Selected Links and People Mentioned from this episode:

• Connect with AJ Hazzi:

  LinkedIn
  Instagram
  Facebook
  YouTube
  Twitter

• The Real Estate Investment Network
• Ergonomics – David Marcum
• Leaders Eat Last – Simon Sinek
• Rocket Fuel – Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters
• Dr. Paul Stoltz, Peak Learning – Adversity Quotient
• Kelowna’s first “Green Street”
• Never Split the Difference – Chris Voss and Tahl Raz
• Miracle Morning – Hal Elrod

Show Notes

• [02:03] Introduction to today’s guest as part of our REIN Member Series: AJ Hazzi
• [04:58] Patrick and AJ get underway but before we go too far – what does AJ stand for?
• [05:23] AJ shares his elevator pitch.
• [06:19] Let’s hear a little bit more about his outfit: Vantage West Realty, an investor-based brokerage located in Kelowna.
• [07:22] AJ takes us back to where he comes from, his family background and who he watched growing up to build his entrepreneurial chops.
• [08:53] The skills and education AJ has gained along the way. The hard way.
• [09:56] AJ’s start in real estate came at a young age, travelling, living the life of a young 19-year-old on the beaches of Australia when he realized how he could make his money stretch a little further with a little help from his friends.
• [12:59] Back in Kelowna AJ decides to dive in to real estate. Did his youth come as an advantage or disadvantage?
• [14:48] The influences which were shaping AJ to show up as he was during the beginning stages of his career as a realtor.
• [15:35] AJ reflects on what set him apart from other 20-year-olds at that time in his life. For better or worse.
• [17:05] AJ shares an eye-opening experience of how ego tripped him up and how the fall-out proved to be a defining moment.
• [19:53] How did the lessons he learned from his Mom differ from the ones he learned from his Dad? Reputation and opportunity.
• [21:50] AJ explains how and when he started his real estate investing career.
• [23:58] As AJ grew his own business in Kelowna he had some legitimate obstacles to overcome. Time to find some creative and innovative solutions!
• [27:10] AJ explains how he took the obstacles of a downturn and turned them into opportunity. Opportunity to set his foundation, rebuild his reputation and shine.
• [27:56] AJ tells us about one of the major forks in his business road, and the necessity for humility.
• [30:37] As his awareness shifts, AJ sees the gaps in his business and seeks coaching to help him up level and round out his leadership team.
• [32:41] What is one of AJ’s big “a-ha” moments in his evolution so far?
• [35:34] The unique value proposition of AJ’s brokerage. #1 is culture.
• [37:37] Turning the typical sales culture on its head and empowering his team to drive their results and success.
• [41:38] What AJ’s day looks like within Vantage West now.
• [42:33] The eco-system of AJ’s financial future and how that also weaves into Vantage West Realty.
• [44:14] What is the passion that fires AJ up every morning?
• [45:56] Through AJ’s first two experiences, Patrick and AJ delve into a conversation about land development.
• [51:48] The challenge, the growth and the journey are the fuel that keeps AJ’s fire lit for development.
• [53:37] AJ speaks to his adversity quotient and the mindset he holds and when the s*#t is hitting the fan.
• [55:22] Resiliency and personal development through managing his state physically and mentally.
• [56:20] What is AJ reading these days?
• [57:05] AJ tells the story of meeting his wife and the instrumental part she has played in his success.
• [58:38] Once again, AJ affirms the importance of spouses aligning on a collective vision and getting behind the “why”.
• [60:49] As an entrepreneurial husband, how does AJ best support his wife?
• [61:53] Rules of engagement in their home for devices/phones.
• [64:05] How does AJ define success? When is enough, enough? (or is there even a finish line?)
• [65:41] The advice AJ would give his 20-year-old self, which goes back to a bit of Mom’s advice.
• [66:41] With the experiences he’s had on his journey thus far, AJ offers some wise guidance for those who are getting into the business of real estate.
• [67:47] For real estate investors, here are some key questions to ask a realtor before working with them to purchase investment property.
• [69:20] How important is it for a realtor and a client to be in alignment from a business and character perspective?
• [71:35] Let’s hear about AJ’s daily routine for self-care.
• [73:11] AJ and Patrick talk structure, playing to strengths and working in alignment with our productive time, whenever that may be.
• [76:03] Going back to self-care, AJ talks about what he fuels his body with.
• [77:27] Patrick brings on the rapid fire! Favourite swear word, alternate profession, what he’d like to hear at the pearly gates, weirdness scale (it’s a trend!), being geographically challenged, favourite tune and favourite movie.
• [78:58] AJ’s gratitude.