"My service in the military helped me build a solid foundation and work ethic. The decline in the real estate market has helped me focus on the fundamentals and personal relationships. There were tons of home owners that were upside down on their mortgage. I extended my hand to struggling home owners. It meant sometimes having to face the bad news with them and handing over the keys and losing the dream. Sometimes it was helping them realize that the glass was half-full and getting them to start taking advantage of the many real estate opportunities."