We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dave Blinder. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dave below.

Alright, Dave thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

Prior to getting my real estate license, I held modest 9-5 positions, though I had no real path to getting ahead in my life. I had also worked as a freelance real estate photographer which I enjoyed despite lacking financial security. I would be remiss if I did not express my gratitude for all of my past employers and co-workers for providing all of these opportunities to me. Many of these kind folks are still in my life today.

Fast forward to approximately 2014 when I was photographing a real estate listing for a local Realtor named Cathy. I took the opportunity to ask Cathy a few questions about her career path as a real estate agent and she essentially said “if I can do this job, you can”. Having grown up as an introverted kid on a dead-end street in a quiet suburb, I could never have imagined getting into this line of work.

Cathy’s seemingly small nudge of encouragement planted a seed in my head and this seed would take several years to stratify and sprout. In 2018 I began real estate school at night while I was working full-time. I was licensed as a real estate agent by April 2018, took a leap of faith by resigning from my 9-5 job shortly thereafter and I have rarely since looked back.

My biggest takeaway from Cathy’s encouragement (and the support of many others in my life) is that we should always look for opportunities to pay it forward. Words do matter and the most significant thing we can do in our lives is to try to lift up people.

Dave, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Like many other real estate agents, this was not my first career choice (nor 2nd nor 3rd). My 4 year college degree didn’t land me where I expected it to and this is a familiar story to many. The beauty of being successfully self-employed is that I do not have to go on interviews to beg for a position and I do not have hiring managers telling me what I am worth.

Differentiating, and creating a unique brand, in my opinion is essential in the modern economy. I am a long-time Open Space Advocate and Outdoor Enthusiast and as such I do not wear suits as a Realtor, ever. My real estate brand is based on my reliability, approachability, and transparency and my dress attire of blue jeans, flannel shirts, and skate shoes is a reflection of my values and of my rejection of “industry norms”.

I am indebted to my family, personal friends, fellow community volunteers, and my professional network for continuing to trust that my real estate services are always performed in their best interests. I once read that “interesting people are typically interested people” and so I strive to make deep connections with my real estate clients. I have found that my career as a real estate agent is a vehicle for me to “find friends I have not yet met” while learning about their own career paths and journeys.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My formula for social media success is multifaceted. I do regularly put out short videos on trending Real Estate industry news which is important for establishing credibility as well as remaining top of mind as the go-to real estate agent in my area. I cross post my short videos to YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit and LinkedIn to hit a variety of user bases.

I also intentionally show my passions for local coffee joints, Indian restaurants, skateboarding, and of course the big outdoors on my social media. A Real Estate agent is selling neighborhoods and local experiences which are coupled with the houses people are buying. My vast knowledge of all 21 counties of New Jersey allows me to connect to clients and business partners throughout my state.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A stylish gentlemen (whom shall remain unnamed) in my first real estate office told me that I couldn’t succeed without dressing up as a Realtor. Unfortunately, I took this advice to heart and I invested my time, money and brainpower into trying to emulate other agents in my industry.

Unsurprisingly, my Real Estate sales success was limited while I allowed myself to pigeon-holed into conformity. It took a span of months (seemed to feel like an eternity) to close enough deals to begin feeling even a smidgeon of confidence as a new Realtor. More and more I began to realize that I was looking to blaze my own path and not follow someone else’s. I have since embraced my own personal network and my brand as a “Tree-hugging, Bird-watching Nature Photographer and Seeker of Local Outdoor Adventurer”.

There are many ways to skin a cat and we need to very careful taking advice from others.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/dave_blinder_realtor
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dave.blinder.denville
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/daveblinder
• Twitter: https://x.com/daveblinder
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/njrealtordave
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@daveblinder