Lawrence Feiner

I have accomplished a lot in life, but I have also had my challenges. One in particular forced me to face the realization that what I had hoped for and worked toward was not attainable and to succeed I would have to overcome a fear. I can still recall that significant October night in 1999, not only because it was my sister's wedding, but also because I had arrived at a point where a decision had to be made. The choice was not just limited to a new job and career, but it also involved letting go of a personal dream and ambition. I was facing the crossroads of my professional career and yet I was looking back and reflecting. It had been a long journey, one that I had begun as a fifteen-year old at Fletchers Inside Outside, selling primarily hockey and figure skating equipment. It felt natural to me, not only because it involved my passion of hockey, but selling felt like an amplified version of myself. I felt so capable! When things did not work out pursuing my first passion, I returned to my hometown, St. Louis, and started again with another passion ... sales. As an eighteen  year old I was able to refine my skills selling high-end ladies shoes, and then I was committed to becoming a long-term employee of a major shoe company that was homebased in St. Louis. It was my aspiration to become part of their management team and eventually become a buyer. It was an arduous route and I gave a lot to that company. I remembered remarking to myself "was it all worth it" as I arrived at the wedding dinner. Almost instantly I caught myself and muttered "yeah it was all worth it and then some." My first transfer job, as an assistant manager, took me to Cape Girardeau, Missouri and no matter what I accomplished or learned there, it was superseded by a trip to a fast food restaurant. The most important part of my entire journey occurred when I went to a Chick-fil-a and singled out a very cute counter clerk. Her name was Kimberly and she would eventually become my beautiful wife. Soon the pace and locations of my professional route greatly increased. I was quickly transferred to Tulsa, then to Flagstaff, and finally back to St. Louis in about a five-year span. I was excited to return to my hometown, and more importantly to be back near the company's headquarters. I thought I would have a better chance to fulfill my dream of becoming a buyer, but the promotion never came. Even though I had demonstrated success in several locations and positions and had become a store manager. I realized, however, that I would never get the promotion into management because I lacked a college degree. Within a year I had left that company, but not sales. I had purchased my first home when I had returned to St. Louis and absolutely loved looking at houses and the sales process. Several years earlier, my great Aunt and Uncle from Arizona had invited me to come out West and become a realtor with their company. I had declined their offer because I was terrified of supporting myself only on commission. They understood, but, reiterated that I had the talent to be a good realtor. As I entered the wedding banquet room, I prepared myself to reconnect with my Great Aunt and Uncle. I anticipated them posing the same invitation that they had done six years earlier. Even with all my success, I still held on to the same fear of committing to a commission only career. I did reconnect with my Great Uncle and Aunt and, in fact, they did extend the same offer to move to Phoenix and become a realtor. This time I accepted. They had caught me at the right time and I elected to begin a new course. It was not difficult leaving my hometown, because I had done it several times prior. It was almost easy. In part, I think because I finally brought closure to my first career. As I headed out West to start my real estate career, I remembered the lyrics of "Fly by Night," a message of your ship not coming in, change your life, and that your life begins today. I had made my decision and now there was a new beginning for me. Little did I know, that it would be the best career choice I ever made. Although I was an accomplished and experienced salesman, the training and example provided by my Great Aunt and Uncle, and their kids and their kids too, proved inestimable. I was lucky enough to have mentors from three different generations and that is what contributed to my becoming a successful realtor. It was a genuine old-fashioned environment where I learned. My great Aunt and Uncle, who themselves were successful realtors, adhered to the old school way of real estate business. In addition to having a strong work ethic, they also highlighted the need to treat people respectfully. While my younger cousins introduced me to the modern technology that was becoming more and more effective in helping Realtors sell more property. I eagerly embraced the examples set forth by these accomplished realtors. It was hard when I first started my new career. I remember during one period of my early realtor days, I cold called daily for a five -year span. During this time, I established an operating philosophy to become a successful realtor. I would combine old world dedication that was highlighted by my mentors with modern technology driven service. These guiding principles were designed to best expose the seller's home to the right clients. As a result of all the moves I had made in my trek, it has always been important to me to make a client's move, "a smooth one." All my hard work during this amazing journey has paid off. I was selected to be a Branch Manager of HomeSmart's only Glendale location with over 690 Realtors which allows me to combine lessons learned managing shoe stores with lessons learned in real estate, and life, from family right here in Arizona. I finally accomplished my dream, not the one I had envisioned; but the one I had realized. I appreciate your giving me the opportunity to learn more about me as a person. It is my hope that you view me not only as a successful realtor, but also as someone who has improved from the challenges I have encountered. I am eager to apply my knowledge, skills, and experience to produce effective results for your real estate needs. With gratitude, Larry Feiner Realtor/Branch Manager LIC# SA520943000 (623) 332-6364 IntegrityInRealEstate@gmail.com