Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shay Nabors, Real Estate Investor & Educator at REI Platform LLC., located in Milwaukee, WI, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

REI Platform was created to provide coaching, education, and resources for ambitious 9-to-5ers & wealth seekers looking to MAXIMIZE their income with real estate investing. I am a licensed Realtor who can help you acquire a property in Milwaukee, and my team can also help you renovate/manage it after closing!

Tell us about yourself

My name is Shay Nabors; I'm a self-made real estate investor, real estate agent, & real estate consultant located in Milwaukee, WI; I  specialize in residential rental property investments. I purchased my first investment property when I was 22 years old, and it changed my life.

After my first property, I made it my number one goal to build a rental portfolio. I quickly became a role model in my community, and people started asking me if I could help them invest—and that is how my real estate agency was founded. I take pride in setting an example as a black woman who is successful, a first-generation homeowner, and a Real Estate Expert.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment has been setting BIG BOLD GOALS and sticking to them. Every goal I've set for myself, I have achieved. My most recent goal was reaching a 6-figure income at the age of 26 and becoming work optional - meaning I am not dependent on working a 9-to-5 in order to be financially stable. I've always said, "I am not rich; I'm just good with money." I do not live paycheck to paycheck; I do not worry about how I'm going to afford anything because my rental income supports me & my financial goals.

One of my biggest accomplishments is that I'm self-taught - I created my business by educating myself, and now I am an inspiration to others who want to become homeowners. The most rewarding part of my job is helping others achieve home ownership.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Time Management - I started by doing everything myself but quickly learned the power of delegation and creating systems. Now I have a team, such as a Chief Operating Office who focuses on the day-to-day activities and carrying out agency initiatives, and a virtual assistant to assist with my social media management and engagement. Having a team allowed me to focus on high-level strategy and personalized interactions with my clients.

I often make time to simply evaluate where I am spending my energy to decide if some things need to be cut out, if they can be outsourced or automated, etc., and that mindset has really allowed my business to grow!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Put together a business plan: running a business all comes down to making specific measurable and attainable goals (SMART goals) and taking a series of small steps to meet those goals.
  2. The key to my success has always been discipline and consistency. Keep the big picture in mind. What is your ultimate goal? Revisit your goal often.
  3. Write it down, tape it to your bathroom mirror, make it your screensaver on your phone, etc.
  4. Utilize your skills - focus on what you're already good at and delegate or automate the rest. Build systems and processes – remember to work smarter, not harder!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

My dream would be to start a nonprofit to help my local community have access to down payment assistance grants and help reduce barriers to home ownership.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.thereiplatform.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thereiplatform
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereiplatform/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaynabors/


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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.