The power of a mentor should never be underestimated. Andrew Oates is one of the newest members of the Swann Real Estate team, but his path to get here is one that he never expected. Andrew is grateful to a friend and mentor that invested in his life at an early age that brought him to focus on residential real estate.
Andrew graduated from Stetson University in 2011. Planning to become a lawyer, he attended Stetson University Law School where he graduated in 2015. As he studied for the bar exam and worked with a few firms, Andrew realized that perhaps law wasn’t the path for him, knowing that it would probably involve working at a desk for several years without much client interaction. For a few years he looked around and worked at few places that were unrelated to law while trying to discover what really motivated him.
It was at that time that Andrew reflected on time spent with a mentor, none other than Swann Real Estate founder, Todd Swann. Throughout college, Andrew became close friends with Todd’s son Turner. “Over the past 9 years, Todd had a big influence on my life,” he said. “During that time, I got to know him. I respect his values which involve helping people, not just growing a business. He helps people solve problems relating to some of the largest financial decisions they may ever make. I realized then that is what I want to do.”
As the two began to talk about a possible career in real estate, they knew the timing had to be right. Andrew passed the real estate exam in May and immediately began as a full-time agent.
Andrew sees his background in law as huge benefit to his new career. “I’m still helping people solve problems through contracts, negotiations, etc, but I now get to interact with my clients closer. It’s very rewarding!”
Although it has been indirect, Andrew is thankful for his path and his relationship with the Swann’s. He looks forward to serving the DeLand community for many years to come.
It was at that time that Andrew reflected on time spent with a mentor, none other than Swann Real Estate founder, Todd Swann. Throughout college, Andrew became close friends with Todd’s son Turner. “Over the past 9 years, Todd had a big influence on my life,” he said. “During that time, I got to know him. I respect his values which involve helping people, not just growing a business. He helps people solve problems relating to some of the largest financial decisions they may ever make. I realized then that is what I want to do.”
As the two began to talk about a possible career in real estate, they knew the timing had to be right. Andrew passed the real estate exam in May and immediately began as a full-time agent.
Andrew sees his background in law as huge benefit to his new career. “I’m still helping people solve problems through contracts, negotiations, etc, but I now get to interact with my clients closer. It’s very rewarding!”
Although it has been indirect, Andrew is thankful for his path and his relationship with the Swann’s. He looks forward to serving the DeLand community for many years to come.