Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Craig O'Rourke, Owner of Real Estate Success Series LLC., located in Redondo Beach, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The title of my business says it all. The Real Estate Success Series. I started this company with the goal of educating investors as to why I believe income-producing real estate to be, by far, the best choice for investors looking to create long-term, sustainable cash flow. My books and courses educate investors on how to create money they can count on month after month, year after year, and decade after decade.
My customers are investors. People who want to make sure they do not run out of money in their golden years. Investors who follow a few simple steps outlined in my books and courses will learn how to insure their own long-term financial needs while still providing a financial legacy for their loved ones.
Tell us about yourself
My business and career were born out of frustration. As a real estate agent, I have worked primarily with investors, and I was continually frustrated at how little so many of my fellow agents working in the submarket real estate investment sales actually knew about the many nuances regarding investment transactions. One day a fellow agent who knew I specialized in investors asked if I could guide her with a client. I mentored her through the transaction, and word of mouth in the office led to additional mentorship opportunities.
As I worked with all of these agents, whom I knew to be some of the best agents in the industry, I was struck by a rather shocking common thread. Although their real estate license allowed them to sell any type of property in California, their training had been sorely lacking for the niche market of income-producing properties. I decided to write a book educating my fellow agents and investors on the proper way to analyze, understand and properly service real estate investment clients.
That first book was my launch pad. I have since written two more books for real estate investors outlining the pros and cons of real estate investing and the proper way to build a real estate portfolio that will create sustainable wealth. I am currently finishing my third investor book, and I will be launching an online investor class and real estate investor YouTube channel in the next few months.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
That’s a fun question. O.K., I will brag a bit here. My biggest accomplishment was being asked to give a Google Talk. When I was introduced and stepped onto the stage at Google Headquarters in Venice, it was a terrifying rush. The audience was standing room only, which only heightened my anxiety, but once I got rolling, I found the group to be extremely receptive. I truly enjoyed the experience, and that opportunity helped launch my speaking career, which became a turning point for me to begin moving away from real estate sales and shift gears into education.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think many business owners would have a similar answer to this question “everything took longer and cost more than I had anticipated!” Starting a business is difficult. Most entrepreneurs have great ideas, perfect focus, and amazing energy going in. The ones that survive are those that can keep going even when it feels like the gas tank is empty.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses. I knew my strength was creativity, drive, and passion. I knew my weaknesses were follow through, focus and details. When I started my business, I called my friend Mark who had all the qualifications I was lacking, and asked him if he wanted a job. He told me, “You don’t need me, you need Sheree.” He introduced me to an amazing woman who was my polar opposite. She came in, took the helm, righted the ship, and raised the sails. We have been on a trajectory of success ever since.
- Be fearless. Starting a new business is a scary venture, but if you don’t try, you fail. Go for it, and don’t be afraid to fail. My best lessons were learned from my mistakes. Only the strong survive, so be strong and be fearless. A solid business plan with a determined spirit can only lead to success.
- When you find the right people make sure you pay them accordingly. I believe in abundance, and to be successful in business or anything else in life, make sure you are sharing the wealth appropriately. If you are paying salaries, make sure you are paying the right people over and above the average salary. If they are commissioned, make sure their slice of the pie is plentiful.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://realestatesuccessseries.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realestatesuccessseriesllc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ress_llc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-o-rourke-00920416/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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