Green Green Grass of Home

I saw the news that Merle Haggard passed and I had to sit down a take a few minutes to soak it in. I posted what was on my mind to my Facebook page, “Real country music died today. RIP.”

We have lost a lot of talented people recently, but Merle Haggard felt like family. His influence on my love of music has been profound, but his life and the struggles that he often wrote about in his songs have been equally impactful.

I think about the people who have influenced me in my real estate business and I never have to look any further than my Mom. My first experience with real estate was 30 years ago when my Mom gave me an opportunity to clean the common hallways in some of the four and eight-plex buildings she owned in Dallas. From there I worked my way up the ladder, one rung at a time. It was when I was given the chance to work in the office answering the phone that I realized how much I loved interacting with people and helping them solve their problems, no matter how big or small they were.

My work ethic has been influenced by my parents and grandparents. They worked hard to do everything and anything possible to provide a better life for my brother and me. What I appreciate about their methods are that they showed me what it meant to work hard through their actions, all the while with country music playing in the background.

I started my real estate business with a high-end team franchise because I thought that was a great environment to learn while having the support of a large production team. However, in the words of Merle, “I am what I am.” I have a unique presence and drive that made me quickly realize that I could better serve my clients on my own. By working as an Independent Realtor, I can produce personal marketing plans for my clients, offer highly competitive commission plans and share knowledge of the Frisco area through my eyes – that of a small business owner and former police officer. “The fightin’ side of me” knows that I am driven to get the best deals for my clients and that doesn’t necessarily mean I will get there using the same methods as others.

I’ve read that Merle Haggard’s first record was not successful. In fact, only 200 copies were made, but he didn’t give up.  He went on to record “Sing a Sad Song” and that was a huge hit. I think we have all had experiences that didn’t go as planned but those of us who don’t give up tend to use those experiences to learn from and they drive us forward.

I have been listening to Merle’s music for as long as I can remember. He made a new album last year with Willie Nelson that I have on vinyl. It was released in 2015 but is full of the sounds of good old classic country music. In an ever changing world, I’m glad that there are artists who don’t conform and stay true to themselves. The new wave of modern country music has its place, but my roots are grounded in the classic oldies. “I take a lot of pride in what I am” and I’m so honored to help my clients touch the “green, green grass of home.” Their home that I helped them buy, that is.

Rest in peace Merle Haggard.