When I think back on my early twenties, I remember a life filled with travel, competition, and constant movement. I spent years touring the country as a fitness model and representing import model cars with sponsors. Each city brought new challenges, new people, and new lessons. At the time, it was exhilarating and exhausting all at once. I didn’t realize that those experiences on the road were quietly preparing me for a career I would later embrace in real estate.
Both touring and real estate are built on one central principle: connection. On the road, success depended on the relationships I built with sponsors, event organizers, and fans. In real estate, it is all about the relationships you cultivate with clients, colleagues, and the community. In both cases, listening is more important than talking. Understanding people’s needs and anticipating what they are looking for allows you to provide meaningful value.
The Art of Presentation
One of the biggest lessons I learned from touring was the importance of presentation. Whether I was at a car show or a modeling event, the way I carried myself, the way I spoke, and the way I interacted with people mattered just as much as the work itself. Attention to detail and professionalism were key. You had to make a lasting impression in a short amount of time.
In real estate, the same principles apply. Open houses, client meetings, and showings are all opportunities to leave a lasting impression. The smallest details, from how a home is staged to the way you communicate with clients, can make all the difference. Touring taught me to notice what people respond to, to anticipate needs, and to showcase both products and myself in the best light possible. Those skills translated seamlessly into helping clients find homes and guiding them through one of the most important decisions of their lives.
Adaptability on the Go
Life on the road requires constant adaptability. Travel delays, last-minute changes, and unexpected obstacles are part of the experience. You learn to stay calm under pressure, to think creatively, and to adjust without losing momentum.
Real estate is just as unpredictable. Deals change, clients’ needs evolve, and markets fluctuate. Being able to adapt quickly while keeping a clear mind is essential. Touring taught me that challenges are not setbacks; they are opportunities to learn, adjust, and find a new approach. It also reinforced the value of patience and persistence, qualities that have served me well as a realtor.
Building Trust Through Consistency
On the road, sponsors and fans placed their trust in me because I showed up consistently. I met deadlines, maintained my professionalism, and represented brands with integrity. People remember reliability, and that reliability builds credibility.
In real estate, consistency is just as critical. Clients need to know they can count on you through every step of the process, whether it is a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor. Following through on commitments, communicating clearly, and showing integrity at every turn earns trust. Touring taught me that reliability is one of the most valuable traits you can cultivate, and it has been essential in my work with clients.
Connecting With People
Touring gave me the chance to meet people from all walks of life. Each encounter was different, and each person had a unique story. Learning to connect authentically, to listen without judgment, and to make people feel seen became second nature.
Real estate requires the same skills. Buying or selling a home is emotional and personal. Being able to empathize, offer guidance, and create a supportive environment helps clients feel confident and understood. Touring taught me that connection is about more than just conversation; it is about presence, attention, and care.
Finding Joy in the Journey
Touring life was exciting, but it was also tiring and unpredictable. Yet, there was joy in the movement, in seeing new places, meeting new people, and learning from every experience. That sense of appreciation for the journey rather than just the destination has carried over into my work in real estate.
Every open house, every client interaction, and every closing is part of a journey. It is about helping people navigate a significant milestone in their lives and being there to celebrate the wins, big or small. Touring taught me to embrace the process, and that mindset has allowed me to find joy in every stage of my career.
Looking back, I realize how much my touring life prepared me for real estate. Both require adaptability, attention to detail, strong relationships, and consistent effort. Both teach you that success is built on trust, empathy, and the ability to connect with others.
Life on the road showed me how to navigate challenges with grace, communicate with impact, and embrace the unexpected. Those lessons have shaped not only how I work but also how I approach life. Touring taught me that every experience, no matter how unpredictable, has value. And in real estate, I am grateful to carry those lessons forward every day, helping clients find not just houses, but homes, and building trust that lasts long after the keys are handed over.