A Blueprint for Agents and Investors
I’m currently reading If I Could Tell You Just One Thing… by Richard Reed. The author interviewed dozens of famous and interesting people asking them for their single best piece of advice they would give someone.
Today, Bear Grylls, offered advice that got me thinking about the education my sons and I received during our respective time at Georgetown Prep, a Jesuit high school in Rockville, MD. Being founded on the teachings and beliefs of St. Ignatius of Loyola .. the school’s informal motto is “Men For Others”
After some reflection, I realize I’m not just in the business of deals and transactions.
My calling is helping others create meaningful, profitable ventures while fostering a sense of purpose. This vision to build a community where agents and investors come together to learn, grow, and succeed is deeply rooted in principles - I didn’t realize until now - I was being taught all those years ago.
St. Ignatius’s teachings offer a roadmap for creating a community that’s not just focused on financial gain, but on leaving a legacy of impact. Here’s how I see his foundational principles shaping the framework for the community I’m building.
1. The Principle and Foundation: Serving with Purpose
St. Ignatius believed that we are created to serve and glorify God by helping others. In the context of the communities [ GRID Gaithersburg and the Agent Investor Guild (AIG) - a private FB group for agents, lenders, investors, contractors to connect ] I’m building it means providing a space where individuals can not only learn the technical skills of building a business but also align their work with a higher purpose. This isn’t about just closing deals—it’s about building a career that adds value to others' lives while fulfilling your own sense of purpose.
For our agents and investors, this translates to mentoring one another when necessary, lifting each other up, and working together to create businesses that are as meaningful as they are profitable.
2. Discernment: Making Thoughtful Choices
In the fast-paced world of real estate and investing, decision-making can be chaotic. St. Ignatius’s emphasis on discernment—the practice of reflective decision-making—reminds us to slow down and consider not just what we’re doing, but why.
GRID Gaithersburg and AIG are designed to help members develop this skill, teaching them how to analyze deals, balance risks, and align their actions with long-term goals. Discernment becomes the bridge between success and significance, ensuring that every decision contributes to the greater good.
3. Magis: Striving for Excellence
Ignatius’s concept of Magis—“the more”—calls us to pursue excellence, not for self-promotion but to serve others more effectively. For me, this means creating a space where agents and investors are challenged to raise the bar in their business practices.
Whether it’s learning innovative strategies for negotiation, mastering market trends, or embracing new technologies, the focus is on pushing boundaries to achieve greater impact. In our community, excellence is not a competition—it’s a shared commitment.
4. Cura Personalis: Caring for the Whole Person
The real estate and investing industries can be tough, often leaving little room for personal growth or connection. St. Ignatius’s principle of Cura Personalis reminds us to care for the whole person—their mind, body, and spirit.
GRID Gaithersburg and AIG isn’t just about teaching skills; it’s about fostering a culture where members support one another holistically. From mental health workshops to fitness challenges to spiritual reflections, we’ll create a space where success is measured not just by the numbers, but by the fulfillment and balance we achieve along the way.
5. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam: Working for a Greater Good
The Jesuit motto, “For the Greater Glory of God,” inspires us to think beyond ourselves. Every action, every deal, every conversation can contribute to something greater.
For this community, it means embedding a commitment to service in all we do. Whether it’s giving back to local neighborhoods, mentoring new agents, or sharing lessons learned, every success becomes an opportunity to uplift others.
6. Solidarity and Service: Building Together
One of Ignatius’s greatest teachings is the call to serve and stand in solidarity with those around us. This principle is the foundation of the community I want to build—one where agents and investors don’t just work alongside one another, but truly collaborate to solve challenges, share successes, and grow together.
In our community, your wins are everyone’s wins, and your struggles are shared by a network ready to lift you up. This isn’t just a business network—it’s a family, rooted in service and bound by shared purpose.
A Vision of Collaboration and Growth
St. Ignatius once said, “Act as if everything depended on you; trust as if everything depended on God.” That sentiment captures the spirit of this community. Together, we’ll work hard, support one another, and trust that the foundation we’re building will not only transform our businesses but also our lives.
If you’re ready to be part of something more—to learn the skills to thrive in business while building a legacy — this community is for you. Let’s embrace the challenges that lay ahead and create something extraordinary together.
How are you aligning your business with purpose?
What role does community play in your journey?
Do you want to build more than just an income stream?
What do you want to leave behind as your legacy?
Let’s start a conversation about how we can make an impact together.
