Who’s your realtor? It’s no secret that folks like to do business with people they know, like, and trust. With that in mind, I want you to know more about who I am so that you will recognize me as a trusted resource for any questions you may have about real estate.
While my real estate expertise comes from more than 15 years in the industry, my work ethic and love for my community started much earlier, as I witnessed the conviction and commitment with which my parents lived their lives.
My father spent his career at G.E. as a nuclear research scientist and relished every minute of it. Just “playing in a sandbox,” he used to say when asked about his impressive accomplishments. He’s really a super-person and the product of a bygone generation – 2nd Force Recon Marine, accomplished scientist, lover of classical music and opera, and a dedicated father who is always thinking of and acknowledging others.
My mother, meanwhile, kept busy raising five kids and volunteering in our community. She always helped in the classrooms, knew all our teachers personally, and ran the Art Docents program which taught fine art to elementary school kids. She is an immensely intellectual and caring person. From her, I learned the value and joy of nurturing one’s community and being part of something larger than one’s self.
Both of their examples have guided me personally and professionally and helped make me who I am today. I pride myself on my integrity and moral character, which in addition to my parents, comes from my childhood love of Louis L ’Amour western novels. Don’t laugh… the books have a very clear notion of good versus evil, and they shaped my most important convictions: to do the right thing and take care of good people. Simple as that.
I’m further inspired by my own family. I am very grateful that my wife, Dena, shares my vision of community involvement. We have created quite a life here in Folsom, raising our 3 children: Jordan, Christopher, and Kelly. Dena and I get tremendous satisfaction from being involved in our kids’ schools, sports, music, and drama activities. I can’t count the number of soccer teams I’ve coached, the number of school PTA events we have supported, or the number of times Dena has been the classroom parent, the team mom, event chairperson, etc. We both feel more connected when we’re involved. Currently, I am on the board of the Vista del Lago High School Music Boosters and Drama Boosters and will soon join the Folsom Kiwanis group in order to continue my community involvement long after my kids are out of the local schools.
This connection to my community has proven vital to my career. I wouldn’t have found any success in this industry without the relationships I’ve forged with those around me. Let’s face it: everyone knows someone in real estate. Your realtor must be someone you know, someone you like, and someone you trust. When you or someone you know needs a real estate agent, I hope you give me the opportunity to demonstrate my services and interview for the job.
Sincerely,
Ben Stephen
REALTOR®