From Hustle to Mastery: How Realtor David Allan Built His Real Estate Success from the Ground Up
From Martial Arts to Real Estate Discipline
Before real estate, David developed his discipline through martial arts. Growing up, he trained in Tiger Schulmann’s Karate and later became a high school wrestler — following in the footsteps of his father, a talented athlete and mortgage lender.
After college, David wanted to stay active and joined Muay Thai, a form of kickboxing that taught him not only fitness but also mental toughness — something that would later shape his real estate approach.
Inspired by His Father — and a Desire to Build
David’s introduction to real estate came naturally. His father was a commercial mortgage lender, and David admired how he worked with developers buying and selling land.
His first real estate job was in property management, which he quickly realized wasn’t for him. From there, he pivoted into sales, determined to build his own path — one that combined his father’s business acumen with his own energy and communication skills.
The Struggles of Year One — and What He Learned
Like most new agents, David's first year was rough. He had no database, no systems, and no prior sales experience. But he hustled hard, hosting open houses, cold calling daily, and learning on the job.
By his second year, everything began to click. David improved his scripts, built confidence on the phone, and turned rejection into motivation.
Building Systems — From Chaos to Consistency
By year four and five, David had built solid systems and a rhythm that worked for him.
He calls his strategy “fishing rods” — different lead sources he checks consistently throughout the week.
His approach includes:
Running open houses for top agents to build exposure
Geo farming neighborhoods — door knocking and inviting locals to events
Networking within the Keller Williams office and local community
Following up strategically after every open house
Learning Through Mistakes — and Spending Smarter
When David ventured into commercial real estate, he admits he made some costly mistakes.
Now, David is more strategic about his investments, focusing on tools and systems that genuinely grow his business rather than chasing every new shiny object.
Scaling Up: From Realtor to Future Developer
Having sold over 100 homes, David’s now shifting gears toward commercial development — a lifelong goal.
His plan includes buying investment properties and deepening his expertise in commercial real estate, where long-term opportunities align with his passion for building and growth.
The Power of Coaching and Letting Go of Ego
Throughout his journey, David credits coaching and mentorship as crucial to his progress.
He’s had multiple coaches and emphasizes that even top producers benefit from having one.
Key Takeaways from David Allan’s Journey
Fail fast and learn faster. Mistakes are the best teachers.
Develop systems. Consistency beats intensity every time.
Communicate with empathy. Focus on people, not transactions.
Invest wisely. Spend time and money where it matters.
Never stop learning. Coaching and humility keep you growing.
