When we think about the rewards that come from a long career, our minds naturally gravitate toward accomplishments. The transactions we closed, the goals we reached, the recognition we received, or perhaps the financial security we created along the way.
But after more than 40 years in this business, I’ve come to appreciate another reward that may be even more meaningful: the friendships we develop along the way.
I can still remember my first year in real estate. I knew very little about what I was doing, and like most people starting a new career, I was simply trying to figure things out. During that time, I became close with a colleague who had entered the business at about the same time. We went through training together, shared many of the same challenges, learned from our mistakes, and celebrated each other’s wins.
Somewhere along the way, without either of us really recognizing when it happened, a business relationship became a genuine friendship.
Eventually, our careers took us in different directions, and my friend transitioned into another industry. Yet, more than 40 years later, we remain friends to this day.
I was reminded of that friendship, and the countless others that develop through our industry, a few weeks ago at the annual Make-A-Wish softball tournament. For the 36th consecutive year, real estate agents from different companies, title and mortgage professionals, friends, and family members came together for something much bigger than business.
For one week, people who might otherwise compete for listings, clients, or market share left that competitive business mindset behind and replaced it with a little friendly competition on the softball field. More importantly, everyone was united around a common purpose: giving back to the community and helping change lives for the better.
Watching everyone laugh, compete, reconnect, and simply enjoy being together brought a smile to my face.
Then, this past Monday, I had another reminder when I participated in the annual D’Ambrosio Family golf tournament. Once again, I found myself surrounded by colleagues and friends enjoying time together outside the normal confines of the workplace. For most of the people on the course, the day wasn’t really about posting a great score. It was about spending time with people they enjoy.
We see the same camaraderie within our own company. It happens at the big events, like our gala at Levi’s Stadium last March, but it also happens in much smaller ways: an office
BBQ, a potluck lunch, a conversation in the hallway, or simply sitting down with a colleague and sharing what is happening in our lives.
When you spend enough time working alongside people, something interesting happens. You begin by sharing business experiences, but eventually you start sharing life experiences.
Careers will evolve. Markets will change. Companies will change. People will retire or move on to something entirely different. But some of the relationships we build during those years will remain long after the business connection that originally brought us together has disappeared.
So, as you move through another busy week, I hope you’ll pause for a moment and appreciate the people around you. The colleague sitting across the office today may someday become someone you’ve known for 20, 30, or even 40 years.
Because when our careers are eventually measured, some of the greatest rewards won’t be found in what we accomplished. They’ll be found in the people who shared the journey with us.
