We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Austin Bergman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Austin , thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

It’s frustrating to witness the common misconception that the real estate industry is automatically lucrative. As an insider, I can attest to the numerous obstacles that real estate agents face when it comes to profitability. Despite selling high-end homes and targeting affluent clientele, it’s still an uphill battle to maintain profitability.

I refuse to resort to gimmicky advertising tactics like placing my face on a bench, wasting precious resources on ineffective marketing strategies. Instead, I invest my time and energy in serving my clients diligently, aiming to exceed their expectations at every turn. My goal is to cultivate such a remarkable experience that they become raving fans, spreading positive word-of-mouth and driving future business.

In my 20 year career I have had clients, leave in their wills that I am to be the one to sell their homes, and in one instance when all was settled I was to pretty much inherit their estate.

It’s disheartening to see the misconception overshadow the challenges we face in this industry. Nevertheless, I remain determined to provide exceptional service and overcome the hurdles that come my way.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Let me share my story with you, and I hope my passion resonates through these words. For two decades, I have dedicated my life to the world of real estate. It’s not just a job; it’s my purpose, my calling. Since day one, I knew this was where I belonged.

Picture this: a young, determined individual stepping into the industry with a fire burning in their eyes. That was me. Even as a rookie, I couldn’t buy my first clients cocktails after closing because I hadn’t reached the legal drinking age of 21. But age was just a number; my drive and ambition knew no bounds.

Real estate is not a walk in the park; it’s a contact sport. It’s about building connections, forging relationships, and going that extra mile to leave a lasting impression. I understood early on that success hinged on making meaningful contacts, and I dove headfirst into the game. It wasn’t always easy, but I thrived on the challenges.

Having weathered the storms of multiple market fluctuations, I can confidently say that I’ve experienced the ups and downs firsthand. Surprisingly, I discovered that I relish the downturns even more. It’s during those challenging times that opportunities present themselves, and I thrive on the chance to make a difference.

Throughout my career, I’ve evolved in my approach. Initially, I chased smaller sales, working tirelessly to close hundreds of deals. But as time went on, my focus sharpened, honing in on the high-end clientele and transactions that demand precision and expertise. I embrace the complexities of these endeavors, relishing in the satisfaction of orchestrating multimillion-dollar deals.

When interest rates spiked, sending shockwaves through the industry, I remained steadfast. Rather than succumbing to panic, I zeroed in on one powerful four-letter word: CASH. By emphasizing the value of cash transactions, I navigated the shifting landscape with confidence and tenacity.

What sets me apart from the crowd? It’s the culmination of experience, resilience, and a laser-like focus on my clients’ needs. I don’t just sell properties; I solve problems. I am a trusted advisor, guiding my clients through the intricate maze of real estate transactions. I bring creativity, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the table, ensuring that my clients’ dreams become reality.

But what am I most proud of? It’s the impact I’ve made, the lives I’ve touched, and the legacies I’ve helped create. Real estate is not just about numbers; it’s about the human element, the profound connection between individuals and their homes. To me, that’s priceless.

To all the potential clients, followers, and fans, here’s what I want you to know: I am more than a real estate professional; I am a partner on your journey. I am driven by your dreams, and I will stop at nothing to turn them into tangible achievements. With me by your side, you can expect unparalleled expertise, unwavering commitment, and an experience that surpasses all expectations.

So, let’s embark on this incredible adventure together. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or someone seeking their dream luxury property, I am here to guide you, support you, and celebrate your success. Let’s turn your aspirations into reality, one extraordinary transaction at a time.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’m going to share a deeply personal story with you, and the emotions behind it are raw and powerful. It’s the story of a pivotal moment in my life, a moment that forced me to confront my true self and make a courageous decision.

When I first entered the real estate industry, it was alongside my girlfriend, who eventually became my wife. We built a successful business, and life seemed to fall into place. We got married, started a family, and appeared to be living the quintessential “white picket fence” life. But amidst the facade of success, I was hiding a truth that weighed heavily on my heart—I was gay.

As the years passed, the burden of living a lie became increasingly unbearable. Each passing day brought more internal turmoil, and it felt like I was suffocating under the weight of my own authenticity. Then, in 2016, everything came crashing down around me. I was abruptly fired from the company I had started with my wife, stripped of my possessions, and forcefully ejected from the life I had known.

In that moment of devastation, I was faced with a daunting challenge—to pick up the shattered fragments of my existence and start anew. I made a bold decision to embark on a journey to South Florida, a move that turned out to be a pivotal chess move in the game of life. It was a fresh start, an opportunity to rebuild my life on my own terms.

This journey was not just about restarting my career or finding a new place to call home. It was about reclaiming my true self, unapologetically and authentically. In South Florida, I discovered a sense of freedom I had never experienced before. I could wake up every day and be unequivocally me, in all aspects of my life. I could sell real estate with my own unique flair, and I could finally live as my authentic self.

This pivot in my life was not easy. It demanded immense courage, resilience, and the willingness to embrace vulnerability. But it was also the most liberating decision I have ever made. It allowed me to shed the layers of pretense and live in alignment with my true identity.

Today, as I reflect on that pivotal moment, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude. I am grateful for the strength that propelled me forward, for the opportunity to rebuild my life authentically, and for the chance to inspire others to live their truth.

To anyone reading this, I want you to know that life is a journey of self-discovery. It may be filled with unexpected twists and turns, but it is through those moments of pivoting that we find our true purpose. Embrace your authenticity, have the courage to rewrite your story, and never settle for anything less than a life that allows you to wake up each day and be unapologetically yourself.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Let me share with you the most powerful strategy I’ve discovered for growing my clientele, and the emotions behind it are profound. It’s a strategy that revolves around the power of saying “NO.”

In my journey, I’ve come to realize that if I truly want to attract a specific type of client, I must have the courage to say “no” to others. It’s about setting boundaries and staying true to my business model. For instance, I have chosen to focus exclusively on properties valued at over one million dollars. When someone refers a client to me who doesn’t fit within that bracket, I politely decline the opportunity. It’s not because I lack the qualifications; it simply doesn’t align with my business model.

This practice of saying “no” is not limited to my professional life; it extends to my personal life as well. I believe that you become a product of the first five people you surround yourself with. So, if I aspire to work with high-end clientele, I make it a point to actively associate myself with individuals in that sphere. By immersing myself in their world, I not only gain invaluable insights but also open doors to high-end referrals. It’s about curating an environment that attracts the clients I desire.

Embracing the power of “no” has been a transformative journey. It’s a lesson in self-worth, knowing what I truly want, and having the courage to pursue it unapologetically. By saying “no” to what doesn’t align with my vision, I make space for what does. It’s about attracting the right opportunities, the ideal clients, and building a business that resonates with my core values.

I cannot emphasize enough the emotional liberation that comes from harnessing the power of “no.” It’s about being in control of my destiny, making choices that propel me towards my goals, and staying true to myself. This practice has not only shaped my clientele but has also transformed my entire approach to life and business.

So, if you’re seeking growth, fulfillment, and success, I implore you to embrace the power of “no.” Define your vision, set boundaries, and say “no” to what doesn’t align with your goals. Trust me, when you have the courage to say “no,” you create space for the extraordinary, and you will manifest what you truly desire.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.AustinBergman.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinwbergman/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/austin.bergman.77
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-bergman-a5a064176/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SookdkPBeSY
• Other: https://thechadcarrollgroup.com/agents/austin-bergman/