Ray is an affiliated agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Advantage Realty and a United States Veteran with a distinguished military career serving in the Special Operations Command Pacific (Camp Smith, Hawai‘i), Joint Intelligence Operations Command (Makalapa, Hawai‘i), Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (Djibouti City, Djibouti), Joint Interagency Task Force West (Camp Smith, Hawai‘i) and Seal Delivery Vehicle Team – One (Pearl City, Hawai‘i) . Ray is a recipient of the Joint Service Achievement Medal recipient 2007-2009, 2011 and Navy Achievement Medal recipient 2006.
1. Which of our BHGRE® P.A.I.G.E. (Passion, Authenticity, Inclusion, Growth, Excellence) core values do you identify with most, and why?
I identify with Authenticity. I believe in advising clients and communicating the truth, even if it’s not what they want to hear. Provide a realistic perception.
2. What are your favorite qualities in a customer?
Understanding that I am on their side; Ability to communicate and provide feedback in order to work toward their goals and objections.
3. What is the one characteristic that’s helped you the most in your career?
Finding common ground.
4. What was the last book you read?
It’s the Will, Not the Skill: Principles and Philosophies of Success as Seen Through the Eyes, Mind and Heart of Herman Edwards, Head Coach of the New York Jets, by Jim Tunney. It’s about the people and lessons learned that helped Coach Edwards be successful and his knack to pay it forward.
5. If you were not in real estate, what would you be doing?
In the US Navy, serving my country.
6. What was the last song you heard that you couldn’t stop humming?
Feels so Good by Chuck Mangione
7. Who is your real-life hero?
Care-givers for individuals (kids & adults) with special needs.
8. What is your favorite motto?
I can’t think of one that’s civilian appropriate!
9. If you could sell a home in any market in the world, where would it be?
Hawaii. It’s about connecting with its people (melting pot of ethnicities) and being a part of the culture and community.
10. What advice would you give your younger self starting out in real estate?
You have to be all-in and commit to being the best you. Serve your clients well. You are only allowed to make the same mistake once. Join an organization that puts people first, the money will come. You gotta love helping people. Real Estate will always be a people business, know your client, know yourself and know your market.
