By: Whitefriar PR
Mark Slade’s professional journey reads like a gripping novel of triumph over adversity. The rollercoaster of his career serves as a testament to the importance of resilience, determination, and passion.
An Unconventional Professional Journey
Mark is a man of many experiences, having worked as a brand manager for the watch company Swatch before transitioning to EVP for renowned brands like Calvin Klein, Harley-Davidson, and Michael Kors. He learned many lessons while working in the fashion industry that would benefit him later in his career as a realtor. “I learned a lot about branding and how I wanted to build my own brand,” he says.
When the companies he worked for were bought by a foreign conglomerate, Mark found himself unemployed at nearly 50 years old. The loss of his job catapulted him into a period of uncertainty and financial hardship. This job loss ultimately led him to make a career change that would change his life. “I couldn’t get a job,” he recalls. “I went from a $300k employee as EVP in the fashion business to unemployed and using food stamps. It was very humbling.”
Entering the World of Real Estate
Despite the challenges he faced, Mark refused to give up. While without a career, he did everything he could to get by cleaning gutters, painting, and power washing. Ultimately, the encouraging words of an acquaintance would be the starting point for his career in real estate. “A real estate agent told me I would be a phenomenal agent and stick with it in order to persevere,” he remembers.
Mark built his real estate business from the ground up, harnessing his background in sales, marketing, and brand management to carve out a unique niche for himself in the competitive industry. Embracing innovation and personal branding, he honed his skills, quickly doubled his sales, and became an excellent performer in the field. His company, The Mark Slade Homes Team, has made over one-half billion dollars in lifetime team sales to date.
Mark’s Biggest Advice for Realtors
Over the years, Mark has learned the ins and outs of real estate and believes one aspect can mean the difference between success and failure: branding. Establishing a unique and memorable brand is crucial for standing out in the oversaturated market of realtors. “Your brand has to have a clear message,” he says. “It’s more than just imagery and artwork.”
His company operates on the values of Home, Community, Giving, and Gratitude. By giving back to the community and prioritizing giving, Mark’s company has established credibility, relatability, and a strong personal brand in the community.
Connect with Mark Slade
Mark’s story stands as an inspiration for realtors and professionals alike. His unwillingness to quit in the face of adversity and his determination to chase a career he can be passionate about are qualities worthy of emulation. His final piece of advice rings true for anyone hoping to find a meaningful career: “If you can choose to do something you want to do because you love it, you can enjoy the rest of your life. If you love what you do, the money will follow.”
You can connect with Mark Slade by emailing SladeHomes@gmail.com or calling (917) 797-5059.
Published by: Holy Minoza