Starting out young and having a passion for doing something you love has been a life-long dream. Being young you have to prove yourself worthy of business opportunities that otherwise age and experience often win out. This raises the bar for success and requires you to work harder, work smarter and have an unwavering desire to succeed. Some say starting young is a disadvantage, we think it played a big part in the success we enjoy today.
SHAWNNA: Real estate is more than just in my blood, it’s what I’ve dedicated my whole life to. I started in the mortgage industry when I was 18 years old and immediately knew I was in the deep end. Right away I had to prove myself, an 18-year-old doesn’t exactly invite credibility when you’re looking for a loan. I hunkered down and learned everything that I could about not only that industry but real estate as a whole. I went above and beyond to become an expert because it was the only option.
After working with Mike, we became a team in all things. Having 4 children made us be creative with a work-life balance. Time with our kids growing up we remember fondly, we went on camping trips, had family dinners, spent as much time together as we could. To this day we enjoy looking back on those years and all the ones to come. Our kids are a true blessing and now we get to enjoy 4 beautiful grand-children.
All those years ago when our kids were still young, while we were creating that balance, I continued to work hard, just like I did when I first started out. I still do, I always bring my drive to not just be an expert but maintain an expertise on everything in the industry from mortgage banking to escrow, title and more. Though the reason has changed; it’s not about proving myself anymore, it’s about doing everything I can for my clients who I value and appreciate the opportunities they give me. For me, Real Estate has created life-long friendships with our clients that I am truly grateful.
MIKE: Starting young and being part of a family retail business is easily one of the most rewarding and beneficial lessons I have ever learned. I started work at the young age of 14 and was mentored by my grandfather who taught me the value of hard work and the people skills needed to be successful. Business was written in my DNA, I worked at the store for 8 years learning all aspects of the business before acquiring a one-third ownership. I will always be grateful and honored to my grandfather, Neil S Hill, who loved me and taught me many valuable life lessons.
My desire to go further in life came from a valued customer of the retail store that was a successful Realtor. Each time he would come in I would ask questions and learn more about the endless opportunities of Real Estate. This leads me to get my Real Estate License and the path to a new career. The moment I was sure of my decision, I was thrust into a world of commission only sales with a growing family and a life-style I was accustom to. Immediately, I felt discomforted and fearful, I was used to a world of predictable success. But in spite of that, I was full of optimism, and a burning desire to succeed. Real Estate was one of the best and most rewarding business decisions I have ever made.
Over the years I have seen so many changes in the market and industry, but the basic fundamentals for success in Real Estate are the same. Work hard, work smart, be consistent, stay in touch with the latest trends and most important, value your clients always with the goal of exceed their expectations. This has served us well and rewarded us with our dedicated clients that call us for Real Estate advice, refer us their friends and family and honor us with their friendship.
Shawnna and I met young in our careers and first shared a friendship and passion for all things Real Estate. This soon became a partnership for life and a family that I will always cherish and be grateful to have. Starting in the Lending arena we grew a successful mortgage banking business together. Real Estate Sales were always a part of our business model and ended up being the path we were most passionate to pursue. As the Owners/Brokers of RE Home Source we love Real Estate and serving our clients. As a team, we get to work together, play together and spend quality time with our family and friends. We are blessed.
Two are better than one, because they have a better outcome. Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.
Mike & Shawnna Rogalla
