It’s a shame, but I suspect most Bloodhound contributors, couldn’t pick half of us out of a lineup. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve emailed or phoned, but for the most part we’ve never met. I’m maybe the worst off. I’ve met Greg Swann, Russell Shaw, and Brian Brady. 3 out of 13. To be fair, we’re spread all over the country. We’re in San Diego, Phoenix, Chicago, New York, Seattle, Tampa Bay, Atlanta, and Santa Clarita (CA).
I bring this up because we know each other through our posts. I’m a real estate investment broker who gets people to a superior retirement faster than they thought possible. Many of them are world class agents in residential markets. One is magnificent in marketing, and two or three thrive in the mortgage business. We also have a couple guys who are very successful real estate investors. What an eclectic group Greg has put together.
Yesterday I thought it was about time I had a normal conversation with these folks. I’ve spoken on the phone with Kris Berg and Doug Quance. I’ve referred to Kris, and been interviewed by Dough. As I mentioned earlier I’ve met Greg, Russ, and Brian. So I called Michael Cook. Our subjects covered college, investing, where to invest, developing solid business relationships, kids, and his career plans.
Here’s what I think I learned about Mike. He’s genuine. At 26 he doesn’t think he knows everything. How many of us can say that with a straight face? Not me, that’s for sure. 🙂 At that age I couldn’t carry his jock, and couldn’t understand why the world wasn’t beating a path to my door. He’s looking to learn at every opportunity. When he’s faced adversity he’s taken a lesson or two from it.
Read his stuff and try to imagine yourself at that level when you were 26. Are people staring because you’re laughing out loud? At that age I could dress myself nine times outa 10. 🙂 The only guy his age I know whom I’d dare compare him to is my son Josh. But that’s another story entirely for another day.
Don’t take Mike for granted because he has a chance to become a force on the national stage at some point. He’s too bright, humble, and hard working not to.
And when he does — Remember the BawldGuy said it first. 🙂
Michael Cook says:
Thanks for the glowing review, though I didnt expect our brief conversation to be an interview. I think everyone here is great and writing here has been a tremendous experience. I think the readers really benefit from all of the great perspectives. I know I certanily do.
On a more personal note, we also talked about the really interesting background everyone here has. I didnt get to mention that I played semi professional volleyball in California for two years after college. I think we should make a better effort to get to know each other a little bit more. Thanks for reaching out Jeff.
March 5, 2007 — 1:25 pm
Jeff Brown says:
For sure it wasn’t an interview, but I sure got a lot from it.
Semi-pro volleyball? If we’re ever on the other side of the net from each other I’ll be on the lookout for a facial. 🙂
March 5, 2007 — 1:50 pm
Jeff Brown says:
For sure it wasn’t an interview, but I got a lot from it.
Semi-pro volleyball? If we’re ever on the other side of the net from each other I’ll be on the lookout for a facial. 🙂
March 5, 2007 — 1:50 pm
Cathleen Collins says:
Uh, Jeff, am I really that unforgetable? 🙁
BTW, I haven’t talked to Michael yet, but I’ve been a fan since I read his post on Cook Squared. And only 26! Impressive!
March 5, 2007 — 6:14 pm
Jeff Brown says:
Here’s the problem Cathleen. I’m an idiot. You met me, so you know. 🙂
March 5, 2007 — 6:25 pm
Danilo Bogdanovic says:
I like that you give us younger ones credit when it’s due. I run across many agents much older than me (I’m 30 and been a real estate agent for 4 years) that automatically look down at me as though I have no idea what I’m doing. They always boast about how they closed 15 or 20 deals last year and how they’ve “been in the business for years”.
I usually just chuckle inside and proceed to negotiate them into a corner, take their client’s money and pass it on to my clients and then tell them to do some research on agents that they’re doing business with before assuming anything.
I google and search the local MLS’s roster for every agent I come into dealings with so that I know how much business they’ve done in the past 12 months and overall as well as what type of business they’ve done (rentals, listings, buy sides, condos, high end properties, etc). This lets me know who I’m dealing with and how to approach them.
To all those that think age is the only indicator of preformance, think again. There’s a new breed of agents in today’s real estate industry. We’re hungry, motivated and learning faster than ever with the technology and information at hand.
Congrats Mike and keep us “youngin’s” looking good!
March 9, 2007 — 11:33 am
Jeff Brown says:
Danilo – Thanks for my belly laugh of the day!
You think you get pigeon-holed for being young at 30? Try being 23 with five years experience. Talk about a stealth fighter jet with smart bombs. 🙂
Your experience with these bozos reminded me of so many of own fond memories.
Good luck to you.
March 9, 2007 — 1:00 pm