I was the definition of success with a great job at a high-powered company. Unfortunately, it came at a cost. I rarely saw my kids. I realized they were more important than a corporate job. Thankfully, I found a career that allows me to form relationships with people while providing flexibility for my family.

I was only a kid when my family immigrated from Vietnam to the small town of Conroe, Texas. Everything was unfamiliar, especially the language. Being new in town can be hard enough, but trying to learn English was an added struggle. Fortunately, things got a little easier as time went on. That early challenge also taught me to work hard.

I attended the University of Texas, where I studied biochemistry. I excelled in my classes, and when I graduated, I was offered a position as a geneticist in Ohio. I was thrilled to have the opportunity. Then I found out what the position paid, and my heart dropped. It wasn’t enough to support and sustain myself. I immediately went back to school. This time, I studied accounting. I’ve always been a numbers guy, and I could see this path would offer me more opportunities.

I soon found work as a CPA, earning positions at the Big Four. For a time, it seemed like the perfect fit. I like forming relationships with people, and we had no shortage of clients. I admit I’m naturally a workaholic, so the lack of flexibility didn’t bother me in the beginning. I enjoyed the culture at my company, but eventually recognized the unfortunate side effects of my position.

I found myself returning home as late as 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning. By then, my wife and kids would already be in bed. I would catch a couple of winks myself, then be out the door early the following morning. That cycle repeated itself daily. My kids were still young, and I didn’t want to miss out on them growing up. Every evening, I had to stave off the gnawing guilt. I realized that the corporate setting might not be such an ideal place after all. I had to make a change.

I always think things through. I didn’t turn up to work one day and quit, never to be seen again. I looked at my options. I’d had some experience with investment properties, which gave me the idea of pursuing real estate. I set about developing a long-term plan, carefully researching everything there was to know. I discovered that a career in real estate could offer everything that I was looking for.

It would allow me to work with people and to teach others, both my clients as well as future teammates. I could make enough to support my family while working for myself instead of someone else. Working as an agent would provide more flexibility in my schedule. Most importantly, I find happiness in helping others reach their goals. This was a perfect career to apply that passion. My drive to reach out to people was the very reason I'd be a good agent.

When it came to growing my real estate team, I truly wanted to be a leader. I don’t want to do mediocre work, so I expect high-level effort from my team as well. I know when we succeed, it’s because we’ve gone above and beyond our clients’ expectations.

My real estate career has also had a positive effect on my personal life. I have a morning routine when I practice Tai Chi and focus my mind. I’ve also taught myself guitar, which has become a wonderful stress reliever. Meanwhile, I get to spend time at home or traveling with my wife of 21 years and our three kids.

I’ve found balance and happiness. I look forward to helping you find that as well in your real estate journey.

Far too many agents approach transactions as impersonal undertakings. Each one is different, but they all center around relationships. Real estate is about people – buyers, sellers and investors. Because I focus on genuinely building relationships, I often become friends with my clients.

I’ve become a top agent in the area by removing the client’s fear of the unknown. I work closely with clients so they know what to expect. My well-rounded experience reduces their stress. Even my background as a CPA has benefitted clients. They can trust me to have honest and realistic conversations about their dreams and goals.

I’m also in the unique position of being able to help investors. As an investor myself, I know how to navigate these sales. I take the time to understand what they hope to get out of their purchase and give them the information they need to make the best decision for them.

One of the greatest joys in life is to help others achieve their goals. I can hardly wait to help you achieve yours!

Sincerely,

Thai Truong
Broker-Associate, Team Leader