What is the best piece of advice you have received that has helped you succeed in your industry? I have received consistent advice throughout my entrepreneurial life about success. The most important counsel has been to have a vision with purpose, create a clearly defined plan, commit and take steps every day to achieve your goals. I have successfully applied this advice to many areas of my life. The advice I would give to the next generation is to be in the life that has been given to you. Life isn't lived through text messaging or staring at a computer screen.

Would you advise your son or daughter to begin a career in CRE? Yes, I have advised my son and younger folks to invest in real estate. Unless you were born into a family that owns real estate investments, chances are unlikely that you would be informed about the industry. If you are, it is more about becoming an agent versus an investor. I wasn't given any advice about becoming a real estate investor. I stumbled into it when I was researching ways to invest money I was making from a small business I owned. I knew I needed to do something other than investing in the traditional ways. I remember how amazed I was at how much passive income and wealth was possible by owning rental income. It seemed so easy and made so much sense.

Please share with us the best lessons learned or a surprising component about your unique journey. I am a planner. I planned to retire financially free at the age of 48 – so I did. What I wasn't prepared for was how retirement wasn't for me. What I learned from this experience was how much I enjoy business, making a contribution, having fun, being in the community, making a difference and money too as a real estate investor. I decided to invest in a small Finger Lakes city right after the 2008 crash. I put together a small crew, we dug in and renovated over 87 properties helping this area turn around. I then was approached by several other retirees who wanted to do the same. Our neighborhoods, smaller towns and cities would benefit greatly from having folks that truly care, make the commitment and want to take part in being part of these communities."

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Pay It Forward: "Have a Vision With Purpose. A Clearly Defined Plan. And Take Steps To Achieve Your Goals"

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