We were lucky to catch up with Mike Mogavero recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mike, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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?

I had a long career in the technology industry. The first part of that journey was great as it was family owned and we could innovate and take risks. We opened one of the first data centers, acquired a company in Las Vegas and did many cutting edge things. But in 2009, things got challenging and we sold the company to a public company. At the time I was in Los Angeles and, after integrating my team with the new company, I was asked to think about a new role. It was then, that I made the decision to move to Austin. I didn’t know anybody in Austin and the company had no resources – what could go wrong, haha? My boss at the time said “the deck is stacked against me” and predicted I would not succeed. That was an important moment and help provided extra fuel for what would ultimately be a very successful sales region. However, as these things go, that company was acquired by a larger public company and my role was eliminated. It was pretty shocking and hard to accept. I contemplated what I would do for a few months, considering various roles in tech at first, but I realized that was really not where my heart was. My passion has always been sales, marketing and…., more than anything, real estate. So I got my licensed and started at a local boutique firm and it was everything I had wanted. My business grew pretty quickly and no more powerpoints and endless time on the road.

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 had bought and sold over 25 properties, Bought my first property when I was in college. I just loved everything about the process and the ability to control my own destiny and combine my creativity with sales and business. I have a Masters degree in Community and Regional Planning and studied architecture at the University of Oregon and UC Irvine. So visually, experientially and intellectually, I had the tools. But the experience that I had in business, running a sales team and all of the ups and downs and discipline required to be successful in sales and run my own business are a big differentiator. I have seen success and failure and know how they both feel and, given the potential for failure, I work constantly and with dedication to my clients to understand them and achieve mutual success. I love to the work, put in a lot of hours, but it energizes me. I combine my educational background with my business skills and mindset and it creates a great combination. Now I work primarily in the luxury space representing buyers and sellers and also work with builders and developers to identify opportunities to build homes.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

So many moments. First the business experience in Los Angeles. We went from around 130 employees to about 25. It was grueling. Then the corporate experience of numbers before people and talk of work life balance, but they were just words and finally being released, which at first felt unfair, but ultimately ended up being the best thing that could have happened as it lead to my career now. But even in the face of those experiences, the most difficult thing for me was divorcing. I never wanted to be divorced and, especially with the background circumstances, it was very painful. Dealing with that was really the ultimate test. I became ultra disciplined with my mental and physical health, working out each morning, eliminating unhealthy foods and was able to really focus on my personal well being and my craft. It changed me as a person and I am better and stronger now….and most importantly, happier.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

As soon as I started in this business, I wanted to demonstrate a work ethic that would show others that I’m committed to putting in the time and effort to produce an experience for my clients that would help them feel safe. I try to learn new things all of the time and do everything I possibly can to serve my clients with integrity and humility. I feel like because I have had so many life and business experiences, I am able to put myself in their shoes and curate and craft an experience for them that aligns with their goals, no matter how big, and is stress-free.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mologrouprealesate.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mike_mogavero/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemogavero/