Early on in life I learned about the importance of attitude and adaptability, persistence, and follow-through. I have always enjoyed teaching by example to others and watching them incorporate what they learned in their lives. My favorite mantra is "we are continually faced with a myriad of opportunities, brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems."
I have always been proactive and ambitious. I got my first job at a department store at age 11. My father signed a permit allowing me to work as a stock boy part-time. I liked the idea of earning money to save for my own future goals. It was not long before I was promoted from working as a stock boy to selling toys and sporting goods then promoted to selling men's clothing alongside the full-time sales staff. I soon began out selling the full-time salespeople, so much so that they complained to the store manager. When a customer would come in to buy a tie or belt, I would build the sale by suggesting slacks, a shirt and a sport coat or suit.
Before college, I had many interests I acted upon beginning with playing in several rock bands which played in many venues. I was also a ski patrol and ski instructor, a tennis instructor, and a guitar teacher.
In college, I started my first business (in jewelry) and enjoyed building something from nothing. Then I built a business in solar energy products which established funding for my next business which led me into real estate development. I wanted to combine my love for sports, finance, and social
interactions with real estate, so I started a company called Tennisport which I worked on for 2 years.
After funding for that project fell apart, I still made sure to give my investors 150% of their original investment. I hate letting people down and will do whatever I can to deliver. That led me into working with commercial clients who also had residential real estate needs, which formed the foundation of my real estate career.
I became a licensed REALTOR in 1979 in Orlando. I built a thriving real estate business and by 1985, I joined RE/MAX and soon set records within the state and nationally after opening RE/MAX 200 North in Winter Park, Florida as a Broker-Owner with the #1 RE/MAX office in the state of Florida and as the #1 agent in the state for RE/MAX. I was fortunate to grow up with a supportive family who instilled confidence in me from a young age. They enabled me to believe in myself, so when tough times came, I never doubted that I could do whatever I needed to succeed.
I call myself an optimistic realist because I know that sometimes things can go sideways. When that happens, I deal with it and come up with innovative solutions to keep moving forward, both in real estate and in life. I am not simply a survivor – I am a thriver, and I do whatever I can to ensure those in my life continue to thrive as well. Family is important to me. As a father to my daughter Daphne and a husband to my wife Jackie – they are in my heart and mind each day, which drives me to give them the best life possible.
I learned as a boy what a huge difference attitude makes. Your perspective colors your world and your experiences in it. Like everyone else, I have bad days sometimes. Rather than let them spill into the next, I write them off at the end of the day knowing that each morning is an opportunity to start fresh and do better than before. I refuse to let the problems of yesterday determine my success today.
When I am not working, I enjoy playing golf, e-biking with my wife and daughter, going to concerts and travelling. My favorite part of being a REALTOR is outlining a plan to help people reach their goals in real estate.
Whether you are buying or selling, this is all about you and what you hope to achieve. I always start by asking lots of questions so I can understand where you are coming from and where you hope to go. It's important to me that you understand your options, so I will explain everything along the way.
Having lived and worked as a REALTOR in Orlando for 43+ years, I have a vast network to help you through every step. I expect a high level of performance from my team and vendors who help my clients before, during and after the transaction.
There are so many communities here offering different lifestyles and I know how to help you find the one that you are looking for. With my extensive experience in residential and commercial real estate, I am confident I can help you get where you want to be. Once the transaction is closed, I will continue to support your success as your lifelong REALTOR.
Sincerely,
Gary Berkson
REALTOR/Broker-Associate
