From our cloudy hometown in Seattle to sunny Phoenix, Arizona, our journey has been filled with ups and downs. Chasing the sun and a new lifestyle, we built a wonderful life here. Now, I want to help others do the same. Tired of endless rain, I reached a point where I was ready for change. My wife Kirsten and I had stable careers, but we knew we needed something different when thinking about the next chapter. We wanted to enjoy where we lived, not just dream about vacations. Kirsten was hesitant at first, but I believed finding the right place could give us the life we always wanted—a place that felt like a vacation year-round.
Leaving behind our hometown, with family and friends, was tough but exciting. We initially thought Arizona was just a desert, but after moving, we discovered its incredible diversity—from hiking trails to lakes for boating and wake surfing. This new environment offers countless opportunities, and it’s been perfect for our family with our daughters Sloan (11) and Summer (5).
While working as a buyer at Costco, I always knew I wanted a different career. When COVID hit, I started taking real estate classes. Transitioning to a commission-based job was risky, but I was eager for a challenge. I kept working part-time at Costco in the mornings, stocking shelves until 9 a.m., then focused on real estate. This balance eased the shift, helping me develop negotiation skills and effective communication. Positive client feedback about my availability and follow-through affirmed my decision. Moving to Phoenix transformed our lives, offering outdoor adventures like hiking, beach trips in Mexico, skiing in Flagstaff, and local boating. Though initially distant from family, having my brother, and later Kirsten’s parents and sister, nearby created a strong support network. Phoenix has truly become our home.