The Story Behind David Newman

I've learned that you have to create your own opportunities in life and be willing to bet on yourself. Whether it turns into a success or a setback, there is something valuable to learn.

There was an open house a mile from my family home, so I decided to take a look. It was a total fixer-upper. The agent working it asked if I was interested. I said, "I'd love to buy it, but I don't know how." He connected me to his lender.

I was only 19, with no lines of credit and nothing to my name other than a $12,000 inheritance from my uncle. They got me a loan at 19.5%. As crazy as that interest rate sounds, it was the best thing I could have done with that money.

That work ethic has proven to be one of my greatest strengths. Throughout high school I worked in construction and picked up enough to help fix that first home I bought. By my third year in college, I owned three properties.

My plan was to become a chiropractor. All it took was someone learning about my situation and asking, "Why are you doing this? You should be getting your license." It was a light bulb moment. I asked if it was a four-year degree, and he told me, "No, it's a two-week class!" That sold me.

I started selling real estate and also worked in land acquisition and development with a builder. I kept investing, building my portfolio, and learning the ins and outs of the industry from every angle.

By 2007, the market was starting to turn. I decided it was time for a change and sold my Minnesota properties. I initially planned to move to California, but a stop in Arizona to visit a friend changed everything. The weather, the landscape and the opportunity drew me in, and I decided to stay.

This time around, I knew I wanted to focus on real estate sales. Starting over in a new market with no connections was daunting, and my first year was tough. Things changed when I joined forces with Walt Danley, a legend in luxury real estate. That mentorship was pivotal.

I learned the luxury market, built relationships, and established a reputation for aggressive follow-up and creative deal-making. Within three years I was in the top 1% of agents, selling 30 to 40 homes annually, then scaling to 80, and eventually Approaching $1 Billion in Sales.

I'm grateful for the industry professionals who guided me, and for a clientele who are some of the most interesting and inspiring people I've ever met. I'm most proud of my reputation among clients and peers for creativity, persistence and a proactive approach.