Introduction

My entrepreneurial journey began in an unexpected place: watching my father, a factory worker, transform a simple favor for our pastor—refinishing furniture—into a successful family-run business. Seeing how meticulous attention to detail and genuine care for clients could quickly grow a venture sparked my own passion for entrepreneurship. Over the years, I built on those lessons by pursuing formal training in accounting, working at Deloitte, and turning around struggling businesses. These experiences shaped my belief that serving people first is the most rewarding path to business success.

Motivations and Capabilities as an Entrepreneurial Leader

When I graduated from college (the first in my family to do so) and joined Deloitte, I discovered how fascinating it was to learn about different businesses and what made each one succeed. After passing the CPA exam, I took on accounting and general management roles, which eventually led me to help rescue a small family-run music company from near-bankruptcy. Within a year, that business saw sales double and profits triple. That experience showed me how combining business knowledge, a passion for service, and a willingness to learn on the fly can spark rapid growth. Later, when an economic downturn left me unemployed, I started my own CPA firm using armed with an IBM 8088 computer and a credit card, mailing letters to local businesses and hosting free workshops. Those workshops allowed me to connect with thousands of small business owners, quickly building a strong client base. I later shifted into financial services, guided by mentorship from Tom Hopkins and Brian Tracy, and used a consultative sales approach to help seniors protect their retirement. Along the way, I earned an MBA from Clemson University, which further sharpened my strategic marketing, management, and leadership skills.

The Problem and Opportunity in Real Estate

Through my interactions with real estate professionals, I recognized a gap between the transaction-driven culture so prevalent in many brokerages and the genuine desire many agents have to serve their clients. The “dog-eat-dog” mentality, lack of true mentorship, and insufficient support left many agents feeling undervalued. This frustration signaled a meaningful opportunity to create a brokerage model based on shared values. By partnering with 1st Class Real Estate—a franchise known for its flexibility and agent-friendly focus—I aimed to build a team across South Carolina where everyone can thrive, enjoy professional growth, and prioritize client well-being without the usual high-pressure dynamics.

Our MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and Observations

I began testing this idea through a dedicated marketing funnel (GrowWithFocalPointSC.com

) that clearly outlines our mission, vision, values and aspirations. Interested agents see a transparent picture of who we are and what we offer (in writing). I then conduct personal interviews to ensure each candidate aligns with our service-first philosophy.