And my daughter is like, can you read this book to me? And I was, like, in the middle of something. And I sat there for a second, and I was like, I wanted to, like, say, no. No. I'm I'm busy. I gotta do this. But then I'm like, well, dang. Like, how many more times am I gonna have to, like, read her a book? So, like, I, you know, I stopped, and I I read her the book. You know? And and and that, like, it took, like, what, two minutes? Mhmm. You know? But for her It means the world. Yeah. Yeah. You know what I mean? Like and I just it's really hard to, like, get that perspective, like, in times where you're just, like, you're stressing out and you're like because it's so easy to snap and be like, no. No. You know? And and then sometimes I do. Sometimes I'm like, oh, no. And then I'm thinking, uh, and then I go back. Yeah. And I I do the same thing. And I I felt that in my previous job job where I would you know, I'd come home. I'd have to change and then go right to, you know, another event, completely miss dinner, haven't seen them since they've been home. And then, of course, you wake up in the morning, and you're back to the same flow. And it's one thing for that to happen one week, but that when that's happening week after week after week, like, it it's yeah. I had to reexamine where the priority was. Yeah. It's it's it's tough. Yeah. So let's kind of talk about, like, some what ifs. So, like well, not what ifs. Like, if when we look at the bold moves that we haven't taken yet, what's the bold move for you? What's the next bold move that you're probably maybe a little scared of or not sure or unsure of? Like, what's what's next, or what's holding you back if you haven't done it? So I think the next step will be to get a brick and mortar space and start recruiting agents underneath of us. You know, the platform. You know how brokerage platform works. So to start bringing on some agents under Quantum Homes, the the actual brokerage will probably be my next step. Um, as far as holding me back, I'm really trying to focus on getting the property management portfolio to where I wanna be. Mhmm. Um, now, realistically, where I wanna be is probably a very long ways away, but at least getting some stable footing under that part of the business before we expand to something else. How far do you think you are from where you'll actually, like, start bringing on other agents and opening up a brick and mortar. That'll probably be I'm hoping for next year. Okay. Yeah. That's cool. Yeah. Yeah. That's that's a big big step when you actually are bringing other people on. Mhmm. Because now it's like, okay. It's not just you. You know? Now you're got other people who have families and lives, and it's that's always the toughest part. You know? Like, running a business or just leadership in general is, like, now you're what you do and say affects other people. Yes. You know? And it can be, like, in a profound way. Yes. Just kinda crazy. And I don't think like, before I got into leadership, if you will, um, I didn't realize how much people, like, look to me or, like, want to hear what I have to say sometimes. I think I underestimate that. But I, like, any of the girls that used to work with me will tell you, like, I take my leadership very seriously. Like, I I take it it's almost I'm loyal almost to a fault where I put my people in front of me, um, oftentimes in most situations. Um, and not because, you know, a lack of self interest, but because I I again, I look at it as that's my job. And if they're not protected and they're not happy and they're not thriving, then what am I here for? You know what I mean? So Yeah. I don't think that's I don't think that's a bad thing. And and it's funny, like, I I I've seen that in the military. Mhmm. And I and I that's a really good thing, I think. Like, I I've done that where, like, I've I've stood up for some of my soldiers. Because, like, because I don't know if I mentioned to you, like, I'm the national or the army guard army guard, and, like, as an officer, like, you're kind of, like, you know, you've got soldiers who work for you, and then you got higher up officers, and you're kinda like this in between. You know? Yes. Yes. And there's a lot of officers who kind of, like, don't really stand up for their people, and I tend to I tend to do that and kind of I don't make good friends because, you know, I stand up for some of my people. Mhmm. Um, but it's it's just interesting because, uh, my, uh, wife's, uh, uncle is a retired, uh, lieutenant colonel from the army. And he I remember this story sticks with me, like, to this day all the time. But he, uh, told me when he first got, you know, commissioned his first unit, like, he had soldiers, you know, like, that were having some issues. There was, like, a race thing going on. Mhmm. And his commanding officer was, like, trying to get him to, like, you know, basically punish this guy. And he's like, no. Like and I know why you're doing it. Like, you're doing it because you're you have a race issue, and I'm not standing up for it. And he's, like, stood up to this, you know, higher ranking officer, um, and, you know, kind of got his career tarnished a little bit. Um, but, you know, he doesn't regret that. And it's just that one of those things. It's like, you know, you think of other people and, like, the the situation and you don't think about yourself. You know what I mean? Because, like, seriously, like, careers get messed up. You know what I mean? But Oh, I yeah. I I know. But I think, like, what my my soul and my conscience and everything, I think, is a little bit more important at times. It's like I can't For me, like, my my parents, my mom will laugh when she hears this, but, like, I have always had this problem. And now, again, we're talking about the Internet and learning things about ADHD. I have very extreme justice sensitivity. Have you looked into that at all? Look into that. So, essentially, if I I have a compulsive need, if I feel like something is not right or the some somebody's being bullied or or something in those situations where I feel like injustice is happening, it is a compulsive thing. I will instantly jump up. I'm that person. If I see something happening, you know, out in public, I will say something. Like, that's just who I am. It's who I've always been. I got in a lot of trouble in school for that. Um, but, like, I I have a fundamental need to stand up for people. Like, it I I I don't know another way to explain it. Yeah. That's interesting. I didn't know that was, like It's a thing. Yeah. Yeah. And it it bothers me. Like, I mean, I'm that person. Like, if I see a bunny on the side of the road, I'm gonna you know, I'm that person. So yeah. But you know what? Who's gonna do it? And that's the way I think. Like, if I don't help, who everybody else is just gonna do the same thing. Yeah. And I feel like a lot of the problems in our world right now are a lack of people standing up for what's right. It doesn't matter what they look like. It doesn't matter what their politics are. Right is right, and wrong is wrong. Yeah. And in my world, it's very black and white. And I understand there can be gray areas. You know, there's nuances always, but there are certain things that are just nonnegotiables for me. Yeah. No. That Always happen. Yeah. No. That that makes sense. I've I've done that too. Yeah. But you're you're kinda like, no. That no. This this ain't right. No. I ain't going down. Exactly. I think that's important. I really, if that's a syndrome, I don't I mean It's not yeah. I'm gonna keep it. Yeah. I mean, I think that's a that's a positive trait. I mean, I don't see it as a negative. Who gave it the term, like, syndrome or something? It's just in justice sensitivity is the, like, proper term for it. Oh, okay. Now it's not necessarily it's not labeled good or bad. It's just you have you are very sensitive to things that you feel are not right. You know? That's cool. It yeah. I I you can see where mom already thinks. It's a lot again, back to that undiagnosed, it explains a lot of things growing up. Yeah. Yeah. That's that's funny. Um, awesome. So these are gonna be some, like, quick fire questions. Yeah. Um, what would you say is your favorite book, podcast, or even resource that kind of, like, inspires you to be bold? Um, I've got a few. Um, I'm a big Brene Brown fan. Oh, okay. Um, so, essentially, anything by Brene Brown. Um, I just believe that if the world had a little if if we were all a little more vulnerable and willing to communicate a little bit more about what we're feeling, I think the world would be a better place. Yeah. As far as podcast, gosh. I I'm not gonna lie to you. I probably consume anywhere from 10 to 20 podcasts a week. No exaggeration. Um, so for me to try to pinpoint it down is hard, but I will will tell you, I'm very, like again, back to my justice sensitivity. A lot of politics, I try to stay really informed on current events, um, but I also do a lot of research and maintenance on my ADHD. So a lot of, um, self help ADHD focused stuff Mhmm. Um, is kind of my jam. And then, like, Empire Builders is a great, um, women's focused business building podcast. So yeah. The on the ADHD side, what kind of podcasts or resources do you listen or you're looking at there? So I do a couple admittedly, a lot of mine are very female focused because there's a hormonal component in ADHD that I like to have that nuance included in the conversation. Um, so ADHD women's well-being podcast is something I listen to on a weekly she does it, like, twice a week. Um, the ADHD lab is another really good one. Um, I could send you a list, but there's a lot like, if you just search ADHD focused podcast, there's a ton of research out there and different resources that they bring into their podcast. Tons of stuff out there. Interesting. Yeah. I I always like looking at and researching that sort of thing too because it's it's just I think it's fascinating. Like The maintenance is crucial. For me personally, like, I have to I know it sounds crazy, but, like, every day I have to remind myself, like, oh, yeah. You have ADHD, and, like, you are going to forget this. Like, you must do these things to be successful in your life, let alone your job. So It's so funny. My my son, he was like, dad, remember because of my ADHD? Like, I'm like That's me. My husband's like, yeah. We know. Yeah. Like, oh, yeah. That's right. Yeah. That's funny. Um, what's the best piece of advice that you've ever received? Gosh. That's a hard one. Um, the best piece of advice I probably got was to and I'm summarizing. But essentially, show up, do the work, be kind, and the rest will come. And, yeah, not really to think about the in betweens, think about doing your best every single day, and not think about what comes after that. In in one word, how would you encourage someone who's maybe, like, listening right now to be bolder today? Consistency. Oh, I love that. Yeah. Consistency. That's that's a really good one. Um, I wanna I wanna, uh, recap on a question because I totally I totally missed it. Uh, I really like this question though. Um, but it's if if you could talk to a version of yourself from the past, um, like, let's say before you're taking your your big moment, like, what would you say to what would you say to yourself? I would probably tell myself as I do most of the time to stop overthinking and just let the universe happen. Just to have enough faith that it's gonna work out and to just let it happen. Nice. Cool. Um, where can people find you? Or how can they how can they follow you? Like, do you have your socials? Like I do. Um, I am Asia Gingras on g I n g r a s on Instagram. And then we are Quantum Homes on both Facebook and Instagram. Very cool. And is is there, like, anything that we didn't cover that you wanna share before we wrap? Um, I would say, yeah. Just a little shout out to people either in the real estate field and feel like they're not making any progress or traction or people looking to get into it, um, again, consistency. Show up, and even if it's one phone call. If all you can do is one phone call a day, then show up every single day and do that one phone call consistently. Did you do coaching? You were coaching? I did. Yeah. Interesting. Okay. Yeah. So my whole so my whole role as a team leader was essentially to coach and grow the agents. That was, like, the whole overarching role. Yeah. Yeah. And I'm gonna start in I start in July. I'll be teaching pre licensing at South Mountain Community College. So super excited for that as well. Yeah. Okay. So So I'll add teacher to the list, which is like insane. No. I shouldn't be anyone's teacher, but Oh, that's awesome. Um, very cool. Well, we're also gonna have a guest page for you Awesome. On our website on the bold news pod podcastaz.com. So there'll be a special spot for you there. All your socials will be there too. If anyone can't find you, then they can just go there and all your stuff will be there. Um, but yeah. No. It's been amazing having you on the show. I'm glad we got to connect and you got to share your journey and your story and, uh, yeah. It's been it's awesome. Yeah. Thank you for having me. It was really fun. Yeah. Very cool. Awesome. Well, that is the Bold News Podcast with Asia Coleman, and, uh, we are out.