Today, we’d like to introduce you to Thomas J. Nelson.
Hi Thomas, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I suppose real estate has always been my career. Both my parents and all of my grandparents worked in real estate sales, investing, and property management—it was the family business.
My maternal grandmother, Frances, was the first to introduce me to that world by bringing me along to deals when she was babysitting me. Her husband, my grandpa Al, was in property management. He taught me about real estate investing and light construction work like repairs, house painting, electrical, and plumbing. I helped them at their rental properties ever since I was old enough to hold a paintbrush.
While I continued to work in property management into adulthood, I was also pursuing a different passion: music. Though I play some guitar and drums, I found my real calling when I developed a knack for mixing music and started to do so at parties. When people began offering to pay me to DJ their events, I knew I had something. So, I did the research and started my own business at age nineteen.
For thirty years, I owned and operated Nelson-Entertainment, a mobile DJ & event planning company; now retired. It started as just a hobby, but since then, I’ve worked at over 2000 weddings in addition to a multitude of other events. I’m very proud to have built that business from practically nothing, and I learned a lot along the way about running a business and serving people.
Ten years into that DJ career path, I started working with my mother in her real estate business as well. Mom was also a developer, and I watched her use her skills to buy land and build houses. I still remember how impressed I was seeing her find contractors and deal with the red tape of the city. She built a whole housing community in San Mateo, CA, called Bay Landing.
But above all, I remember seeing the relationships she was building with her clients. These people treated her as more than just their REALTOR®. She was their friend. Those relationships, along with the birth of my son, Wyatt, inspired me to earn my sales license. I continued to work as a DJ and in property management while I built my fledgling real estate business.
In 2003, I moved to San Diego from The Bay Area with my bride, Ailina. We loved the atmosphere here—great weather and friendly people. We had fallen in love with La Jolla, and we felt that we had found the perfect place for a fresh start. For one thing, I enjoy being outdoors, whether it’s gardening, hiking, or golf. I also love to write and travel, but I wouldn’t want to live anywhere but San Diego!
I got lucky six months into my career when I met Brian Buffini of Buffini & Company Coaching. I started training under him immediately and began building what today, 25 years later, is my very relational Working By Referral business. It allows me to have fun, serving people while building mutual wealth for my clients and me. I get to impact and improve the lives of others!
And when it comes to my career, I count myself lucky to have the support of my brokerage at Big Block Realty. We share the same values, and it’s a great feeling to be a part of such a capable team while still working under my name and principles. I’m also proud to share that I’m never the same agent I was last year, I’m constantly improving my skills & services, due to my monthly professional coaching, quarterly boot camps and specialized advanced training.
I would love nothing more than to lend my knowledge and experience to help you with your real estate endeavors. Still, I don’t expect your business simply because of our relationship—I only ask that you take the time to interview me each time you have a real estate need. I would also appreciate your referrals: if you know someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call or text me with their name and phone number. I would be happy to follow up and take great care of them!
Buying or selling real estate is an enormously important transaction, and the representation you receive from your agent can have a significant impact on your results. I want to be the agent that’s the right fit for your needs, and I promise to work diligently to exceed your expectations.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One year into my career (2000) in The Bay Area, we suffered the Dot Bomb crash, a tech boom implosion that wiped out many of my Silicon Valley clients’ down payments. We got through that, and then I went through a divorce unexpectedly, which was difficult to work through… to put a smile on my face and care about others’ needs when I was in deep pain.
I fell in love, remarried, and moved to San Diego, where I knew no one, so I started completely over from scratch. Four years into this rebuild, we have an economic meltdown, The Crash hits San Diego, sooner than anywhere eslse in the country. My friends in the Bay Area didn’t know what I was talking about because it wouldn’t hit them for another six months. From 2007 to 20111, I had to learn how to become a distressed property expert while losing money and, again, smiling at people also in pain and telling them, “Everything is going to be alright.” While I myself was panicked inside about my own situation, I was worried I’d lose my house too.
Then, of course, we all got shut down in 2020 for the COVID-19 pandemic, which at first was devastating, but then the sun parted the clouds, and real estate agents got approved to be essential workers, and boy, did we get back to work!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Would you believe it? Before diving into the world of real estate, I wore many hats – from spinning tunes as a wedding DJ to running not one but four businesses.
Those experiences set me apart from the pack, granting me a unique perspective as a small business owner. Transitioning from orchestrating unforgettable wedding days to guiding buyers and sellers through their real estate journeys felt like a natural progression. Just as couples entrusted me with their big day, clients lean on me to deliver exceptional service as they embark on their homeownership adventures.
But what truly fills me with pride is the opportunity to serve those who serve us – our brave veterans and active-duty military personnel. Coming from a military family myself, I have a deep appreciation for their sacrifices and am honored to support them in achieving their homeownership dreams.
And let’s not forget our cherished seniors and retirees. Growing up with close ties to my grandparents, I’ve developed a profound respect and affection for this demographic. Assisting them as they downsize and enjoy retirement or find their perfect “snowbird” getaway (second home) brings me immense joy and fulfillment.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
At the tender age of 20, I found myself immersed in the world of sheet metal working, my hands deftly maneuvering the heavy machinery. But fate had other plans. In a harrowing accident, my hands suffered an 80% amputation in the unforgiving jaws of a 90-ton brake press.
For the next two years, I embarked on a grueling journey of recovery. Each day was a battle, each moment a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It was during this time that I learned a valuable lesson: never let anyone else’s limitations define your own. With unwavering determination and a refusal to succumb to despair, I forged ahead.
Through the trials and tribulations of my recovery, I discovered the true essence of tenacity. I learned that in the face of adversity, giving up was never an option. Life is fleeting, and wasting time on idle dreams is a disservice to oneself.
It is this indomitable spirit that I bring to my work in real estate. Challenges are not obstacles but opportunities for growth. As an adept problem solver and skilled negotiator, I approach each hurdle with a resolve born from my own experiences.
I made a promise to myself long ago: I would never quit on me, and I extend that same commitment to you. In the realm of real estate, as in life, I am steadfast in my dedication to achieving success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thomasjnelsonrealtor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tjnelson_realtor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThomasJNelsonRealtor/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasjnelsonrealtor/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TJNelsonRealtor
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ThomasJNelsonRealtor
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/thomas-j-nelson-san-diego-2
- Other: https://www.google.com/search?q=Thomas+J.+Nelson%2C+REALTOR%C2%AE+DRE%23+01261476+Big+Block+Realty&rlz=1C1RXQR_enUS1097US1097&oq=Thomas+J.+Nelson%2C+REALTOR%C2%AE+DRE%23+01261476+Big+Block+Realty&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRhAMgYIAhBFGDwyBggDEEUYPDIGCAQQRRhB0gEIMTE1NGowajGoAgCwAgE&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
