Lessons from past business ventures gave me the wisdom I once lacked and the push to start anew—a decision that ultimately led me to real estate.

 

Part of my motivation for doing what I do is to give my family a better life than what I experienced growing up. My parents divorced when I was 7, which meant I lived all over the country, sometimes with my mom, sometimes with my dad. They were well meaning and did their best, but It was tough—hard to keep friends and hard to feel like I truly belonged anywhere, although it made me adaptable. 

 

As a teenager, I was drawn to information technology and became a certified computer technician at 16. I thought I’d pursue a career in technology, but working at a restaurant changed everything. My mentor, the owner of the restaurant, introduced me to the world of business and I was hooked. I was determined to carve out a better life for myself and owning a business seemed like the way to do that. 

 

I moved to Denver, CO, and rented the cheapest apartment I could find. To save money, I slept on the floor and poured everything I had into building a business—or rather, 4 businesses all at once. They all failed miserably––and I’m glad I tried it anyway.

 

The lessons and business knowledge I learned from that experience were invaluable. I understood that growth only comes through pushing past fear and taking risks. I also realized I had spread myself too thin—if you’re going to build something, focus on one thing at a time. That was a big lesson for my 21-year-old self, who still wasn’t sure what he wanted.

 

To clear my head, I traveled to a meditation retreat center in Colorado, nestled in the Rocky Mountains. I offered to volunteer in their computer department in exchange for room and board, and they agreed. During my 14 months there, I learned how to meditate. It was exactly what I needed—a chance to regroup and rethink my path. Did I want to start another business? If so, how? I had no money, but I knew I was ready for a new chapter.

 

That’s when I enlisted in the Navy. Serving gave me the opportunity to learn and travel. I spent 6 years on active duty, including 21 months at sea and living in Japan, where I met Asumi, my wife of now 10 years. While deployed, I read a lot about financial investments, and real estate kept coming up. When I left the Navy, Asumi and I moved to San Diego, purchased my first investment property,  and obtained my real estate license in 2016.

 

My mentor, a top broker in San Diego, encouraged me to also become a REALTOR® in addition to a real estate investor. I did, and thanks to my mentor, I gained experience fast and ended up winning Rookie of the Year in my first year. I also became the #1 agent on social media and the #1 top-producing agent that same year. I quickly became known as San Diego’s “VA guy,” the go-to REALTOR® for veterans, embracing my military background and passion for business and investing. My mentor and I co-founded a successful real estate team and over 8  years we trained and recruited 50+  agents, sold hundreds of homes and served our clients at the highest level.

 

It felt like I had found my calling, and from there, everything clicked. This career has given me the ability to provide for my children—Jane, Kenshin, Tayo, and Koyo—the life I always wanted for them. They’re my biggest joy, and at ages 9 to 1, they keep me on my toes. When I do have free time, I love working out—especially running—and reading business books and novels. A perfect afternoon for me is walking to a coffee shop with a good book and spending hours lost in its pages.

 

Looking back, I’m grateful for all the choices and risks I have taken. I’m convinced that growth only happens when you take risks. You have to take the leap—otherwise, you’ll never know what’s possible.

 

I love connecting with my clients on a personal level and building lasting friendships. Growing up without a stable group of friends makes it even more meaningful to now be part of my clients' special moments. To build trust, I ensure I’m always available and respond promptly. My military background instilled in me diligence, discipline, and professionalism, qualities I bring to every transaction.

 

I have a strong reputation among other agents, which gives my clients an edge in negotiations. My ability to communicate effectively helps me get offers accepted over others. Having trained many agents, I have extensive real estate knowledge and can anticipate potential issues long before they arise. A million things can go wrong in a transaction, but my experience allows me to spot red flags early and prevent complications.

 

I’ve handled all types of real estate—from trailers to luxury homes, investment properties, and commercial deals—throughout San Diego. My experience, network, and reputation are invaluable assets to my clients. No matter what kind of property you’re buying or selling, I’m here to help—just give me a call!

 

Sincerely,

 

Ben Biggs