Greg is the owner/broker of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Alliance in Witchita, Kansas. He is also a former medic for the United States Army.
1. Which of our BHGRE® P.A.I.G.E. (Passion, Authenticity, Inclusion, Growth, Excellence) core values do you identify with most, and why?
Passion. It’s appropriate that passion is first in PAIGE – everything else flows from our passion for this industry and our clients. Who can be ingenuine if they are passionate? Who can exclude, or shun growth if they are passionate? Who can be mediocre if they are passionate? FIRST: Love what you do, everything else is easy…
2. What are your favorite qualities in a customer?
Passion, again – but my customers are Real Estate Agents, so I want them to be as in love with this industry as I am. If I were still selling, it would be the ability to be open. Sharing details about what you like/dislike and what works. Tell me what’s going on.
3. What is the one characteristic that’s helped you the most in your career?
Persistence: You can’t just try something, you must DO IT! I never fail, I have set backs, or bad timing, or opportunities to learn from. But I’m going to do it.
4. What was the last book you read?
People read???? Honestly, I’m a voracious skimmer. I read synopsis of books, I read articles, I read blogs. I’ve purchased a lot of books to read, but rarely finish them. I’ve absorbed so many ideas and thoughts, it’s hard to just enjoy a book.
5. If you were not in real estate, what would you be doing?
Laying in a ditch homeless? I really have no clue. I’ve discovered in life that hobbies I enjoy (music, photography, soccer as examples) aren’t much fun when they become your business. I love to travel, but people don’t pay me to travel. And I’m choosy, I don’t want to travel to cold places….
6. What was the last song you heard that you couldn’t stop humming?
TOUGH ONE – because I hear a song on the radio, sing with it, sit at the piano and work out the chord progression. Then move on. Probably the one that sits with me the most right now is an old song “Hooked on a feeling”. Blue Suede did a nice version, but I like slowing it down a lot and dropping the “Uga Chucka”. Don’t worry, I never sing in front of anyone but my wife.
7. Who is your real-life hero?
George Wayman (you’ve never heard of him), my old boss. The second would be Elton John. Inspired me to teach myself piano. Wish I had his classical background.
8. What is your favorite motto?
“It’s Job Security” (said whenever an agent tells me how hard they are working on a transaction) or “Want is good, helps build character” (generally used on my children).
USED in the family – “if they’re not laughing, it’s not funny”. Also “Do you know who Rosemary Clooney is”?
9. If you could sell a home in any market in the world, where would it be?
Hawaii. Preferably Maui on the Kahana Shores. My second choice would be Kauai around Poi ‘Pu beach.
10. What advice would you give your younger self starting out in real estate?
Be fearless. Learn. Don’t care what people think so much. Listen more and react less. You aren’t nearly as dumb as others can make you feel. You are in control of your own feelings, no one can make you feel something.
