Growing up in Wisconsin, Austin Long had a heart full of dreams and longed for more than the rural lifestyle. “I was enthusiastic about life and pursuing it,” he comments. He knew that making money was the key to a better future and his ticket to a brighter tomorrow.

 

One thing that Austin had working in his favor was his gift of sales. He recalls, “My twin brothers and I would sell candy bars that we bought for three for a dollar at the Dollar Store and sold them for $1.00 each.” Although he didn’t recognize his ability to sell as a child, it certainly came in handy as an adult.

 

He branched out of Wisconsin, moving to Los Angeles and working for a school after college, which fueled his desire to go into business for himself. Austin comments, “I had a long period of lower salaries, which motivated me to make money. I realized that I was working a lot of hours.” He knew he would do better in a commission-based job rather than being overworked in the educational system.

 

“I was looking at my savings account and realized that there was no way that I was going to get anywhere,” he explains. Real estate – a career that he thought about in his high school days in Wisconsin - was always in the back of his mind.

 

During the pandemic, he made a radical shift by moving to Cincinnati and giving real estate a shot. The road wasn’t easy. As Austin says, “The first 3 years are a grind. You have to make an investment into your future business and your future freedom.” Not one to give up, Austin was driven and determined to make it. He says, “I get excited about helping others.” When he realized that real estate is ultimately about helping others, he was able to soar.

 

“Your reputation precedes you in real estate,” says Austin, who works for Keller Williams Advisors in Cincinnati. He realized that it wasn’t just about his customers, but also other agents and he had to build his reputation with them as well.

 

Now Austin is thriving. “I’m enthusiastic about what I do,” he comments. This 31-year-old took his 20s to figure out his life and what he wanted to do. “I finally landed in real estate.” He looks at his previous careers, including spending a year at a trucking company as invaluable preparation for what he does today.

 

“I found my match in real estate,” he smiles. It has helped him establish his reputation, bolster his confidence, and increase his sales.

 

“I want to double my business every year for the next 5 years,” says Austin of the goals he has set for himself. “I also want to be an investor.” In April, he closed on his first investment property and started building his investment portfolio.

 

“I also know that I want to build a team,” he adds. “I came out of the 9-5 world and wasn’t a salaried employee anymore.” Austin found freedom while he saw his colleagues miserable in their careers. “I want to have a work culture that is fun and want to start a team for that reason.”

 

Another goal that Austin has is to have a city-wide scavenger hunt, where people could collect Easter eggs with cash in them. It’s one of his big ideas that he is excited to bring to fruition someday.

 

When Austin isn’t working, he loves to cook and actually considered a career in the culinary arts in his childhood days. Although he didn’t pursue this passion professionally, he does enjoy making all sorts of delicious dishes in the kitchen.

 

He also likes going to the gym and did CrossFit for a while. “That was a blast,” he reflects.

 

A man of faith, Austin attends Crossroads Church and is involved in a Bible study. You can also find him appearing on screen in some of their videos. He wants to serve more but often finds himself busy on the weekends with clients.

 

Austin also treasures time with his family, including his three siblings and his mother. He took after his mother with his entrepreneurial roots. His mother used to have a teacher supply store and went to local schools in a trailer to sell products. She also helped Austin start a candy business when they were growing up. Austin is still connected with his siblings today and they chat on the phone every day together.

 

Although Austin claims he’s “not anything special,” he is a man of passion, purpose and potential. He is passionate about real estate, helping others, and building his team. His goal is to sell 100 houses this year and he’s eager to see this dream become a reality. He is eagerly building his career and investing in his future, all while living life to the fullest.