Everything happens for a reason. I never imagined my life would go from cold Minnesotan nights to warm Floridian evenings. I never pictured myself in an office before I’d even graduated from college, already on my career path. I learned my own dreams would come true by making other people’s dreams come true.

My skateboard skidded to a stop in front of the real estate office. The location could not have been more convenient, and the trip only took about five minutes. I was studying at the university directly next door, and as a result, I spent a lot of time at the office.

Even the university I ended up at was a strange twist of fate. I hadn’t planned on going to Tampa, Florida but there I was.

I moved to Minnesota when I was six or seven but, for all intents and purposes, I grew up there. I was one of five siblings, which fueled a competitive drive in my early years and beyond. I craved team sports all through high school, but when I graduated, I shifted my focus to finding success off the field.

When it came time for college, I wanted to get out of the cold. Though I didn’t remember much, I’d spent the first five years of my life in California. That seemed like the logical place to go for school, but for whatever reason, I found myself filling out an application for the University of Tampa.

My faith is hugely important to me and when I was accepted at UT, it felt like a sign. It’s difficult to describe, but I knew that was where I belonged and that was where I’d meet my future. It was a long trip, far from family. I didn’t have any connections, any lifeline, I just had a feeling and that was enough to convince me.

I planned on going into the medical field. Health classes filled my school schedule. That was enough to keep me busy, but by my junior year of college I was looking for work. Something close by would be ideal...what was in the area?

The real estate industry had been on my radar for some time. My dad owned a few properties and one of my brothers was a property manager, so I’d certainly heard him complain about work a fair few times. Enough to know that while real estate may interest me, property management likely wasn’t my ideal fit, but what about becoming an agent?  Wasn’t there an office right next to the campus? Wasn’t that a job where you got to meet new people and help them find a house? I didn't realize how much of an oversimplification that was at the time, but it was enough for me to decide to get licensed.

I started my real estate career before I even graduated college. At first, it was something I enjoyed since it was a distraction from school, something else to focus on, something to grow, and something that was mine. I did briefly try to partner with one of my brothers, but his interest was soon drawn to other things. I didn’t mind, and I loved that I could be my own boss.

The first year was difficult, but I learned one of the most important aspects: confidence. I had to believe that I could make anything work, and I had already tried to live my life that way. That competitive edge still serves me well. Last year, I was the #2 agent in the office, and this year I want to be #1!

By the time I got my degree, I knew my path wasn’t in the medical field. If I hadn’t gone to school to study what I did, I wouldn't have found my true calling. This whole experience has reinforced my belief that everything happens for a reason.

Much of my network has grown organically, and many of my clients come from referrals. That’s a point of pride for me. It means I’m serving others well, so much so that they tell the people closest to them that I’m the right person to help them make this decision. I do this through clear open communication, I respond promptly, work hard, and am laser-focused on my clients. I’m an advisor, an educator and a resource for them.

I’m experienced with house flipping and this gives me the opportunity to help others understand remodeling. I’m an investor myself, so I know where investors are coming from and what they’re looking for. I have a ton of experience with buyers and sellers too! I love what I do and the people I work with. I look forward to the opportunity of working with you!

Sincerely,

Tatum Praise
REALTOR®