I’ve learned that you have to create your own opportunities in life and be willing to bet on yourself. Whether 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. But they got me a loan at 19.5%. And as crazy as that interest rate sounds, it was the best thing I could have done with that money.

 

Growing up on a Minnesota farm, I was up early feeding animals, hauling hay, and tackling a list of chores before I could even think about the rest of my day. That instilled a great work ethic. My parents were both blue collar workers, and I didn’t even tell them when I started investing because I knew it was completely out of their comfort zone.

 

 My 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 to ask, “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.

 

 Arriving in Arizona with some capital but no connections, I had to adapt quickly. The market was tough, so I pivoted to hard money lending, using my own funds to help others finance their deals. For two years, I learned the lending side of the business, then shifted to loan modifications as the market evolved. For a short time, I returned to Minnesota for a stint in hail restoration, leveraging my construction background. But Arizona kept calling, and I finally settled in Arizona for good in 2013.

 

This time around I knew I wanted to focus on real estate sales. Starting over in a new market with no connections was daunting. My first year was tough, but 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 quickly established a reputation for aggressive follow up and creative deal-making. Within three years, I was in the top 1% of agents, selling 30-40 homes annually, then scaling up to 80, and eventually reaching nearly $1 billion in sales.

 

 I’m grateful for the industry professionals who guided me as well as the diverse clientele I get to work with who are some of the most interesting and inspiring people I’ve ever met. I’m most proud of my reputation among both clients and peers, known for my creativity, persistence, and proactive approach.

 

Outside of work, my life revolves around my family. My fiancé, Kira, and I have two kids, Kaliah and Jett.  We enjoy going to our cabin, boating, riding dirt bikes, and being outdoors. 

 

From the work ethic I gained on the farm growing up to the personal experiences I had with investing and taking on different roles in the industry, it all comes together to benefit my clients. I’m extremely hands-on, handling pricing strategy, creating targeted ads that generate direct calls, and using aggressive follow-up with buyers and agents (sometimes for months) to keep deals alive. I’m known for structuring creative offers, including seller financing, lease purchases, and helping buyers with down payments when needed. I’m very persistent, always looking for ways to get my clients the best possible outcome.

 

With a background in construction, investing, land development, and luxury sales, I can advise on renovations, evaluate investment opportunities, and work directly with builders. I’ve managed teams, coached agents, and consistently invested in my own professional growth to stay ahead in the industry. I don’t rely on passive marketing or wait for referrals; I actively pursue new business and use every available strategy to get results for my clients. I’m driven to deliver the best possible representation for my clients.

 

 Sincerely,

 

 

David Newman