I’ve always known I wanted to be an entrepreneur and work in an industry that I loved. Then I found myself not only responsible for myself but also for my son. I put that dream to rest, kept my head down, took any work with a salary. Until I saw a sign hanging in an office window...
My first name, Royal, is synonymous with my surname Omolade, which literally translates to “child of the crown.” In
my case, the name is very fitting. My father was even born and raised in a palace. Then he met my mother. He converted to Catholicism so they could be married, ostensibly giving up the throne. I’m only slightly bitter about that. My father died on Christmas day. He didn’t get to see who I’ve become. As a result, the holidays are a painful time for me. But many of the memories I have are good ones. Some of the earliest work I had was helping him build his own house. The other kids and I would transport sand, and he’d give us a bit of cash. We were rich for the afternoon. That, combined with my parents creating work for themselves in the tech world, brought out my entrepreneurial spirit. To afford ice cream in the afternoons, I devised a way to make money. At school, I’d sell used perfume bottles filled with water to the girls. They were happy to pay me a small amount and have the pretty bottles. Many years later, after I joined the navy, I was known as the guy who could get you things. An officer was needing new boots? I was sure to have a connection that could send him boots. I was the center of the supply chain. It was my favorite part of an otherwise difficult time. Little did I know that an even bigger struggle lay ahead. As soon as I was honorably discharged from the navy and dropped off in Seattle, I found myself raising my two-week-old son as a single father. I had a friend who would help me look out for him while I worked to support us. I took any job I could find. I was feeling beaten down and unfulfilled. Then one day, while I was out pushing my son along in his stroller, we passed an office with a “NOW HIRING” sign. I didn’t know what the office was, but I knew I couldn’t continue working meaningless jobs. Inside, I met Jack. Jack was the broker of the real estate office I found myself in, and he offered to give me a test to see if real estate would be a good fit. He must have been impressed with my responses because he offered to take me on as an agent and pay for the classes I needed to get my license. The process usually takes several months. I did it in two weeks. Once I was licensed, I found my work environment almost hostile. I couldn’t get advice from any of the agents, Jack being the exception. They practically ignored me if I asked a question. A year later, I discovered the reason. Another agent in the office dropped a stack of cash on my desk. I looked up, startled, “What’s that for?”
“That’s your cut,” he answered. “You just made me $1400. We had a bet running. Whether or not you’d make it a full year here without any help.”
I was devastated. They saw me struggling. Instead of helping me, they left me to flounder in uncertainty. I decided I’d never do that to another agent. I’d rather offer encouragement and see them succeed. Now, having found success, I’ve been able to create my own brokerage to cultivate empowerment. I may not be a king, but I’m a leader. I think that’s even better. I want the world to be a bright place. I want that for me, for my wife and four bubbly kids, for my clients, for the people working in my office. I find brightness through working with people. That was what drew me to this industry in the first place. I knew that I needed to do something I truly loved. I love real estate. I love that I get to show people the value of homeownership. I still get to be the go-to guy in the supply chain. I know where to get my clients anything they need for their homes. There are always new things for me to learn and new information for me to pass onto my clients. In this way, we form a strong community with connected members. And I wanted my brokerage to exemplify that sense of community. I look forward to welcoming you to the neighborhood!
