“Failure is never an option”
Starting out young means you always have something to prove to the world, and until you do – No one believes you have what it takes to be successful.
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 3 step-children, and later 1 together, made us be creative with a work-life balance. The time we had with our kids was time we wanted to 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, including our roles as grandparents now.
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 and more. Though the reason has changed; it’s not about proving myself anymore, it’s about doing everything I can for my clients.
MIKE: Being part of a family business is easily one of the most rewarding and beneficial lessons I have ever learned. I started work at the young age of 14, being the oldest child and only son. Business was written in my DNA. I have seen so many changes in the market and industry, many ups and downs and opportunities to fail – but Failure is never an option. No matter what! That is my mantra. I can never consider failure as a solution.
I came to this revelation during one of the most difficult, transitions in my life which later proved to be the “Golden Ticket” to the world of real estate where we are now living an idyllic life. After I made a well-thought-out decision to leave retail for real estate. I began to envision myself being successful at an unimaginable level.
The moment I was sure of my decision, I was thrust into a world of commission only sales with a growing family to feed. What in the world was I thinking? Immediately I felt discomforted and fearful, maybe even ashamed. I was used to a world of predictable success. But in spite of that, I pressed forward to my destiny, knowing that was the right thing to do. The rest is tangible history.
I laid eyes on Shawnna 33 years ago, I know we could do anything together. We met in the Lending arena and grew a successful mortgage banking business. After closing our company, we naturally transitioned to Real estate, becoming the Owner/Broker of Team Rogalla. Our ironclad business model to give back in a meaningful way to our buyers and sellers is driven by compassion and loyalty on behalf of those that have chosen to do business with us over their families and friends in the industry. We are honored.
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. Ecclesiastes 4:9 NKJV
With gratitude,
Shawnna Rogalla, Broker
Mike Rogalla, Broker Associate
