Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Giavanna Maddalone. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Giavanna, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

A risk that I took recently was going all in on my real estate career. My first course of action after graduating High School was to get licensed. But I took a detour and started working on a finance degree. I did this because I wanted to have a “Fall Back” plan and I thought it would pair well with my real estate career. But then I realized that I was hurting my career more by not going all in. In my lectures I would be researching properties and stepping out of class to take phone calls on deals I was closing, I was having to work clients in around my classes. So, while I was getting good grades on college assignments and hearing the anthem of “Get internships.” It felt like a waste of my time while I was working on building a business. I realized that I was taking more of a risk by staying in college trying to do two things at once, college and career. Taking that leap may have seen more of a risk, but it honestly it was the best decision I have ever made.

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

I got into real estate as quickly as I could! In Texas you need to be 18 to get your real estate license so I planned to start my courses as soon as I was legally allowed to. In preparation I did “Business 101”. As a 17 year old I managed a gutter company and it taught me the necessary sales skills that I needed for my career as a realtor. This included cold calling, setting expectations for clients, negotiations with vendors, writing contracts, and coordination/logistics.

I got my license as soon as I turned 18 and joined Teifke Real Estate as they are all about building entrepreneurship and helping agents build their own personal brand. They invest with their agents on real estate and have truly flipped the script on how a real estate brokerage operates which is fantastic to be apart of.

Now as a 19 year old, I look to see how I can add value for my clients and other agents around me. I work with a investors on on developing commercial deals. I represent sellers on portfolios and their homes. I help buyers find their next dream home or investment property. For other agents I look to see if we can network to close deals quicker for our clients or grow our businesses together.

Overall I am simply committed to providing others a quality service and providing knowledge to others- whether I represent them or not. I also love networking with other entrepreneurs/realtors as real estate and business is my hobby/passion. I want to see other people succeed and support them them in any way I can.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I try to read as many books as I can about real estate and mindset books. Some good titles are from Zig Ziglar, Grant Cardone, Bigger Pockets, Robert/Kim Kiyosaki, and Gary Keller. One book that really changed my perspective was “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki. This book really opened my eyes about the world of passive income and how to make your money work for you. Honestly the three resources that have really impacted my entrepreneurial thinking was my sphere, Teifke Real Estate and my faith. Teifke (my brokerage) puts out a lot of videos/podcasts that help me become more knowledgeable in regards to my field and stay in the right mindset. Thinking like an entrepreneur is really mindset based. You set goals, live intentionally and hustle to meet those goals. My sphere is a resource because it is the power of association. I try to surround myself with people who are hustling just like me or who are successful with their business or in their field. There is a popular saying out there that says “you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with” so if you are surrounding yourself with people who think negatively and who are not looking to grow, you will have a harder time growing. On the flip side if the people who you talk to on the daily are hustling, and staying uncomfortable, then it is easier to be motivated and encouraged. My faith is a resource because it taught me the power of being faithful and sowing seeds. In real estate its all about the follow up. You make connections and plant the seed that you can add value to that person through your knowledge and expertise. Then you are faithful to that seed and follow up until you are able to help that person in a tangible way through your real estate business.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I think that one story that really illustrates my resilience would be that no matter what set backs or discouragement I receive. I stay professional and positive. I have had multiple agents in the field talk down to me because of my age while under contract on properties representing our respective clients. Instead of responding negatively to them. I remain professional and do not let them ruffle my feathers. By staying calm and collected, I am able to negotiate better than the other realtor and get a better result for my clients. Acting out of emotion and anger clouds the transaction and makes it more difficult for all sides. It also ruins realtor relationships. Real Estate is a small world. The buyers agent you were rude to, may be the listing agent on a property your buyer wants down the road. Its better to act professionally and logically to build lasting relationships with other realtors.

Contact Info:

• Website: giasellshomes.com
• Instagram: giavannamaddalonerealestate
• Facebook: giavannamaddalonerealestatepage
• Other: email: giavannamaddalone@gmail.com

Image Credits
Kat Pinson w/ Teifke Real Estate Violetta Vasquez