In the most difficult moments, I didn’t know how I was going to get through it. With the support of those closest to me, I have managed to build myself up again and overcome the challenges I’ve faced while learning valuable lessons along the way.

During the 2008 recession, I didn’t know how I was going to overcome my losses. From 2008 to 2014, I lost my personal home, apartment complex and investment property. Amidst everything, I also got divorced. It felt like everything I had worked so hard to get was now gone. I didn’t know what to do or if I had a future in real estate at all.

I had previously worked as a chef, which gave me a level of financial stability that allowed me to buy investment properties before I was professionally involved in real estate. It became clear to me when I was transitioning careers that real estate was something I was interested in and could excel at. I started out listing for-sale-by-owner properties, and my career took off from there. I eventually worked for one of the biggest home builders in the state. We were making consistent transactions and saw no end to our success.

From 2006 to 2007, I was having so much success, I never imagined how wrong things would go in the following years. At my lowest points after the crash, I was ready to quit being a broker. I spent a long time doing absolutely nothing. I was so devastated by my losses to the point where I had no direction anymore. I was fortunate to have saved enough money to allow me time to contemplate my future.

As I dealt with my losses, Michelle, my fiancé, came into my life. She supported me as I worked through the process of healing from all that I had lost. I remember one day throwing all my awards, banners and plaques in the trash. I was ready to give up my career in real estate and try to find success elsewhere. She pulled everything out of the trash and said, “What else are you going to do? You need to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back into it!”

From that point in 2016, I decided to get back into real estate. I knew, for better or worse, Michelle would be there to support me. At the time, I needed her to motivate me to carry on, and I’m so grateful she did. I am so passionate about what I do – I just needed someone to remind me. It took a few years to reestablish myself, but I have found great success and fulfillment as a principal reviewing broker.

In early 2020, I was training for a marathon when I had to drive myself to the hospital. I didn’t know I was having a heart attack at the time, but knew something was wrong. I spent a week in the ICU and had to return after they realized I tested positive for COVID-19. The doctors hypothesized that it caused my blood to thicken, nearly killing me. The long-term effects have caused me to develop a terminal condition. I was on the wait list for a heart transplant and by the grace of God I have since recovered.

While my heart attack and subsequent diagnosis were devastating, I know I am surrounded by people who truly care about me and will support me through anything. It has been such a surreal experience dealing with this life-changing event while simultaneously seeing such a positive shift in my business. With all that I have overcome in my life, I have chosen to appreciate all the good and never dwell on things outside of my control. When I am not working, I spend as much time as I can with my kids, fiancé, friends, and my crazy German Shepherd, Harley.

At Premier Property Group, we know how important this process is. There are so many different elements to consider that it can easily become overwhelming. Our customer-driven team is ready to help you through the entire process from start to finish, ensuring all your questions are answered and all your needs are met. We specialize in residential, commercial and new construction.

It is our priority to ensure all our clients are happy and receive the attention they deserve. Our buyback program guarantees that if you are not 100% satisfied with your new home, we will buy it back or sell it for free within the first 12 months. We also offer a 24-hour listing cancellation guarantee if you are not satisfied with our service. This is the most important investment of your life, so we want to make sure it is done right. When you work with us, you can be confident in our promise to deliver only the best service, nothing less.

Sincerely,

Don Johnson PC
Principal Broker