Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jim Fong. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jim, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
My parents immigrated to the U.S. in 1980 when my sister and I were toddlers. In the early years, they worked at various restaurants, moving frequently. In 1985, my dad took a big step and opened his own restaurant in Idaho.
One vivid memory I have is my sister and me helping translate documents for our parents. This task seemed endless at times, but it taught us valuable skills like reading comprehension, research, and problem-solving. We were also involved in the family business from a young age, often working after school and on weekends, even during elementary school. Though it was tough, they paid us by depositing a few hundred dollars a month into savings accounts to fund our future college education.
Through these experiences, I learned the value of hard work, the importance of saving, and how small efforts can accumulate over time. More importantly, I watched my dad believe in himself and take a chance by starting his own business. That courage and self-confidence had a lasting impact on my own life and career.
Jim, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I graduated from Boise State University with a degree in Finance. After moving to Las Vegas, I worked in various jobs and eventually found a position in Finance at a bank. In the early 2000s, I bought and sold a house and ended up making twice my annual income from that sale. At the time, my highest-paying job was only $36K a year, which motivated me to get my real estate license with future investments in mind. Initially, I started selling homes to friends, and what began as a side venture quickly turned into a full-time career. I made the leap into real estate full-time just before the recession in 2008.
Though the market was slow during those tough years, I’m glad I stayed the course. By 2010, Las Vegas home prices bottomed out and demand surged, and my finance background and interest in investing aligned perfectly with the opportunities that arose. Over the years, I’ve been able to help many clients get into real estate investing while building my own real estate portfolio. I’m passionate about helping people understand how real estate can be a game changer for those looking to build wealth and achieve financial independence. It’s one of those crucial topics that, unfortunately, isn’t taught enough in schools.
One of the things that sets me apart is my reputation for integrity. I never cut corners, and I don’t push sales on my clients. Instead, I focus on consulting them, presenting the pros and cons, and allowing them to make their own decisions. I often get asked, “Should I buy now?” I believe everyone’s circumstances are unique, and my goal is to help people navigate their specific situation—not to simply close a sale. I’ve always believed that doing the right thing will come back around. My team and I also pride ourselves on staying ahead of industry trends and adopting new technology, which has revolutionized real estate over the past decade.
What makes me most proud is hearing from clients about how my advice positively impacted their family’s financial future. Helping clients build wealth and create opportunities for their families is incredibly rewarding. As I approach my 20th year in real estate, I’m especially honored to now be helping the next generation—children of my past clients, who are now grown and starting their own families. To be trusted as their family realtor across generations is a privilege I deeply cherish.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
One experience that really shaped my approach was the summer after I graduated high school when I worked at a cabinet-making shop. I started as a helper with no experience, but as I learned more, I was trusted to take on bigger tasks, like making precise cuts to large pieces of wood.
At first, I thought being “close enough” was acceptable. However, when it came time to assemble the pieces, I quickly realized how even the smallest variances in cuts started to add up. What seemed like a minor discrepancy at first turned into a noticeable issue by the time the project was completed, and it wouldn’t pass the quality check.
That experience taught me the importance of precision and attention to detail, something I carry into my real estate practice today.
I understand that doing things right from the start ensures long-term success, and I apply that same principle when working with my clients. It’s about getting it right, not just getting it done.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
A couple of years ago, I decided to open a property management company.
To fund this new venture, I sold one of my favorite and most successful real estate investments—a house I owned on Masterful Drive. The property needed significant work, but its location and layout made it a standout opportunity. Selling it resulted in the largest profit I’ve ever made on a real estate deal.
While I sometimes regret letting go of that house, it allowed me to start my property management company, which I named “Masterful Property Management.”
The sale of that home provided the capital I needed to build and grow the business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jimmyfong.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invest.with.jim/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/investwithjim
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejimfonggroup/
- Twitter: none
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@investwithjim
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jim-fong-urban-nest-realty-las-vegas
- Soundcloud: none
- Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@invest.with.jim
Image Credits
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