Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Swanson.
Paul, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
What I always enjoyed most when growing up involved helping others, making things easier, knowing that others had a fair chance, were not excluded and / or had the information and tools necessary to get from point A to point B. I also had a deep passion for music, sang on stage and in the choir and played percussion. I guess I came upon my future careers honestly with a comfort in front of others, I’m not sure I really connected those dots until I got to Michigan State University, but once I did, my passions became my focus.
Radio sales was my first job out of college for a small upstart station outside of East Lansing. We were WGOR Radio – the “Gorilla of Rock.” But more often than not, I found myself wearing a gorilla costume at remotes and dropping off bunches of bananas (as a calling card) at potential new accounts and not as much “selling.” But I wanted to do whatever it took for the station to succeed so my clients would succeed.
This lead me to a marketing / promotion job back here in Chicago with an independent record promotion company (Jeff McClusky & Associates) and then to MCA Records as a regional promotion manager. Whether it was introducing a new artist to a radio manager or coordinating a meet-n-greet for radio winners and VIP’s, I found that the energy I felt in hearing a song on the radio that I promoted or helping a radio winner / fan get to meet their favorite artist was a rush. My favorite memory was when I was at MCA Records and we had a sold out Blink 182 show at (what is now) the Hollywood Amphitheater Chicago in Tinley Park. One of my winners was a no-show so I went to the top of the lawn and walked along the fence until I found a two fans that had driven in from Louisville for the show. I escorted them all the way down to the front row and upgraded their seats. The look on their faces is something I will always remember – that made my day.
Marrying mobile technology and music was another focus for me as a part of a team that built and executed on-site and online programs that connected and further pulled music fans closer to their favorite artists. I was fortunate to work with a terrific team of professionals on behalf of Verizon designing and executing various programs for artists such as Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Linkin Park, Jonas Brothers, Chris Cornell, Maroon 5 and more. The focus on the end user – the fan – and the energy around each event is what I enjoyed the most.
That energy to guide, lead and make sure each program was executed seamlessly and on time is what eventually lead me to real estate. In looking ahead to what I wanted to do next, a friend asked if real estate might be of interest. I had not really thought about it in the past, but once the question was asked, it was obvious. I am now in my 7th year as a REALTOR and am having a blast guiding my clients through the buying and selling process while assuring they get the time, attention and representation they deserve.
Has it been a smooth road?
If there haven’t been any challenges on the way to reaching your goals, then I believe it is because of two things. 1. You’re not trying hard enough / pushing yourself, 2. You haven’t set hard enough goals / reached your ultimate goal.
Changing careers was definitely a challenge. There is so much to know and continually learn in real estate and the profession continues to advance and laws continue to change. But I took what I learned during my time in the music industry and applied it to a real estate / small business platform. I needed to market my abilities and background of customer service, attention to detail, follow through and knowledge of real estate process and law in order to grow my business. When you have been a professional in another field for 20+ years, it isn’t an easy decision for a buyer or seller to hand you the keys to potentially the largest investment they currently own / want to own. They needed to know that I would get the job done for them – assuring a smooth transaction and the most professional representation available in the marketplace. Over the last 6+ years, I have been able to showcase my marketing and promotion abilities, market knowledge, ability to continue to move a project forward (even in the most challenging circumstances) and demonstrate my dedication to my clients.
We all have challenges – daily challenges. But as long as you are moving forward – you’re moving toward your goal.
My approach is that there isn’t anything I can’t overcome or accomplish (some days better than others), but there needs to be a plan in place. So many others have overcome so much more in their lives than I, how can I not continue to look for a solution – no matter what the circumstance. I recently heard a saying that resonated with me – especially when it comes to obstacles and challenges. “Chances Make Champions.” Thanks Cassius.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Baird & Warner / Closer To Home – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
One parallel I quickly discovered between my previous position in the music industry and real estate is project management. Pulling together the different pieces for onsite execution of an event or marketing tour is very similar to quarterbacking the buying or selling process. In a real estate transaction, you may have touch points with an attorney, lender, inspector, appraiser, contractors, other agents, marketing partners, the title company and more. I made a career out of project management executing programs for Grammy Award winning artists, so the ground work was there for the buying / selling process as well.
In my Mission Statement I write “To provide the most professional, informative, loyal and dedicated service in the industry.” My clients come first for me – they have to. Otherwise I am not providing the representation they deserve. I am with my clients from contract to close and my job is to make their job easier and their transaction seamless.
I have been fortunate enough to be named a Five Star Professional for Real Estate for the last four years. This is a customer service-based award given to less than 1.5% of 42,000+ Chicago-area agents. It is client-nominated and I am very proud of this recognition. I was also listed in the February 28 issue of Forbes Magazine as one of a select few Chicago-area agents that has received the Five Star Professional Award.
Baird & Warner has played an important part in my early success as a Realtor. The tools I have available to me come from that partnership. Whether it is professional photography for my clients, top-of-the-line marketing materials from our in-house marketing services team, social media tools, marketing and web support or the exclusive marketing programs only available through Baird & Warner, I know there is a difference in brokerages and that benefits me and my clients.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What’s not to love? The lakefront, Belmont Harbor, Broadway in Chicago, Second City, Comedy Sportz, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, world-class concerts from The Metro and Lincoln Hall to the UC and Soldier Field, championship baseball, hockey, and (soon to be again) football! College sports, pro sports, minor league sports. And, of course, the history and architecture in Chicago is second to none.
What do I like least? The travel time it takes to get to them all.
Contact Info:
- Address: Baird & Warner
5430 W Devon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60646 - Website: www.pauleswanson.net
- Phone: 847-477-9501
- Email: paul.swanson@bairdwarner.com
- Instagram: pauleswanson
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/PaulESwansonBairdWarner
- Twitter: @pauleswanson
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/pauleswanson
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
