Faced with the choice between stability and freedom, I chose freedom, knowing it would lead me to the life I truly wanted. That decision allowed me to shape my life around what matters most. At 23, I took a leap of faith that would change my life. I was working as an IT Analyst, a stable job with good pay, and I had just bought my first home. But after the mortgage, bills, and expenses, I was left with little at the end of the month. Despite having what many would consider a solid foundation, something inside me felt restless, unfulfilled. I knew there was more I wanted to do. So, during my vacation days, I attended real estate school, passed my exams, and quit my job to pursue real estate full-time. It was a risk, but I was ready for the challenge!
This willingness to take risks and embrace new opportunities didn’t just come out of nowhere—it was shaped by my experiences growing up. My father was a serial entrepreneur, and from a young age, I watched him build and rebuild businesses with a relentless drive. Whether he was opening Barney Coffee and Tea before Starbucks became a household name or running a Pak Mail store that predated today’s UPS and FedEx locations, my dad was always moving forward, undeterred by setbacks.
Swimming was also very impactful, swimming competitively at the age of 10 and quickly rising to become the top swimmer in the country by 12. After reaching such a huge achievement, it was hard to then plateau and work through feelings of burnout. I had to dig deep and keep pushing forward even when I wasn’t seeing immediate results. With a lot of hard work, I regained my passion for swimming which led to a full-ride scholarship to Florida A&M. My experiences gave me a new perspective on how to overcome challenges and fueled my drive to always learn and grow, which became crucial when I entered the real estate.
In the beginning, I joined a team where we treated the job with the seriousness it deserved—suiting up every day and learning the business from the ground up. Clients appreciated my professionalism but wanted to see the more authentic version of me. Real estate is an investment, but it is also a personal decision, so it is important for me to be approachable. My business doubled when I ditched the suit and embraced a more relaxed, genuine approach. Over the years, I honed my skills in short sales, worked as a referral agent, engaged with developers on large-scale projects, managed luxury listings for high-end clients, and handled investment properties to help maximize returns. I am always keeping up with my clients, helping other agents learn and grow, and looking for the next big step in my entrepreneurial journey - knowing that all the risks, late nights and dedication to the business will pay off.
Entrepreneurship, to me, isn’t just about building a business; it’s about building a community and using success to uplift others. That’s why I host charity concerts and events, partnering with organizations like the Children's Miracle Network and local foster care services. I strive to live a balanced life, staying active in the swimming community, running 5Ks, golfing, and exploring my passions for live music, art, and classic cars. This balance allows me to support my two sons, Landon and Mason, as they pursue their love for travel baseball. Watching them chase their dreams reminds me why I work so hard—I want them to learn that true success comes from pursuing your passions with resilience, staying true to yourself, and using your achievements to make a positive impact on others.
In real estate, my approach is all about going beyond the standard transaction to offer a more comprehensive, hands-on experience. I’ve developed a unique focus on working with investors, move-up buyers, empty nesters, and first-time homebuyers, serving as an active partner on my client's journey. Whether it’s flipping houses or transforming properties, I’m often right there with them, managing projects, coordinating with contractors, and overseeing every detail. For out-of-state investors, I offer a concierge service that includes everything from hiring contractors to providing weekly progress updates, ensuring their investments are managed smoothly, even from afar. I want to make homeownership and investing as accessible and stress-free as possible!
Another aspect of my work that distinguishes me is my problem-solving approach and dedication to seeing projects through, no matter how long it takes. My focus is always on solving issues first and letting the financial rewards follow. I don’t see my work as just a series of transactions; I see it as an opportunity to guide my clients through challenges, helping them achieve outcomes they might have thought impossible! Even after the transaction is over, I stay connected, offering my lifelong support and guidance for every step of your real
estate journey.
Sincerely,
Torrence Ford
Associate Broker