101 Reasons Why I Am Here – Part III

(Read post I of III first)
(Read post II of III first)

In this three-part post, I have been recognizing those 101 people who have influenced me in my life and career. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I wanted to use this forum to show my gratitude and appreciation to all of them who have played a big part in my life.

Part I focused on the first two parts of my life, family and college. Part II allowed me to recognize the people who have impacted my role directly in my career – specifically in golf and real estate.

This last part will focus on those other people who have helped me in my journey in and around the real estate field. I’ll call this segment “Innocent Bystanders…or Accomplices?”

75) Kim Daugherty – The real reason I am in the role I am now is because of Kim. As one of the best real estate speaker/trainers in the industry, Kim was presenting at the Coldwell Banker International Business Conference in San Diego back in February 2002. Sitting in Kim’s session that day, I turned to #55 Fred Kierner and said, “That’s what I want to do. I want to be Kim Daugherty when I grow up.”

Long story short, three years later when our current company president, #46 Joe King came to town and asked me where I saw myself in 5 years, I said, “I don’t want to be a manager. I want to be Kim Daugherty.” Joe, having come to Ohio from Kim’s home company of Coldwell Banker Gundaker in St. Louis, knew of Kim’s skills and 6 months later, he gave me the opportunity to take over the role of Director of Agent Development for the two Ohio companies.

Kim has been a outstanding mentor and resource for any question or concern I have ever had. If I can “grow up” to be half the trainer and speaker that Kim is, my students and audiences will all be in for a treat.

76) Gary Kopco – Another wonderful educator and mentor who has reached out to help me get where I am today, offering materials, ideas and opportunities. His ability to create courses and facilitator guides is second-to-none.

77) Chris Leader, (78) John Hamilton, (79) Bryan Dodge, (80) Rich Sands, (81) Matthew Ferrara, (82) Amy Chorew, (83) David Knox & (84) Rick Deluca – While Kim and Gary are both great speakers, they also hold a similar role to me in their respective cities and states. Chris, John, Bryan, Rich, Matthew, Amy, David and Rick are all national speakers and trainers and a great source of inspiration for me as I continue to gain opportunities to speak to real estate audiences nationally. These speakers each deliver timely educational, inspirational and motivational messages that all share one thing in common – enjoy what you do!

85) David Horowitz – In the role of Director of Education with my parent company, David was my first contact in bridging from management into education. I had the opportunity to attend a three-day training session that eventually became the vehicle to show my educational and training skills.

86) Ron Willingham – Creator and founder of the Integrity Selling and Integrity Coaching programs that David invited me to attend and learn to facilitate. A very, very wise man who I always thought was a blend of UCLA coaching legend John Wooden and Forrest Gump.

87) Alice Taylor Baker & (88) Jerry Smith – Facilitators and trainers of the Integrity courses. They helped me understand how I could show people that sales was a worthwhile and meaningful career.

89) John Wdowiak, (90) Cheryl Stephan & (91) Kim Binkowski – Three of the coolest people you’ll ever meet. I shared the Integrity Coaching and Integrity Selling experiences with them and have maintained a wonderful relationship with each of them.

92) Jim Gillespie – The President and CEO of Coldwell Banker Real Estate. Never too big to talk to the common agent, Jim is a true leader of one of the largest, oldest real estate companies in the world. He takes time to listen to the members of his team, regardless of their role and voice. It’s always easier to sleep on a flight when you trust that the pilot is good at what he or she does. Coldwell Banker can rest easy with Jim Gillespie at the controls.

93) Rich May – While he is no longer in this role, Rich used to be the Director of Education for the Coldwell Banker brand. Rich was the first person to give me an opportunity to speak in front of a national audience at the Coldwell Banker International Business Conference in 2007 (thanks to a personal referral from #85 David Horowitz). The success I enjoyed at that event has allowed me to speak to more and larger audiences. As my mission statement says, “I teach with passion and enthusiasm, instilling confidence and excitement in my audiences.”

94) Patty Cullim – The person who put me on the calendar at that IBC event, and multiple more Coldwell Banker events, including the 2008 and 2009 IBC’s and the 2008 Global Management Summit. I really appreciate the opportunity to work with people like Patty who work so hard to ensure the event goes off without a hitch.

95) All of my students – I have had a chance to teach/present/speak to/ work with/ facilitate for thousands of people over the last several years. It has been a pleasure to work with each and every one of you. I hope you’ll continue to work towards your goals and have fun in everything you do. We’re very lucky to be in a career like real estate so don’t forget to enjoy it. Remember what I told you…”Live your life and let real estate happen in the cracks.”

96) Seth Godin – A brilliant mind who doesn’t always do things the way everyone else does. Regardless of what line of work you’re in, do yourself a favor and subscribe to his blog. He’ll make you think differently…which isn’t a bad thing.

97) John A. Miller – Author of one of my favorite books of all time – QBQ! The Question Behind the Question. I read it every New Year’s Eve so I can be ready to take personal accountability in the new year. Read it and you’ll see why he’s on my list of influential people in my life.

98) Jack Nicklaus – I don’t personally know Mr. Nicklaus, but the Golden Bear is from my hometown of Upper Arlington, Ohio. My first paying job was working as a caddy at Jack’s boyhood course, Scioto Country Club. I began playing golf at The Ohio State University Golf Club and am a member there today. On the wall of the pro shop hangs a plaque that reads “The Ohio State University Golf Club – Collegiate Home of The Greatest Golfer Ever to Play the Game.” Wouldn’t it be cool to have a plaque like that some day about you?

99) Tiger Woods – Once again, I don’t know Mr. Woods but he has had a huge impact on the way I do what it is that I do. He never settles for “good enough.” I use the video below in my presentations and speaking engagements. It’s from a 60 Minutes interview that Tiger did several years ago. Listen to Tiger’s answer to Ed Bradley when he asks why Tiger changed his swing.

Tiger inspires me to “become better”!

100) Steven & (101) Kristine Doster – My very first clients. We worked tirelessly to find them a house and, after putting 300+ miles on the car, we closed on a house in Pataskala, Ohio. Just think, if that hadn’t worked out, I wonder where I’d be now?

So that’s it. The 101 people who have had the most influence on me…to date. If you’re name didn’t appear on this list, don’t worry or get offended. I hope to have plenty of blog posts in the new year and beyond so you never know when I’ll run out of topics and maybe you’ll get mentioned then.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays to all of the readers and followers of The Realtor’s Toolbox. Perhaps you’ll be among those mentioned in my next list?

Until then…keep building relationships…solving problems…and having fun!