Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Sladek.
Hi Steven, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started off by going to SDSU and graduating with my bachelor’s in Political Science and minor in International Security and Conflict Resolution. As well as become a certified mediator through the National Conflict Resolution Center. Didn’t end up using my degree for anything. Stayed working with my family’s construction business. Finally left there to try out new things. Sold cars, worked my way into being a finance manager. Was among the top 50 salespersons with Ford in units sold and customer satisfaction. Despite success, dealership life ended up not being for me. Left there to try yet another career.
I was a business performance analyst for a company called ELITE selling coaching programs, sales training, etc for independent auto repair businesses. Turned out not to be the right fit either and was let go. At the time my first daughter was born so I HAD to make something work. I had just gotten my real estate license and decided to put it to work while running my own cleaning and sealing company. That was a trying year. New Father. New job. New Business owner. Running effectively two small businesses.
By the end of the year, I decided to stop chasing two rabbits and focus 100% on Real Estate. It paid off. I had a phenomenal 2020 and then just when I thought that was a great accomplishment, I am set to double that production by the end of 2021!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been smooth at all. In fact, it was terrifying at some points. We went through job changes and job losses in the middle of remodels and being pregnant. It was a very trying period for a while. The hardest thing was not having a clear direction or a direct path. Now that I look back in retrospect.
Every setback, hardship, hurdle, was strengthening me and pushing me in the right direction. Just following where my gut and opportunities would take me.
Once I finally landed in my current role, it wasn’t over. It still isn’t over but I know I am in the right place. After taking the leap that so many do and fail within the first year, I only completed two transactions. That is when I dissolved my other business and went all-in on Real Estate.
I now HAD to make this career work. Failure was not an option. I had to set up my business from the ground up and gain the trust and recognition of friends, family, acquaintances, and the general public. It felt like starting at square one all over again, which was discouraging.
Hurdles included…
-Finding the right brokerage that provided the level of support and name recognition I was looking for.
-Creating, capturing, and closing enough business to survive and reinvest into my business.
-Being “new” to the industry but still gaining the trust of clients
-COVID hitting in March of 2020
COVID hitting in March of 2020 was scary for business. Especially as someone relatively new. No one knew how it was going to affect the housing market. All kinds of extra paperwork, requirements, procedures, etc. A lot of the business producing activities were cut out by the DRE, It was a scary spot but I continued to double down.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Realtor Associate at Coldwell Banker West. We are one of the largest brokerages in San Diego County in terms of number of agents, number of transactions, and volume. I am a top producing agent that specializes primarily in listings. I am known for elaborate marketing plans that deliver exceptional results to my clients time and time again. In an industry that is saturated with agents, my goal is to elevate the industry standard by setting the bar high. Leading by example. Communication, follow through, and a high level of professionalism.
Regular constant communication so you aren’t wondering what is going to happen next. Following through on all items outlined in the listing presentation. Walk the walk not just talk the talk. A high level of professionalism is a must. If you are going to hire a realtor to sell your home you are going to want to hire a professional realtor. I negotiate hard for my clients to represent their best interests, but at the end of the transaction, my goal is to leave a lasting impression on all. The buyers or sellers, the other agent(s), title, escrow, etc. The goal is to leave them thinking to themselves. ” I wish more realtors were like Steven Sladek”
There is no sales gimmicks here. Just a pragmatic no-obligation approach.
Listing Consultation: No obligation to list. The worst that can happen is you have a better idea of what your home is worth and what it would take to sell
Buyer Consultation: No obligation to buy. The worst that can happen is you have a better idea of what it takes to purchase a home, what to expect, and actions items you need to accomplish to get there.
I am proud that I get to help people with one of the largest purchases in their lifetime and elevate my industry to a higher standard simultaneously.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is more of a collection of memories. It was watching my dad build a home for our family from the ground up.
Spending long summer days there and the excitement of wondering what it would look like when it was done. I guess I have always kind of had a love for houses and building them.
Pricing:
- Listing Consultation: Free
- Buyer Consultation: Free
Contact Info:
- Email: StevenSladekRealEstate@gmail.com
- Website: www.SladekHomes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevensladekrealtor/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC33D4BYAWZhfCcp1p4AHdWw
