Sam Leverson
What does PRIDE mean to you?
Pride, in my eyes, is something anyone can celebrate. Pride to me is the acknowledgment of individualism and that is something to be celebrated because that is what makes us all the unique individuals we are. Pride is also a celebration in honoring the past and what the LGBTQIA+ community had to endure and continues to endure. There is still so much work left to be done but we are a resilliant bunch and I am proud to be part of the community.
How have you seen the significance of LQBTQIA+ representation in your work, or in the industry more generally?
We all know that the real estate process is a vulnerable, uncomfortable, and intense process. I have found that some clients, especially out of state clients, have selected me because they identify with my community. We have similar lived experiences that establishes a level of trust that you don’t normally get off of the bat which can make the consumer feel a little more safe and seen throughout the process knowing that they have someone like them on their side.
Do you have a good book or podcast recommendation?
My favorite podcast would be Unlocking Us by Brene Brown. Real estate is a different animal that most other businesses. Especially post-pandemic, it requires a great deal of vulnerability to form a true genuine connection with your client. Unlocking us…well…Brene Brown in general has a lot of great ways to get vulnerable with yourself so that you can get vulnerable with others.
Guille Garza
What does PRIDE mean to you?
Pride is being proud of who I am, it is about authenticity, equality, acceptance and respect for yourself.
What is your proudest moment as a Realtor®?
One of the moments in which I am proud of what I do is when I am able to help a family that never thought they could have a property simply because they were not born in the USA. When I encourage people to take the first time homebuyer course to learn and know that owning a home is possible, even if it’s been 20 years since they came to the US.
Do you have a good book or podcast recommendation?
Gary Acosta’s Podcast – Gary Acosta is a successful entrepreneur, investor and founder of today’s leading Hispanic business organization. This podcast will feature Gary’s take on the economy, politics, sports and Latino culture.