Pam Capela releases a weekly inspirational video on Facebook called “Getting Real with Real Estate”, and her tips and advice translate with viewers in any business.
- Tell readers a bit about yourself and how you got into real estate.
I was married at the age of 18, and have been married to my wonderful husband, Tony, of 32 years. I am a mother of 4 grown children whom have collectively blessed my husband and I with 5 grandchildren. I was recruited as a volunteer at the age of 16 to join the medical profession. At the age of 18 I was sponsored into a medical program where I would later obtain my medical sonography degree, specializing in cardiac sonography. My family and I moved to Florida in 2006, after my husband suffered a life-altering accident. Simultaneously, I commuted between Massachusetts and Florida to work in my medical profession and quickly I realized this was not my true calling. I would often frequent model homes built by local builders with friends and family, whom would vacation to Florida with aspirations of relocating as well. Through my copious amount of “guided” tours of the aforementioned model homes, friends and family continuously pressured me into obtaining my Real Estate License.
In the midst of a housing collapse and economic crisis, I was all in!
My lack of knowledge of the industry, many would consider a hinderance, I considered it a step-up. However, I did not have a solid grasp of the real estate market in Florida, only Massachusetts. Let me tell you, the difference between the two is astronomical. Starting a new career 1,200 miles from a place I once called home, I had no family, no friends and no sphere of influence. My only option was to hit the ground running. I found myself cold-calling, door knocking and forcing myself to leave my comfort zone to build relationships with people I came in contact with on a daily basis. Shortly thereafter, I was recruited by RE/MAX. I opened my 1st franchise in 2010, and with GOD’S blessings, we have continued to grow. Today, through all of life’s challenges, our office is home to 30 full-time sales professionals.
- You’ve launched a cool new video series. What’s it all about?
Empowering others! I have come to realize that people formulate judgements of others, merely based off their successes or failures. Yet, these people casting judgement have very little knowledge if any at all, about what it took to get to that level. Also, leading a private life in the position I am in professionally, people often perceive as a wall, My true desire is to show others that life is hard for all. Many people see successful people, yet never see the tears, sweat and blood shed it took to get to that level. Only through our authentic transparency we can empower and help others grow and achieve their life aspirations what ever that may be.
- You’ve been pretty candid with your advice. Why are the points you’re focusing on so important?
It’s imperative to allow others new to the industry that struggle is a part of success. To be new in this industry and not finding success right away could be related to being stranded on a sinking ship. However, I feel it is important to drive home, they are not alone nor will they ever be should they allow others to help guide them. Many people are ashamed of their past, and many are of the mindset to never to look in the rearview mirror. I believe that everyone’s past defines them in one way or another. What’s meant by this is that everything you went through in the past has brought you to where you are today. No one should ever be ashamed of who they are or where they have come from. By embracing the past, we can truly move forward. We all have a purpose, we are all meant to impact the lives of each other. I strongly feel that my true mission in both my personal life as well as professional is to impact and empower others.
- You talk about relationships. How can building relationships be beneficial not only in business but life in general?
Everyone needs to feel loved and appreciated! Small gestures such as a smile, wave or even a head nod of acknowledgment can make someone feel worthwhile. Though this may seem cliche, we live in a world with so much judgement and hatred. We never know what someone else is going through when we cross paths with them. If you appreciate others from a place of sincerity and compassion, it’s only natural that it will be reciprocated.
People like to do business with people they like, know, and trust!
Appreciate your customers and your business will appreciate you in return. Something my oldest son always says “If you help enough people get what they want, you in turn will get what you want”. My mindset is never how the sale can affect me or how much commission I will receive, yet how can I provide my assistance to help families achieve their goals whether it be purchasing their first home of selling their current home.
- What’s the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced and how did you overcome it?
I have several, and the common dominator is finding grace, hope, and closure in the face of suffering and tragedy. I have personally suffered watching my spouse suffer from a tragic life-altering injury and my father struggling through a terminal illness. Honestly, I am not sure one could ever push past a tragedy or trauma. We just find a way find the good in all evil and transfer the negative energy into positive actions and pray for a blessing. At the end of the day we take nothing with us, but the impact we leave behind lasts forever.