After a college counselor set me on the right path, I became passionate about doing that same thing for others. It turned into a career I’m incredibly proud of that lasted for many years. When that door suddenly closed, another was opening. I just had to take the lessons I had learned along with me.

There only been one time in my life when I was proud of making a woman cry. At that moment, it was definitely a good sign. During my life, I’ve had some excellent cases of being in the right place at the right time.

When I was in college, it took me a while to find the institute and major that best suited me. I eventually discovered the value of having a good counselor. Mine was wonderful! She was the aid I needed and could advise and support me. I don’t know how I would have figured everything out without her. I realized that I wanted to provide that same support for others and in a university setting, if possible.

So after finding success at the University of Phoenix, I walked into the administration building to inquire about their hiring process. It turned out they were having a hiring session the next day! My timing couldn’t have been better if I’d planned it.

The atmosphere at the recruitment was somewhere between a job fair and a team-building retreat with trust exercises and group training. Eventually, they had us give presentations about the person sitting next to us, which is where this story began. I talked briefly with the woman to my left, learning about her previous experience and what might make her uniquely qualified. I then presented her to the rest of the group, giving a glowing review of her amazing qualities. She was so moved by my words that she began to cry. Once I made sure she was okay, we moved on. I knew I must have done something right. The recruiters must have felt the same way because I was offered the position of Enrollment Director!

During my time there, I learned a lot and made several major changes in my life. For one thing, my wife at the time and I moved from Indiana to Texas, chasing a warmer climate. I was able to transfer and continue my work. It was also around this time that I saw the true value of real estate. Before the move, I’d bought a couple of houses. Once we were in Texas, I held onto them and saw them as investments. I rented them out and got a taste for being a landlord. My wife got her real estate license and encouraged me to do the same.

At this point, I’d been working at the university for about 10 years. I wasn’t planning on going anywhere. I liked what I did. I saw my job as listening to people’s needs and helping them find a solution. I got to grow with a virtual team and gained experience with cold calling. I discovered that, personally, I could never offer a product or service unless it was something I truly believed in. I believed in education. I found I believed in real estate as well.

The day after I got my real estate license, I was laid off from the University of Phoenix. It was upsetting to lose that job after devoting a decade of my life to it, but it seemed fate had intervened again. I envisioned my future. I didn’t see myself working at a college anymore. Instead, I saw myself shaking hands with happy people, bringing them closer to their dreams through real estate.

Through the lessons I learned and the work I did at the university, I realized that vision. I hope you give me the opportunity to use those same skills to make your dreams your reality.

I sometimes refer to myself as an “exit strategy specialist.” When I work with my clients, it’s not just about the sale. It’s about what they want after that. I’ve found that clients, sellers especially, aren't always sure what direction they want to go in. That’s where I come into play. I have a Master’s in Accounting, investment experience, and a background in education. I’ve learned to evolve with the ever-changing market. Above all, I hear what a client needs, and I help them get it.

I genuinely care about the industry. Not just the way it is now, but the way it will be going forward. My vision for the future has changed. Now that I’ve reached my initial goal, I want to do more. I want to reach out and create a team of agents that I’m able to mentor and lead. I want to help mold the future of real estate to uphold the same positive values that I see in it. I can bring those same values to you.

With gratitude,

Andre Key
REALTOR®