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Tony Lewis, Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo (Summit Real Estate Group)

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Rainer
42,670
Fred Hafdelin
Weichert Realtors - Mountain Lakes, NJ

Sometimes God has to tap us on the shoulder to slow us down and have us enjoy our lives and Family more.

Nov 16, 2015 07:06 PM
Rainmaker
846,475
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

Tony sorry to hear about your health issues. I can honestly say it was always ME first. Never miss a day without exercise, stop working to eat properly and smell the roses-all of the roses! I refuse to be on call 24/7.

Nov 16, 2015 07:01 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

When I got my license in 1992 I used to attend many free seminars to learn. One of the speakers gave good advice and I have always followed it. The speaker said that we will receive calls from prospects that they want to see a house on the day of our child's brthday or another important event and we will be tempted to go or to list a house .But in our final days we will not be thinking of days that we  missed a listing or buyer opportunity but of the times we missed an important event in the life of our loved ones. 

Nov 16, 2015 08:32 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,225
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Tony I don't know you, but I'm glad you had your wake up call. I'm happy for your recovery & new outlook, it's very insightful.

I've been preaching for years to Realtors, if you do not take a day off once per week, if you do not have a "tools down" time each evening you are cheating your family, you are cheating your clients and you are cheating your health. I'm hoping to spare a few folks a surgery for a wake up call. While I'm glad for your recovery Tony, unfortunately those that think they can drive a car on an empty tank and flat tires are headed for the same fate.

Why would your family or clients want what's left of you?

They each want the best of you.

Tony, you would not have gone to a heart nor lung surgeon that worked they way you did; 24/7. So, why should Realtors think there's some badge of honor for wearing down to a nub. We owe our clients our best state of mind, We owe that to our families too.

We need to refill our "people fuel" every week. We need to rest & recover like any athlete would between competitions. We need to make our family our #1 clients, and all other #2. Heck, if we just treated our family like our #1 client, for many that would be an upgrade to how they are treated by a 24/7 Realtor. Welcome back Tony.

Nov 16, 2015 11:25 PM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

Work will always be here Tony, your health and family may not. It's an easy enough choice that often goes overlooked when neither seem to be that far away. I remember seeing days spent surviving on coffee, cocktails and cigarettes, not anymore! So, so glad to hear that change is in the wind for you and your family.

Nov 16, 2015 07:29 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,806
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I have no answer to your question... but I learned a long time ago (without having to undergo the type of medical issues you did) that I needed balance in life and that real estate is not and should not be 24/7.

Nov 16, 2015 08:20 PM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

No sir I came home early just yesterday to watch one of our great grandsons so my wife could go shopping.  Always set aside time to enjoy the family

Nov 16, 2015 07:40 PM
Ambassador
1,452,569
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

I became a widow at 30 because of such strong work ethics and dedication to the job . . .   It was quite the wakeup call for me because I very easily could have gone down the same path. 

I follow the same concept as the oxygen on the plane.  It goes on me first!  I can't be of any good to anyone if I don't look after me

Nov 16, 2015 11:31 PM
Rainmaker
1,661,836
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

Sadly yes Debbie and I both are much like the old you.  We need to change our ways as life is to short. 

Nov 16, 2015 09:43 PM
Rainmaker
1,725,896
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Tony Lewis I hope I am not. I see another few years in this business, then I am out!

Nov 16, 2015 08:46 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Definitely not.  While others may be 24/7/365 agents, we never have been.  When short sales came upon is in 2007 we established business hours (to also accomodate east coast lenders) of 7am to 3pm, Monday - Friday, closed Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. No regrets.

Nov 16, 2015 10:55 PM
Rainmaker
1,844,171
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

The reason 'I'm not as dedicated' is because I don't want health issues. Without sounding like a curmudgeon, real estate is tough & we have a hard time seperating it from the rest of our lives.

Hope you listen to the message that's being sent. A review of your biz is needed.

Nov 16, 2015 10:34 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I have a good balance.... work, family and exercising.... especially, the healthy eating and exercising part of my life.... very important or none of it will work....

Nov 16, 2015 09:58 PM
Rainmaker
1,731,203
Rob Thomas
Prestige Homes of The Tri Cities, Inc. CALL....423-341-6954 - Bristol, TN
Bristol TN-VA & Tri Cities Agent, ABR, GRI, e-Pro

I love this question ....I know exactly what you are talking about and I am starting to slow down ....I turn my phone off at around 7 every night! Life is toooooo short not to take time off!

Nov 21, 2015 11:16 AM
Rainmaker
900,008
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Hope you're "on the mend" and taking it easy. Answering a call on Christmas shows you have a good work ethic, but look at the price you paid. 

Nov 17, 2015 05:31 AM
Rainmaker
4,571,456
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Tony -- you've received some excelllent advice via the answers here.  I hope you are doing well.  Balance is important -- many of us need that wake-up call.   

Nov 17, 2015 03:27 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Tony,

It is obviously a matter of priorities in your life.  You have to take care of yourself and replenish yourself.  And of course, you have to factor in fun!  A

Nov 17, 2015 12:32 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,372
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Tony, I am not that bad, but almost.    6 am to 9 pm, with some time off on Sundays if lucky.    I have read about your surgery, and just shows we do need to slow down and enjoy life more.

Nov 16, 2015 11:36 PM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Tony Lewis Sometimes it takes a wake up call to get the message.

Nov 16, 2015 10:40 PM
Rainmaker
1,052,056
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

No! I refuse to sell my soul. Been there, done that, not worth it. And it is quite possible to make a living and have a life. But good health must come first

Nov 16, 2015 10:37 PM
Rainmaker
4,881,462
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Tony

I hope you are well on your way to full recovery.  That you will make some changes in your personal and work life.  Best of luck.

Nov 16, 2015 10:09 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

No I am not making that mistake and next year I am scaling back even more. I am on a 3 year ease down plan.

Nov 16, 2015 09:47 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Tony,

Rejoice in the reality that you are now able to sound the alarm for those who have a priority distortion.

If one could find a safe place to talk, and men rarely do, the cause for a perversion in work dedication can be found.

And it is summed in words and conviction all men know, few women understand or can or are willing to acknowledge or accept. It compels MEN to continue the Noble quest...and damn the consequences. Here are those words in the heart and mind of EVERY MAN.

"My family would rather I fall dead from the saddle of my white horse than to see me fall from it." 

Men need a safe place to talk, to share with one another, to find strength and encouragement in their collective camaraderie.

The measure of a man should never be in the work they accomplish. Their value, worth should not be measured in goals achieved, milestones passed, and the respect of a society lost in its way, but in the lives they mold, most importantly, the molding of those young lives to whom a mother and father have been entrusted. 

The very best of success to you,

Annette

Nov 16, 2015 09:26 PM
Rainmaker
7,834,939
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I like the answer provided by Fred Hafdelin.

Many real estate agents have faulty priorities. 

Nov 16, 2015 08:49 PM
Rainer
274,059
Curtis Evans
Cabin Realty LLC/ USA, Licensed in Louisiana - Golden Meadow, LA

Fred Hafdelin has this one. 

Nov 16, 2015 07:41 PM
Ambassador
6,392,879
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Thanks for the warning, glad you made it through this.

Feb 08, 2019 11:05 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

I'm trying to keep a balance in my life, my family is the most important part of it and they will always be. My health became my priority in recent years as well.....you just have to take care of your body and keep your spirit happy. Otherwise, there is no joy in this life.....

Tony, I hope, you feel better. Take care of yourself.  

Nov 18, 2015 01:37 AM
Rainmaker
699,277
Chris and Dick Dovorany
Homes for Sale in Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida - Naples, FL
Broker/Associate at Premiere Plus Realty

No one told you about balance in your younger years.

Nov 17, 2015 09:29 PM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

Health is my #1 priority. Nothing is more important. Enjoying life is next on my list. You got a serious wake up call and thank God you have the chance now to really live WELL.

"Work to live don't live to work" is a great motto to live by.

Nov 17, 2015 04:31 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Many of us are workaholics but some appreciate how much we have to lose... Good luck on changing that life style

Nov 17, 2015 03:56 PM
Ambassador
3,164,119
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

No, always God and family have come before work.

Nov 17, 2015 02:50 PM
Rainmaker
4,160,025
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Tony Lewis Sometimes, we need to slow down and focus on our health. I am glad you are ding better now.

Nov 17, 2015 12:38 PM
Rainmaker
617,935
David Gibson CNE, 719-304-4684 ~ Colorado Springs Relocation
Colorado Real Estate Advisers LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
Relocation, Luxury & Lifestyle residential

Tony,
I hope the future is bright for you. I have never been a 24/7 guy even when I was the top boss. Now, I cruise at my own pace.

Nov 17, 2015 11:10 AM
Rainmaker
2,362,579
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I am glad you are on the mend and mending your ways! 

Nov 17, 2015 11:07 AM
Rainer
68,845
Sandra Graves
Keller Williams Realty - Folsom, CA
Realtor

I hope you're feeling better. I had one of those "wake-up calls" many years ago, but not like yours. Mine completely changed my life for the better. I don't even recognize the person I was before. Change is good and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Nov 17, 2015 09:30 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Tony Lewis you are brave - a fresh start is helping you, I am sure.

We all want to 'serve' our clients - however, the priority should be - God, Family and Business (or clients).

And once we get that, we are golden!

Nov 17, 2015 05:45 AM
Ambassador
1,076,531
John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

Hope you're recovering OK Tony, and sorry to hear about that.  I work a lot, and am dedicated to clients & business partners, but I know I need time to recharge, and often.  I work out daily, run before work several days/week, play sports & hike often.  During the week I make sure to enjoy at least some R&R each day...whether it be a half hour of reading or just prepping & enjoying a nice dinner & glass of wine with music playing.  

No one is built to work 24/7.  

Nov 17, 2015 04:49 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I guess this was the hard way to learn this lesson, Tony.

Nov 17, 2015 04:32 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I am still a 24/7 agent but I still make time fpor family and relaxation.  Answering the phone all the time I don't lose any potential clients and that allows me to make sure I can take my time off when I need to

Nov 17, 2015 02:10 AM
Rainer
21,675
Amanda at VA HLC & FedHomeLoan
VA Home Loan Centers - San Diego, CA
Social Media, Content & Client Relations

Thanks for sharing your story. The important thing is you are here now and cognizant of how your time should be delegated. 

Nov 17, 2015 01:39 AM
Rainer
67,369
Evelyn M Epperson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Johns Creek, GA
A Tradition Of [Excellence, Trust & Service]

You need a hobby!  My break from real estate is my horse.  I love to ride through the trails and relax.  So maybe you need to take time for your self when you feel better.  So sorry about your health issues but hopefully you are feeling much better.

Nov 17, 2015 12:38 AM