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

Hi Tom , thanks for joining us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry? Any stories or anecdotes that illustrate why this matters?

Many people mistakenly believe that Realtors only handle basic tasks like placing a sign in the yard and hosting open houses, or simply showing homes and submitting offers on behalf of buyers. However, this oversimplification overlooks the true depth of our role. With the internet, some aspects of real estate have become more accessible for DIY enthusiasts.

As a Realtor, my role is crucial in providing comprehensive support throughout the entire process of buying or selling a home. This involves everything from preparing a home for sale to carefully evaluating homes and neighborhoods to ensure they align with the client’s needs and budget. Real estate transactions can be fraught with hidden challenges, and even a single page within a lengthy contract could potentially derail a deal.

Tom , 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?

Let’s address the big question right off the bat—I’ve spent the past 25 years working as an actor and filmmaker in Hollywood. While I still dabble in acting occasionally, my focus has shifted to becoming a full-time Realtor®. Life has thrown me a whirlwind in the past couple of years, especially with a lively two-year-old in tow.

Transitioning from the entertainment industry to real estate has been surprisingly smooth. I’ve been able to leverage my Masters in Business Administration in finance, social skills, and sheer determination to navigate this new path. You see, succeeding in Hollywood requires patience, savvy marketing, and relentless perseverance—qualities that also happen to be essential in real estate.

In both industries, networking is key, patience is a virtue, and understanding people and their preferences is crucial. Whether it’s knowing the ins and outs of different neighborhoods or staying ahead of market trends, it all contributes to achieving success in real estate, much like it does in showbiz.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Oh man, when I first landed in California, I was slinging plates in a restaurant just to cover rent. Those early months were a real test of resilience—I actually paid my rent on credit cards for a while there. But you know what? When you’ve got a clear goal in mind, you find a way to push through. I came here chasing that classic American dream of TV and movies, and surprisingly, I’ve managed to exceed my own expectations and now am applying that tenacity in real estate.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey. It’s been all about pivoting when I needed to, realizing that no one owes you a thing and there’s no one-size-fits-all path in life. Your job doesn’t define you—it’s how you navigate the challenges that matters.

That’s why I’m so drawn to real estate—it’s a career that mirrors my journey in so many ways. It’s got its highs and lows, sure, but what really gets me going is the chance to connect with people, to make a real impact in their lives. It’s about those moments when you help clients find their dream home or make a smart investment—it’s rewarding beyond words.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tomchoirealestate.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tomchoirealestate
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/longbeachsealbeachhomes
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomchoirealestate/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/tomchoirlestate
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tomchoirealestate275