This is my story of how a kid who grew up in the projects was able to beat back the odds, become a successful entrepreneur and certified speaker for John Maxwell

 

Here are the 3 biggest parts of my story…

  • The Grace of God!
  • The Wisdom of Mentors!
  • The Desire and Self-Motivation to Take Action!

I was born in Dallas, Texas. My mother and I moved to Mayfield Ky. after my father died when I was three. We didn’t have much money, so we moved into the projects and begin receiving government assistance.  When I became a teenager we moved out of the projects and into an apartment and Wwile this was a big improvement, I was still envious of my friends whose parents owned homes. It wasn’t the fact that they owned homes so much as it was the fact the my friends had their own rooms – My bedroom was the living room. After high school, I attended college at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY. I majored in graphic design and moved to Nashville, TN in 1993.

Yes it does snow in Nashville, TN

Shortly after moving to Nashville, I landed a job in finance. Imagine that! A kid from the projects, with an art major working in finance! After spending some time in consumer loans, a friend of mine came to me and said…you should get in the mortgage business. Again it may seem odd, but it turned out to be a natural fit. After working for a few major lenders, I was offered an opportunity to be a partner in a mortgage brokerage that was on the brink of failing. Although I had zero experience in running a business, I had plenty of experience in the people business, which is what lending and real estate is really about anyway. After one year, I had successfully brought this failing company back into prosperity.

At this point I was ready for a new challenge and a few less partners, so I left to form my own company – Gateway Financial Group, LLC. It was over a 5 year period that I learned a lot about running a mortgage team. My team was funding around 160 plus transactions a year. The “team” was me, my wife, and one assistant. Being a small company, I turned on my marketing skills and was recognized by LoanToolBox.com for my simple, but powerful marketing programs.

In 2006 I was invited to their main event, Business Plan, where I presented my program – How to Get Real Estate Agents to Call You – to over 2000 loan originators from all across the country. The cool thing is that I came on stage right before the keynote, Tony Robbins. This was the start of my speaking and consulting career. I was picked up by themortgagespeakersbureau.com shortly after and I have been blessed to have consulted with thousands of loan originators and business owners all over the country on the subject of team building,  sales, marketing, and leadership.

Today, I speak, coach, and train entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and business owners all across the country. I am a certified speaker/trainer for John Maxwell and I am working on a project about my life story to help inspire others to reach their full potential.

I addition to speaking and consulting I have also authored several books…

Dinner after a day of golf on vacation!

I live in Nashville, Tn with my wife, Angie, and two cocker spaniels Petey and Fudge. When not working you can probably find us at the golf course, at church, or hanging out with our friends.If you find yourself in the area on the weekends, give me a call and you can be my guest at church!

I believe everyone of us has been given a unique gift and it is our job to use that gift, not for us, but rather to serve other people. I want you to live your best life. Live out loud, with passion and above all have fun!