Most mornings, you’ll find me loading backpacks into the backseat, dropping my grandkids off at school before heading to the office. It’s a simple routine—but one that reminds me daily how far I’ve come since the days of knocking on doors with nothing but determination and a dream.

 

A college class, of all things, ended up changing my life. I started college in the 80s, studying business and marketing, when I decided to take an elective on real estate. I loved it! It immediately clicked with me, and I realized that’s what I wanted to do.

 

The timing couldn’t have been better. I had just finished serving in the Army, as a Military Police Officer. College became a fresh start, a way to carve out a new path for myself—and that’s what led me into real estate.

 

I got my license in 1987, when I was just 21 years old. I was eager and full of energy, but I quickly realized that my youth was a bit of a handicap. All my colleagues were in their 40s. I’d never bought a home, had no real network, and very little life experience.

 

But that didn’t discourage me—it motivated me. I channeled all my energy into learning and working harder than everyone else. I knocked on doors, made cold calls, and handed out flyers to anyone who would take one. I studied constantly because I knew I had to master my craft inside and out. I couldn’t rely on anything but my knowledge, discipline, and determination.

 

 A year later, I met my wife, Kim, and everything changed. We got married and welcomed our two sons, Jordan and Justin. When I first held my son, something primal kicked in—an instinct to protect and provide. Life got very real very quickly when Kim decided to quit her job to stay home with the kids. The pressure was on, but I knew exactly what I had to do: double down on my business and make it work.

 

Real estate is a career that teaches you growth, discipline, and resilience whether you’re ready for it or not. There’s no guaranteed paycheck—my work ethic and willingness to always go the extra mile for my clients determines my success. Over the years, I’ve seen every kind of market: high interest rates, low interest rates, booms, foreclosures, and everything in between. This career has taught me how to stay calm under pressure, stay focused through uncertainty, and to always push forward in the best interests of my clients.

Now my sons are in their 30s and have families of their own. My grandchildren are one of the greatest joys of my life. I see them almost every day. In fact, I’m the one who picks them up and drives the little ones to school—I even walk them into class. I used to take my oldest grandson, Trustin, to high school every morning. Now that he  has his driver’s license, I don’t get to enjoy our morning talks like I once did — and I truly miss that time together.

My goal for the next ten years is to help pay for their higher education and leave a fund that can support them long after I’m gone. I want to give them the foundation and security that took me years to build for myself.

 

As for me, my priorities have shifted over the years. I no longer ride my motorcycles, which was my favorite hobby for nearly 50 years. These days, my focus is on Kim, my grandkids, and my work. I still love what I do and feel grateful every day that I listened to that inner voice—and my college professor—who first introduced me to real estate. That one class didn’t just change my career; it changed the entire course of my life.

 

 With four decades of real estate experience, I’ve seen every type of market and client imaginable. What truly sets me apart is my precision and dedication. Before listing or buying a home, I conduct a meticulous market assessment—spending hours analyzing data, comparing properties, and even measuring rooms by hand. I approach each property non-emotionally, identifying its strengths and weaknesses to provide my clients with an honest, detailed evaluation tailored specifically to them. I believe in old-school professionalism: being prepared, thorough, and generous with my service.

 

 My clients often tell me they feel like they’re my only ones—and that’s because I make myself available and fully present throughout the process. I take pride in giving sound, fact-based advice and communicating clearly, without jargon, so clients feel confident in every decision. I listen carefully to understand their motivations and goals, then work tirelessly to make them a reality. With me, clients know they’re working with a REALTOR® who not only cares deeply but truly knows what he’s doing.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

Shawn Engel