This month's YEP Spotlight Member is Jonathan Ghrist. Jonathan, originally from Chicago, moved to Erie in 2016. He began his career in Real Estate shortly afterwards and joined ReMax in 2018. He was recently recognized with the top 5 individual awards for Production, Sales Volume, and Transactions within ReMax. Read on to learn more about Jonathan.
YEP: Why did you get involved in real estate?
JG: Real estate was very attractive to me because I knew that there is a direct correlation between the amount of effort I put in and my income and growth potential. Whether it be in sales, investing, or in my case, both, there really is no limit to how far I want to take it. I can spend my career as an individual agent, build a team, open my own brokerage, etc. Also, I have always been heavily service and people-focused as is evidenced in my previous career paths as a waiter/bartender, carpenter, and Firefighter/EMT. Real estate is all about people and it's important to never lose sight of that. Cultivating strong relationships with my clients based on honesty and trust is paramount. So, for me, real estate was a natural fit and I haven't looked back since.
YEP: What advice would you give to other young professionals who are thinking about getting into the field?
JG: Do your homework. It's not for everyone. Statistically, 9 out of 10 new agents fail within the first 5 years. I think that is largely due to the fact that there are a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings about what we do. To me, it's simple. If you want to be successful, you need to approach this business as a business. Understanding that will help tremendously. If you can think like a small business rather than an employee, you'll be ahead of the curve.
YEP: You were just recognized with a major award after only a year with ReMax. How do you motivate yourself to keep pushing forward?
JG: I just received recognition for being one of the top 5 individuals in sales volume, closed transactions, and production in 2019. There are highs and lows but I know what I want out of life and I know it's not just going to be handed to me. I try to dream as big as I can and look at the whole picture and then work my way back to what I can do today -- everyday -- to help me get to where I want to be.
YEP: What has been the best part of your involvement in YEP? How can other members make the most of this organization?
JG: I've met and continue to meet a lot of amazing people I might not otherwise have met. Most of which I've become really good friends with and who all help to challenge and support one another. The best way to get the most out of YEP is to get involved. Take advantage of the voice and platform it gives us as young professionals. Recognize that we're a part of something much bigger than ourselves. We all have talents and strengths we can utilize to help grow together both personally and professionally all while making our community better than it was when we got here.
YEP: Finally, tell us about your perfect Erie day.
JG: I don't get many full days to myself as a realtor so I'd probably start there. I'd try to keep it simple - warm day, no phone, no email, no agenda… maybe go for a hike, kayak, bike, or nothing. Just kind of wing it and keep it mellow.
Thank you, Jonathan, for your commitment to YEP and to your community!
