From Pro Baseball Dreams to Carolina Luxury Homes: Eric Schultz’s Rookie Real Estate Journey

In this episode of *My First Commission* from the *Unlocking Real Estate* podcast by Colibri Real Estate, we feature **Eric Schultz**, a Luxury Home Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty serving **North & South Carolina**.

Eric shares his unique path—from pursuing a professional baseball career to becoming a trusted Realtor® in the Carolinas—and how his competitive drive, work ethic, and relationship-building skills fueled his first big win in real estate.

You’ll hear how Eric:

* Transitioned from athletics and corporate sales into real estate
* Built trust with high-end clients in a new market
* Approached his **first deal** with persistence, strategic follow-up, and attention to detail
* Navigates the luxury space while keeping service and integrity at the forefront
* Balances family life with the demands of real estate success

Whether you’re an aspiring agent or a seasoned pro looking for inspiration, Eric’s story proves that with discipline, passion, and client focus, you can build a thriving career in any market.

* **00:00** – Meet Eric Schultz: From Pro Baseball to Real Estate
* **03:15** – The Career Shift: Why Real Estate?
* **06:50** – Breaking Into the Carolina Market
* **11:30** – First Commission: How It Happened
* **15:20** – Lessons from Luxury Transactions
* **19:00** – Balancing Business, Family & Personal Goals
* **22:40** – Advice for New Agents in Competitive Markets

* **Instagram:** [@eric\_schultz19](https://www.instagram.com/eric_schultz19/?hl=en)
* **Instagram:** [@ericschultzrealtor](https://www.instagram.com/ericschultzrealtor/)
* **Facebook:** [Eric Schultz Realtor](https://www.facebook.com/EricSchultzRealtor/)
* **BHHS Profile:** [Eric Schultz – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas](https://www.bhhs.com/carolinas-realty-nc301/charlotte/eric-schultz/cid-3053600)

Are you a new agent with a first commission story to tell? Apply now to be featured on *My First Commission* and inspire other real estate professionals! https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

#EricSchultz #MyFirstCommission #CarolinasRealEstate #LuxuryHomes #BHHS #RealEstatePodcast #UnlockingRealEstate #ColibriRealEstate

In this episode of My First Commission on Unlocking Real Estate, we speak with Dan Merrill, a retired Air Force recruiter who retired at 43 and quickly pivoted to real estate with Coldwell Banker Premier Realty in Las Vegas. With unmatched discipline and military precision, Dan closed his very first transactions in under two months while setting a powerful foundation for his new career.

Key insights you'll hear:

• How military discipline and structured routines became his real estate superpower
• Why he focused on serving fellow military members—and how he built trust on base over coffee, not cold calls
• How he used Canva-designed postcards, social media, and client referrals to grow his business—without expensive ads
• The emotional impact of placing first-time homeowners in homes, especially those who believed homeownership was out of reach
• His real talk on real estate life outside 9–5: managing closings while on vacation and leaning on family and faith for balance

If you're curious how discipline, service ethic, and strategic hustle blend to create early success in real estate, Dan’s story is compelling proof.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 – Meet Dan: From Air Force to Realtor
• 01:20 – Licensing Challenges & Persistence
• 05:40 – First Closings in Just Weeks
• 08:00 – Military Niche: Building Trust on Base
• 12:00 – Grassroots Marketing: Social and Snail Mail
• 15:00 – First Buyer Wins & Emotional Milestones
• 20:00 – Balancing Work, Family & Real Estate Hustle
• 24:00 – Words of Wisdom: “Do the Right Things Right, Often”

Connect with Dan Merrill

• Instagram: @Dan Merrill Las Vegas Realtor
• Facebook: Dan Merrill
• Email: dan.merrill@cbvegas.com
• Phone: (805) 315-1898 – “Interested in real estate mentorship or home buying? Reach out anytime.”

Why Dan’s Story Inspires

Dan’s transition from military life to real estate shows that the right skills — discipline, empathy, and communication — can translate into success in any industry. He leaned into authenticity, niche marketing, and service-first mindset to outpace expectations in his very first year. If you're ready to redefine what’s possible in real estate at any stage of life, this episode is for you.

Ready to Share Your Story?

Do you have a powerful first-commission story? Apply now to be featured on My First Commission and inspire aspiring agents everywhere.

https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish

#DanMerrill #MyFirstCommission #RealEstatePodcast #LasVegasRealtor #MilitaryToRealtor #NewAgentSuccess #ColdwellBanker #UnlockingRealEstate

Sources

Ask ChatGPT

In this episode of My First Commission from the Unlocking Real Estate podcast by Colibri Real Estate, we talk with Marc Cannella, a former Las Vegas doorman who reinvented his life at 60—jumping full-time into real estate and selling over $4.1 million in his very first year.

Marc spent nearly four decades welcoming guests at Vegas hotels, but when the hospitality world shifted, he took his people skills and local knowledge and applied them to real estate. Now a Rookie of the Year with Coldwell Banker Premier Realty, Marc is thriving—bringing unmatched energy, commitment, and humor to every transaction.

In this high-energy and inspiring episode, Marc shares:

• How he went from “opening doors” to closing deals at 60 years old
• Why hospitality skills were the perfect foundation for client success
• How consistency, hustle, and a genuine love for people helped him win trust
• What it means to serve clients with purpose, no matter your age or background
• The emotional story behind his very first commission—and why it still sticks with him

If you’re thinking it’s too late to switch careers or wondering how to stand out in real estate without a flashy online presence, Marc’s journey will change your mind.

🗂️ Episode Chapters

• 00:00 – Meet Marc Cannella: 40 Years in Hospitality
• 03:00 – Making the Leap: From Doorman to Realtor
• 06:30 – Rookie of the Year: How He Sold $4.1M
• 10:45 – Winning Clients Through Personality & Purpose
• 15:00 – First Deal Stories & Emotional Moments
• 20:00 – Advice for Late-Career Starters in Real Estate
• 24:15 – Mindset, Gratitude & The Long Game

🔗 Connect with Marc Cannella

• Instagram: @marccannellasellslasvegas
• Facebook: Cannella Fitness (also home to real estate updates)
• Zillow Profile: Marc Cannella – Coldwell Banker Premier Realty

🚀 Want to Share Your Story?

Are you a new agent with a unique first commission journey? Apply now to be featured on My First Commission and inspire the next generation of real estate pros!

#MarcCannella #MyFirstCommission #LasVegasRealEstate #RookieOfTheYear #CareerChangeSuccess #ColibriRealEstate #UnlockingRealEstate #ColdwellBankerPremier #RealEstatePodcast