You won’t believe what I’ve been up to—cleaning out my old stacks of magazines that go back nearly 20 years. It’s crazy to think how long I’ve been diving into anything and everything related to real estate, entrepreneurship, and business. Heck, I’ve even been a subscriber to AARP for years! Now, back when I first subscribed, I wasn’t anywhere near being a senior citizen. But, let’s be real, I’m getting close now. And, guess what? I’m about to be a grandfather! Yep, I’ll take that congratulations. It’s funny how life comes full circle, right?
Anyway, as I’m flipping through my old Think Realty magazines, I can’t help but reflect. I’m seeing so many familiar faces—people who have been a part of my life and my journey, whether in business or friendship. Take Grant Cardone, for example. Back in 1999, when I was hustling in car sales, he was my personal sales coach. He was the one who taught me the ropes in sales, and those lessons still stick with me today. Looking back, it’s pretty incredible to see how far he’s come—and how far those lessons took me, too.
Then, there’s Bruce and Aaron Norris. Bruce was one of the first people who really taught me the ropes of real estate. I owe a lot of what I know to him. He’s since packed up and moved his operation to Florida, but those early lessons? They’re gold. Aaron became a great friend, and though he’s no longer with us, he’ll always hold a special place in my heart.
It was also a trip to see my buddy Sherman gracing the cover of one of those magazines. I didn’t even know he was featured! It’s wild how fast life moves, and you just never know who’s going to make it big or where people will end up. That’s why I’ve always believed in treating people with respect and building strong relationships. You never know if someone’s going to end up being more than just a friend—they could become a valuable asset to your business.
As I sit here, going through these old magazines and memories, it’s a reminder of just how important the people around us are. So, if there’s one thing I’d tell you, it’s this: invest in your relationships, because they’re worth more than any deal you’ll ever close. Life happens fast, and you never know who’s going to be a lifelong friend—or maybe even the key to your next big opportunity.
To your success,
Ernie “Grateful for the Journey” Vargas
