Why Joey chose a real estate career

Joey Torkildson

Office: North Suburban

Been selling real estate: 16 months

What did you do before beginning your real estate career?
I owned a small home remodeling business and served as a Staff Sargent in the Army where I served two terms in Iraq.
What initially caused you to look into a real estate career?
I’d thought about going into real estate for a long time but I never seemed to have the transition time due to my Army duties. Following one of my deployments, it just seemed like the perfect time to do it. I found the idea of getting into real estate very intriguing because you get to start a new business from scratch. I love that I get to make it my own career. I get to work as hard as I want. I am the captain of my own ship.
What do you like most about working in real estate?
The number one thing I like most is having the opportunity to help families get into homes. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever been a part of because as an agent you are really making a difference in people’s lives! I love the flexibility too. If I need to, I will take what I like to call a “Joey Day” – a day off from real estate; and because I am my own boss, I can do that. The pay is also very nice as well. Potential to make money is never ending. You make what you want to make – it’s limitless.
What made you choose Edina Realty?
I interviewed multiple real estate companies and it became evident that Edina Realty was the company for me. Everyone took pride in knowing they were with the number one real estate company and being with the market leader was really important to me. The available resources and cutting-edge technology played a huge part in my decision to join Edina Realty as did the work ethic of the agents and staff.

We are the market leader and we are number one for a reason. We have it all – technology, a great management team, relocation, mortgage and title.
What do you like most about working with Edina Realty?
Edina Realty’s number one goal is to help you succeed. The company really cares about its agents plus the working environment is fantastic. It’s just so collaborative here that you never feel like you’re on your own. I love the perseverance and dedication that everyone in the company seems to possess.
What kind of support do you get from Edina Realty and the office?
I get fantastic support from the staff, manager and fellow agents. People are so helpful here. I’ve had agents pitch in and help show my properties if I am busy, for example, with a closing. How fantastic is that? As agents we are in direct competition with one another, but we all work together as a team. It’s amazing!
You just started your real estate career – what is the secret to your success?
It’s simple. The answer is perseverance and determination. A career in real estate is about being 100 percent on the ball. You need to show up each day, have a plan and follow through with it.
What advice would you give to someone beginning a real estate career?
Talk to other agents and find out find out what they did to become successful. Don’t try and wing it. Be prepared, come up with a game plan and execute. You’ll be successful!