One seemingly small choice as a child led me to discover a lifelong passion. When an unexpected challenge put that passion on hold, I learned more about myself than I could have imagined.

I wrapped my hand around the mug of hot chocolate and took another sip. Dad scribbled on a napkin across from me then slid it over. I stared at the numbers and added a few of my own. It was our tradition. My father got me into reading real estate in eighth grade, and I was hooked. The two of us dreamed together about one day becoming investors.

My dad did not learn to read until he was in his 30s. He wanted to give me a different life, a better life, outside of poverty. So, he encouraged my studies, especially reading. When I neglected to pick out my own reading material, he chose for me, and I got hooked on real estate. That led me to discover self-growth titles. Ultimately, it saved my life.

I was diagnosed with cancer at 19 years old. Like all my friends, I thought I had my whole future ahead of me. I was just beginning my plan to work as a REALTOR® during the day to fund going to college at night. At the time, I was the youngest REALTOR® at my brokerage in the area. I gave it up and focused on treatment, putting it all in God’s hands.

I should not be here today. In fact, there were six different times I should have left this earth. But God wanted me here. I will never forget what my mother told me the doctor said during one of those early saves, about eight hours into surgery. “I can do the procedure. Whether or not your son lives is entirely up to him.” It was a long journey, one in which I was afraid of losing myself. As a teenager, I was a solid athlete and went from running a mile in 4 minutes and 18 seconds to struggling to walk to the bathroom. I took a close look at myself and learned who I was on a deeper level. That understanding of myself was a gift I never expected.

Self-growth taught me about the narratives we tell ourselves. If you tell yourself you are something, then you will become that thing. It is a self-fulfilling prophecy. I refused to lose myself to my diagnosis and decided that while I had cancer, it did not have me. I continued to tell myself that I would not let this slow me down. Five years after my initial diagnosis, I went into remission and have been in it ever since.

I finished my bachelor’s degree, got married and, against every odd, had four children. My family is my whole world, and though there were hard parts on my journey, I would not change a thing. Everything that happened and everything I have done has led me to the world I live in today and the people around me.

Dreams of becoming a REALTOR® faded for several years as I changed gears to the corporate world as a Senior Financial Analyst in the oil and gas industry. When that industry faced a crisis, I turned back to real estate in 2017. I built my career alongside my children, between school pick-ups and drop-offs.

Though it has been many years from scribbled napkins and hot chocolates, I still share that same passion I had as a child daydreaming with my father. I have experienced a lot throughout my life. I have been through the hard parts and know that we are more than our current challenge. I recognize the people around me, never judging, and am uncompromisingly myself. With me, my clients and friends can always be themselves in the present.

Are you sure buying or selling is the right choice for you? As your REALTOR®, I will provide a safe place to discuss all your options. I am never after a commission because I care more about the relationships I build and how I can help. With my professional financial background, I am a master at Excel. I enjoy creating real tools such as interactive spreadsheets to help my clients play around with different scenarios. That way, they can make the best choices possible while understanding every variable.

If you are selling your home, we will still go look at houses because we need to analyze the competition! I take every factor into account with my clients because knowledge is power. Much like in the Wizard of Oz, I will be the one to pull back the curtain and reveal the inner workings of real estate for you so that you will gain confidence in your decisions along this journey. Once the transaction is closed, I will still support you as your lifelong REALTOR®.

Sincerely,

Len Clark
REALTOR®