We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tyrone Player II. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tyrone below.
Tyrone , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken was leaving the job I held for 21 years to pursue a career in real estate. It was my first real adult job. I was able to grow within the company, and I genuinely appreciated the relationships I built and the mission we stood for. I learned early on how important it is to value both your internal and external customers. I loved the impact I was able to make on people’s lives, both personally and professionally.
The image I had as a kid first drew me to real estate. Growing up in Detroit in the ’80s and ’90s, the expectation was to get a plant job. But I knew manual labor wasn’t for me, and neither was corporate America. I wanted to earn what plant workers earned, but in a nice suit, not covered in grease. Real estate gave me that vision early on.
What pushed me to finally make the leap was that the company’s culture changed drastically. It stopped being about the people, employees, or customers and became all about the bottom line. We were understaffed and overworked, and expected to push products that customers didn’t want. The focus shifted from building relationships to cutting time short, encouraging online use, and raising prices while reducing employee pay. It no longer aligned with my values, and I knew it was time.
When I decided to leave, my wife was incredibly supportive—she saw how heavy the job had become for me. But not everyone understood. My mother, from the baby boomer generation, thought I was crazy. My friends felt the same: you don’t just leave your job after over 20 years. But I knew I couldn’t stay.
When I first left, it was terrifying. There was no paycheck every two weeks, no clients waiting on me, and no structure; it was all on me to figure out. On top of that, I had just had foot surgery and was on crutches. My wife drove me to every showing. I spent my time learning, taking training, and slowly building from the ground up.
I questioned my decision every single day. It’s not easy, and the temptation to return to a “safe” job is real. But every day, I also remind myself that I made the right choice. My impact on people, helping them achieve a dream they often thought was impossible, makes it all worth it.
The risk has paid off in more ways than one. I’ve gained the most valuable thing: time. I can be there for my son, nephews, and family in ways I never could. Financially, I’m doing better and working less. But more importantly, I’m learning how to build generational wealth, something no job ever taught me.
Tyrone , 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?
For those who may not know me, my name is Tyrone Player II. I’m a full-time real estate professional with over 21 years of experience in sales and leadership. I grew up on Seven Mile on the west side of Detroit, and that upbringing shaped everything about who I am today. It taught me grit, resilience, how to connect with people, and the importance of looking out for others. I carry those values with me in life and in business.
Before real estate, I managed multiple million-dollar locations and led teams of 10–15 people, while mentoring 2–3 individuals at a time outside of my direct reports. That experience built my foundation in leadership, accountability, and service. I didn’t just manage people—I helped develop them.
Real estate was something I admired since I was a kid. I knew I wanted a career that allowed me to earn well, stay sharp, and serve people in a meaningful way. Now, I help buyers, sellers, and investors navigate the process with honesty, strategy, and care. I solve problems, provide clarity, and create calm in what can be a very stressful experience.
What sets me apart is how personal I make this. I treat my clients like family and lead with transparency. I’m proud of the trust people place in me, and the opportunity to help them build something real, whether it’s wealth, stability, or legacy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.soldbymrplayer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soldbymrplayer?igsh=NTMxd2J1aXk4bm5m&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16X4gn9nGR/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soldbymrplayer
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@soldbymrplayer?si=p_sz1McqROJKhdAh


