There are a few possible conundrums in real estate. Agents have a versatile schedule but are “on duty” every day and every moment if needed. There is a great amount of freedom in the way an agent approaches his/her business, and agents must be flexible and quick to react in this profession – choosing strategies that are wise. There is certainly an unlimited income option with no ceiling, but agents must remember that the flow of business is vital – remembering to farm for business constantly and make all efforts consistent. To keep the balance, Todd Nelson has a great strategic business philosophy; he considers himself unemployed between closings.

 Todd graduated from Marshall University with a degree in marketing: business logistics, and he launched his professional career with CSX Transportation. That lasted a short time, and in 1999, Nelson pivoted to working in real estate full-time. For over two decades, Todd has been building relationships and providing housing solutions, and many satisfied clients are glad he chose to alter his initial career path.

 Nelson knows that the business can consume an agent’s life, but he does appreciate the freedom to determine when he works. He labors hard whether at work or home, but he wants to provide a great environment for both. For him, success is about balance. It is no small task, and to his admission, it is a constant battle, but he strives always to have a happy life both personally and professionally. Sometimes, it may necessitate taking a mini-vacation with family, and other times, it may require significant sacrifice, but Todd is up for the challenge. One thing is for sure; he knows that success is not about money or the accumulation of things, but rather it is about being able to enjoy what you do and achieving a proper balance with family at home.

 Todd notes that an agent in the office sold a home for a client and decided that Todd and the client should meet. They did, and now, Todd and his wife, Tara, are building a life and family together. Real estate has afforded him so many blessings. Todd operates by the Golden Rule, and many would describe him as motivated, busy, and high-energy, yet one of the more alluring qualities is his positivity and healthy outlook on life. Early on, he admits that he had to work hard to deal with a propensity to worry, but he has learned, over time, to be a calming voice in an unpredictable environment. It has become a staple in his skillset, and he uses what he has learned to assist clients.

 Nelson explains that the best agents are tech savvy and extremely personable. He says the better agents develop the skill of proper listening and that they are knowledgeable of their market so that they are able to offer sage advice. “Good agents are very reliable, and they know how to systematize their daily lives,” he quips.

Todd created “Todd’s Thursday Briefings.” It was (approximately) a three-minute video and was designed to inform the public about real estate issues. It started on social media and later appeared as a segment on a local television station. He did not know how it would turn out and decided to think of it as similar to a billboard expense. He received a call one day that led to a listing/sale, and it paid for the production costs of the television segments. One never knows, but a lot of strategic activity that is purposeful leads to great results. He says that some activities pay off and some do not, but agents have to learn what delivers the best results and opportunities for them.

 Many ask Todd for advice, and he tells newer agents to be prepared to live an unpredictable life. “It is a job that puts you on call every day and night, but the rewards are great,” he explains. For those who are more seasoned in the business, he challenges them to never be intimidated by those who are more used to the changing technology. He has learned that those who have a significant time in the business are great at understanding people and at building quality relationships.

 Todd and his wife, Tara, who has provided great help with his work, have two children: Brooklyn (18) and Lacey (14). The family enjoys traveling, binging shows together, and hiking. Brooklyn has appeared in several New York City Broadway shows, and the experience has provided a great foundation for her to pursue her acting development at the University of Southern California this fall. Lacey is active in travel volleyball and golf.

 Todd Nelson has a long road to accomplish many more things, and someday, he hopes people will remember him as someone who cares about people. He wants to be known as the guy who fostered great relationships and proved that the relational advantages far outweighed any single transactional benefit. He wants his clients to know that his goal is to build friendships and to help their real estate experience to be a smooth one. Until he climbs that next mountain – which may involve a valley or two, he will be committed to creating positive customer experiences and great closings – where it is truly time to celebrate!