Anyone who has changed careers knows it’s hard. In fact, starting anything new can be hard. But, taking that big step of introducing yourself to the community, asking for their business and ultimately their trust, is a step that takes courage, conviction and commitment.
Olympia-based home inspector Dwayne Boggs knows this first hand. He started his own business, Boggs Inspection Services, more than ten years ago, moving from the construction industry to inspecting homes for real-estate transactions. “Its hard work getting established, building trust with customers,” he says.
However, working hard doesn’t faze Boggs. With his hard work and consistent commitment he has grown his inspection business to include three home inspectors along with strong ties throughout Pierce and Thurston Counties. As his business flourishes, Boggs has felt the pull to give back to the community that supported him when he was just starting out.
One of the ways he is giving back is through the Gateway Rotary Club of Lacey. Like all Rotary groups, Gateway sponsors many service and outreach projects which Boggs is participating in. “I really feel like now that I’m more established, I have the time and knowledge to give back to the community,” says Boggs.
Another way Boggs is supporting his community is by sponsoring new Keller Williams Realty agent Shauna Tryon and her participation in the Keller Williams BOLD (Business Objectives Leading by Design) Training Program. Held on eight consecutive Saturdays in Portland, Oregon, the BOLD Program aims to help agents learn business strategies to help them succeed in the competitive real estate industry. To read more about how Boggs Inspection Service chose Shauna last spring to sponsor for BOLD, click here.
Tryon worked hard through the summer months, completing the BOLD course work. The Olympia native and single mom of two knows that she hit the jackpot when Boggs offered the sponsorship.
“I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend this training which wouldn’t have been financially possible in my first summer as an agent without Dwayne’s sponsorship,” explains Tryon. She knows first-hand that in the real estate business agents rely on referral business and reputation. Building that reputation isn’t easy.
“It can be really scary to step out and say, ‘I’m new,’ and hope for the best,” she says.
Tryon shares how the BOLD Training has given her an advantage for her first year in the industry. “I went into the training as a true novice, but felt I came out more educated about the industry and how to be successful long-term.” Her biggest take away? “It takes a lot of motivation, mentally, to stay in this business long enough to be truly successful. I feel like the BOLD program gave me the tools to stay motivated and stick with it for the long haul,” she explains.
The home inspection business is really no different. Being hired to inspect someone’s home requires integrity and trust, traits that take time to build among your colleagues. It is these relationships that Boggs has built throughout the greater Tacoma and Olympia communities that he values so highly. And he’s quick to point out that they are not just for gaining business, but for creating a network of support to help others just starting out get on the road to success.
“My business is built on relationships and referral, just like Shauna. So, working collaboratively, supporting each other, is just good business and good for the community,” says Boggs.
Tryon agrees. “The real estate industry in the South Sound includes so many people – inspectors, agents, roofers, painters – the list goes on. We all really work well together because ultimately, it benefits us all.”
Both Tryon and Boggs understand how an environment of collaboration and community results in personal satisfaction, an atmosphere of collegiality, and ultimately, an increased profit for everyone.
“Dwayne’s help getting me started in my career was invaluable. But, just because he stepped in to help a new agent doesn’t mean we are now doing a hundred deals together. It’s really for the greater good of everyone and for that I thank him,” explains Tryon.
Tryon’s positive attitude and success in her first summer as an agent are a result of her hard work and the knowledge and skills gained through BOLD. “I’ve done a few deals this summer and worked well with several investors,” she says. She knows it’s still an uphill battle in the tough business of real estate, but she has the support of her community – a powerful motivator to keep going.
“I probably wouldn’t have gotten through this first summer as an agent without the BOLD training,” Tryon admits. But got through it she did, with flying colors.
You can learn more about Shauna Tryon here and connect with Boggs by visiting the Boggs Inspection Service’s website here.
