As I look back, think, and reflect on the year of 2020. I saw and anticipated so many opportunities oozing with potential early on, and I watched each thing I seemed to look forward to get derailed in an even more complex and elaborate way than the last.
I’ve learned a lot this year.
My intentions early on embodied expansion. Training new groups of agents to the best of my, and my teams leads, strengths and abilities. To practice real estate the right way. With the highest level of standards in mind, over the top client relations, and excelling in service.
The year was off to what felt like a record breaking year for me (in terms of volume, statistics, and expansion). As news began to spread about the pandemic we collectively did what we’ve been trained to do; adapt to survive and succeed. Several members (new and old) expressed concerns about working; in fear of being part of the problem (even though we followed preventative directions). I respected each members individual decisions (as each member runs and is responsible for their own business). It quickly became clear that my marketing budget was set for a fully performing and participating group. I made the executive decision to scale back the marketing and focus on quality and efficiency (you know, as it should be). Though I wanted to help as many people as I could; I made the conscious choice to not spread myself too thin to aim towards longevity.
During this transition I was torn between expanding the group with agents that did want to work and commit themselves to the business I was (and am) fully committed to, and the thought of buying time until the agents I committed to were ready to retake the reins and pick up where they left off.
It felt like I couldn’t make a right decision in this aspect of my business because there were additions that felt rushed. While other instances I waited in vain; turning out to be more excited for their return and their businesses than they were, and it became more and more apparent. This lead to the cycling through members in an attempt to seek out the chemistry I believed we had not even months prior.
Through these challenges I continued to run my business and prioritized taking care of my clientele; focusing on their needs, all the while remaining grateful for their trust and the opportunity to once again do right by them.
Running a group is one thing; navigating through a pandemic is much different.
Slowly, the agents approached me in the form of addressing the topic of being ready to come back to work. I had switched platforms to accommodate for the larger and expanding group, and as I went to bring the marketing back to where it was when the year began; the platform made less and less sense. My agent count was depleting. I tried be as patient as I was understanding. I was met with many forms of disconnects that each weighed heavier on my mind. I wanted to do right by every single one of them; despite each of them wanting something different. Still, I put my client’s needs first and pressed onward.
Meanwhile my parents each began making life altering plans of their own (only some of which were by choice). My mother prepared her home to list as her life and goals were pointing her in the direction of Oregon (where she currently resides). My father on the other hand would call me every few days or so to complain about the smoke and fires up north. He expressed difficulty breathing, experiencing anxiety attacks, and blaming everything going on in the world for putting him in a funk. He hadn’t seen clear skies in longer than he could recall. The fires were getting worse and everyday he became more antsy. Antsy fed into anxiety. Anxiety turned into depression. I had invited him to come stay down here in Vegas with me until he got his head straight. As the phone calls turned into daily occurrences; my requests and invitations evolved into demands – “Get out of there”!
He finally listened and came out in the middle of Sept. Right away he began expressing physical trouble going up and down my stairs. His anxiety seemed to be improving, but the complaints were now about his feet (swelling/numbness). By the end of Sept. He literally couldn’t take it anymore and asked that I take him to the doctors (at 9pm). We went to the ER where they performed hours of tests on him while I was forced to wait in the lobby (due to covid). He was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and before we could comprehend anything more they had an ambulance on the way to transport him to the hospital. I wasn’t allowed to accompany him or drive him myself (also thanks to covid).
The fact that my father was and has been struggling with a life threatening issue while being none the wiser, somehow knowing we had to see a doctor that night, and choosing to go to the ER helped us catch it in time and very well may have saved his life. After a few tests the following day and meeting with the other heads of the departments – they scheduled him for open heart surgery. Suddenly, all of the group related issues became microscopic. There was no trial and error. The doctor asked me if I would be there for him through this and the answer was clear. Without a second thought I agreed.
My next move was acknowledging my brotherly duties and informing my sister. I asked her not to be alarmed but please book your ticket to town. With the new hospital restrictions in place; we were not able to visit him at the same time, so we switched off. In the beginning of Oct. he had a double bypass, a heart valve replacement, and a decalcification procedure simultaneously. They had to crack his sternum to make this possible; leaving him without the ability to do much for himself. I would visit him daily, bring him food, watch his dog, all while doing everything I could for the clients I was still representing at the time this caught us all off guard. I’m so incredibly grateful for the surgeon and his team for their tireless efforts and successful methods. Also to my clients for being so understanding in times I haven’t felt more helpless in longer than I can remember. Thank god – the procedure was a resounding success!
Where I had previously been blessed to be busy… my blessings began to change. October and November were spent and dedicated to getting everything set up and in order for his optimal recovery. During that time, though I was busy taking care of him, I was suddenly very aware of what many local hard workers and small business owners have had to experience (and hopefully endure) during this year of 2020. “What if this cost me all of the momentum I’ve built over the last decade?” … would it all have been for nothing? Beginning to fill with doubt and fear myself, then watching jobs and entire industries that Las Vegas is famous for being labeled as essential and non-essential. Having to see friends and clients adapt from working all day or night to being forced to stay home, master “zoom” meetings, and relearning how to help teach their children in the name of health and safety slowly diluted my confidence as well while empathy began to tear me apart further still.
Everything became very real, very fast. Dad became relentless in his uphill battle for recovery (now walking 4-5 miles a day) without feeling significant improvements. Witnessing blind faith in action is quite inspiring. Normally, this is one of my busiest times of the year. My clients were incredibly understanding. I finally began taking calls again at the end of November. I was able to work almost every day in December, but more importantly, dad is up and looking better every day!
I’m focusing on my dad’s health and quality of life (at least while he’s here with me). I learned I don’t have to work 24/7 to still make my clients happy and know I’m still always available for them. I’ll never regret taking that step backwards for family. Choosing to do right by someone that’s always been there for me. I know he would have done the same for me, and I hope one day I’ll be blessed with a child that would do the same for me (though I also pray they’d never have to).
With those two months “off” this will no longer be a “record breaking year” for me. But I’d rather have my parents alive, well, and where they want to be. If that means settling for a second or third “best year” I would gladly make the trade every time. I’ve learned that about myself this year as well, and to me, that says the most.
This new lease on life has made my dad look at life with a new level of appreciation and admiration, and in retrospect, I wouldn’t have found this depth of gratitude in those group members that didn’t see value.
As Leonardo Da Vinci would say – “Sapere Vedere”. I am beyond grateful to not just see, but to know how to see. May sight shine light on all of our blessings as we carry positivity into the new year.
🔎Your Sherlock 4 Homes🔍
James McGuire | S.171591
The McGuire Group | Signature Real Estate
📱 702-280-3410 | Sherlock4homes.com
📧 Sherlock4homes@gmail.com
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