When I think about the journey that led me to a career in real estate, construction, and business, I often reflect on my childhood in Beaumont, Texas. Long before I sold my first house at age ten or built commercial properties, I was building treehouses, barns, and small projects around the house. Those early experiences sparked a curiosity and passion for creating things with my hands. Looking back, I realize that the lessons learned through play, experimentation, and exploration laid the foundation for everything I have accomplished in business.
Early Lessons in Curiosity
I grew up surrounded by family who valued hard work and resourcefulness. My dad came from a farming background and taught me the importance of labor, discipline, and taking pride in a job well done. My mother also had a strong work ethic and nurtured creativity in the household. Together, they created an environment where curiosity was encouraged, and mistakes were part of the learning process.
As a young boy, I spent countless hours building treehouses in the backyard. These were not fancy constructions but simple structures made from scrap wood, nails, and a lot of imagination. I learned how to measure, balance, and problem-solve, often figuring things out through trial and error. Those early projects were small, but they planted the seed for a lifelong interest in building and designing.
The First Real Estate Deal
One of the defining moments of my childhood came when I was nine years old. My parents were selling our home in Beaumont, and I decided to take matters into my own hands. I created a hand-painted sign on a piece of plywood that read “House for Sale” and nailed it to a tree in our front yard. I even wrote the price, $8,000, right on the board.
A few weeks later, someone called about the house, and it sold. At ten years old, I had my first real estate closing. That experience taught me the value of initiative, creativity, and confidence. It also showed me that building something, even a simple sign or a small project, could create opportunities and tangible results. The combination of curiosity and action was a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my career.
Learning from Hands-On Projects
Beyond treehouses and signs, I had the opportunity to work alongside my father on more substantial projects. Before I turned ten, we built a barn together on our property. I carried lumber, hammered nails, and helped feed the animals. While I may not have been the most skilled helper, the experience taught me about planning, effort, and seeing a project through from start to finish.
Working with my father also showed me that building is more than physical labor. It requires foresight, patience, and an understanding of materials and design. Those lessons translated directly into my later work in real estate development and construction. Every project I take on now, whether a residential property or a commercial venue, is informed by those early lessons about care, attention to detail, and problem-solving.
Curiosity as a Driving Force
One of the most important lessons I learned as a child is that curiosity drives growth. I was always asking questions, experimenting with ideas, and looking for ways to improve my projects. That curiosity encouraged me to explore new areas of business, including restaurants, entertainment, and technology.
Curiosity also led me to take risks. I realized early on that if I wanted to learn, I needed to try things, make mistakes, and adjust along the way. In business, that mindset has been invaluable. It has allowed me to pursue ventures outside of my comfort zone and apply the principles I learned in construction and real estate to new industries.
Applying Childhood Lessons to Business
The connection between childhood projects and professional success may not seem obvious, but it is clear in my own journey. The skills I developed through hands-on building, problem-solving, and experimentation have been directly relevant in managing companies, leading teams, and developing properties.
Attention to detail, patience, planning, and a willingness to learn from mistakes are all qualities that started in my backyard with a hammer, nails, and scrap wood. The satisfaction of creating something tangible as a child became the motivation to build businesses and projects that matter today.
Building a Legacy
My experiences as a child also taught me the importance of creating a lasting impact. Just as a barn or treehouse can be enjoyed for years, a well-designed building or a thriving business can leave a legacy for others. That perspective drives the way I approach development, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
I have learned that curiosity and creativity, when paired with hard work and planning, can lead to meaningful results. The passion for building that started with small projects in my youth has guided me through a lifetime of business ventures. It is a reminder that the skills and habits developed early in life can influence every aspect of your career.
Looking back, I see how a simple curiosity about building and creating shaped my life. Treehouses, barns, and a handmade “House for Sale” sign were more than childhood adventures. They taught me initiative, problem-solving, and the value of seeing a project through from start to finish. Those lessons remain at the core of my approach to real estate, construction, hospitality, and entertainment.
For anyone starting out, I encourage you to embrace curiosity, experiment with ideas, and learn through hands-on experience. The skills you develop early, even in small ways, can form the foundation for a lifetime of growth and achievement. From treehouses to towers, the journey of building begins with curiosity and a willingness to take action.