You’ve maybe met a ‘mega-producer’ or two. I’ve met my share, and in their own ways they’re all pretty impressive. Russell breaks the mold — no, he smashes the mold.
There are two things you realize after talking with Russ longer than a few minutes. He knows who he is and in what he believes. And he sports a world class mind. The subjects of our conversation were all over the map — then off the map and into another universe. The man has lead a varied life.
His laugh is a reward — and he spends it wisely. Turns out he knows funny better than most. The guy was a stand-up comedian, really. Came ‘this’ close to choosing that for a profession. I’d pay an entire commission to have seen just once how he handled hecklers. Talk about coming to a gunfight with a rubber knife. 🙂
He was on Phoenix radio for a very long time, and you can hear it in his voice. The second you hear him speak you’re jealous. How he ever got rejected on the phone is a mystery. But I also saw what I think he’s about in real estate.
He’s about doing the job, and doing it better than anyone thought possible, and more times than you and I could be persuaded to imagine possible – even for a team. His ultimate production goals have caused me to revisit my own. And I thought mine weren’t exactly burnt toast. He’s not about the money. He’s a gladiator who’s in love with the battle. And ultimately that may prove to be his winning edge. I’ve always embraced that approach — but he’s truly a purist.
On some subjects we were farther apart than Donald Duck and Darth Vader. I’d still rather debate with Russ than agree with most people I know. How many folks can you say that about?
Jeff Brown says:
Thanks to the good guy who pointed out a misspelled word. Isn’t ‘galdiator’ Koine Greek for gladiator? 🙂
December 7, 2006 — 8:05 pm
Kaiser Sose says:
This blog has turned into the “let’s stroke each others ego blog”. When are you guys going to post something intelligent? Or are Jeff and Greg too busy holding each others jocks?
December 7, 2006 — 11:35 pm
Russell Shaw says:
Hey buddy, I enjoyed our time together too! It was a REAL pleasure to meet you. I’m totally willing to say that in a post or in the comments section – but most importantly wanted to say it to YOU.
Your directness and candor on every subject is SO refreshing. People who will – with nothing held back – truly share their real views on ANY subject are quite rare.
December 8, 2006 — 12:42 am
realist says:
Hmm, you are able to pen a few self-serving posts since your promise to write that short post about your Win-Win article, but I have yet to see any post on your analysis of the win-win article. I am guessing you will “moderate” this post, so I am not holding my breath about seeing it. I own numerous multis and real estate is my living. Maybe I should be glad there are people like you out there who cheerlead real estate and get people to buy things they shouldn’t, raising market values. But I’m not. In my opinion, based on your posts and your failure to write a response to legitimate questions, you are a hack and shill who truly does not understand basic real estate fundamentals. You mislead people by overstating benefits (hmmm, 35% combined tax rate at 40k AGI), and minimizing actual and inherent risks of real property ownership. So, before I sign out, please think of me every time one of your clients calls you to tell you they need your help to get out from under the piece of crap you convinced them to buy.
December 8, 2006 — 5:02 pm
Jim Gatos says:
Realist…
Are YOU for real? Perhaps you feel maybe you regret buying a certain piece of property and now you are trying to blame everyone (of course the Real Estate agent is an “easy” target… everyone knows how “EVIL” us real estate agents are…).. What’s your problem?
This isn’t the late 1800’s and you’re not dealing with “snake oil” salespeople. If you feel the property was misrepresented to you call a lawyer… the Attorney General of the state you were dealing in.. In 20 plus years of real estate I can’t say I ever coerced anyone to buy anything. I just show them the merchandise and the information, and tell them to get a home inspection. If someone tries to get me (see? the problem I usually see is someone “wants” a property to be something that no one knows it can be).. to tell him or her that the property can do something, and I don’t know.. That’s my answer; I don’t know!.. Case in point: My best friend bought a piece of land in 1993 from me. He said to me; “Can I split it into 8 building lots?” MY ANSWER WAS;
“Gee, I really can’t say. You have to get the land surveyed and an engineer will tell you that, EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO SPEND THE MONEY FOR THE ENGINEER BEFORE YOU BUY THE LAND.. ” He says; “You want me to spend $1,500 for an engineer BEFORE I EVEN BUY THE LAND?”.. YOU’RE CRAZY!
So, he heard what HE wanted to hear and bought the land. After he bought it he hired an engineer.. and found out he could only get 4 lots.. not 8.. He started hollering. So I said to him.. “Hey! Didn’t I tell you the only way to be sure was to hire the engineer BEFORE you bought the land?” With his head hanging he looked at me and said.. “You’re right, you DID say that…”
Is that your situation? I don’t know and I can’t say. But I can say that there really are two sides to the coin. I am sick and tired of complaints about us “EVIL” real estate agents, I know I’m not such a bad guy. I didn’t read Russell’s situation and I’m not going to bother, but the majority of real estate agents? I don’t really think they “convince” anyone..Maybe in Arizona it’s different, but that’s how I see things in Massachusetts…
Sincerely,
Jim
January 24, 2007 — 9:29 pm
Jeff Brown says:
Jim – The next beer’s on me. 🙂
January 24, 2007 — 9:39 pm
Brian Brady says:
“So, before I sign out, please think of me every time one of your clients calls you to tell you they need your help to get out from under the piece of crap you convinced them to buy”
So can someone call you to buy it, Realist?
January 24, 2007 — 10:01 pm