Allan Minter is a senior marketing consultant with Harry Norman, Realtors and Who’s Who 2015 honoree.
What was your first job in the realty industry? It was sales. I jumped in with both feet and got into the industry at a time when I really didn’t know anyone in Atlanta, other than my sister. I just closed on my own home, and got the fever to start selling homes fast. Not knowing anyone actually worked out to my advantage, because I learned fast to never take anyone or any situation for granted, and I just had to work that much harder to earn my business and get established.
Where did you grow up? I was born in Miami. When I was a kid, my family moved to Palm Beach County, specifically Boca Raton. Though sometimes I don’t like to admit to it. I was very ready to leave South Florida when I turned 18.
Growing up, what did you want to be? For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a love and passion for animals. When I was a kid, I had fantasies of being a full-time volunteer for Greenpeace.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I either run, work out or meditate. I just got into meditation a few months ago and must say it’s had a very positive impact on my life. Being in real estate means we are always ON. We are hard wired to be ready for business at any given moment. I’ve learned it’s important to take a few minutes out of each day, be still and quiet, and simply breathe. Even three to five minutes of doing this can make a world of difference.
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Wayne Pacelle, the president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). After reading his book “The Bond,” he’s become as close to a real-life hero as one can have. He’s on the front lines of nearly every single animal rights issue out there. He’s ultimately responsible for the Michael Vick dogfighting sting, which was a seven-year undercover operation. He’s a good, logical man, and he does what he can to make the world a better place.
Where is your favorite place to hang out? The Beltline and Piedmont Park with my family. Down time is a rare commodity these days, so I like to make the most if it by spending it with my family.
What do you love most about the industry? It may sound cliché, but it’s meeting all of the different types of people. I know this answer has been used a lot in many industries, but it’s the truth. Many of my closest friends to date started out as just clients. I also still very much enjoy the pleasure of working with someone on their first home purchase. It means more to them than it does someone who has bought 10+ homes. It’s also always a good feeling to help someone start fresh and turn a new page in their life.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I just like to be real with people. I’m not sure if that’s distinguishing myself from other agents, but that’s the truth. I will turn down business if I don’t feel it’s the right fit.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I still meet many clients on the tennis court. I teach clinics once a week in corporate apartments, and it’s been a beautiful thing. I’ve been doing this ever since I got into real estate 14 years ago.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? In real estate, it was receiving the Phoenix Award in 2012, in recognition of 10 consecutive years of Million Dollar Club status from the Atlanta Board of Realtors.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? Book: “In the Company of Wolves.” Loved it. Very scientific and objective research and viewpoint on the history of wolf and human interaction. It defines what is folklore and what is real. It goes into how we nearly wiped them off the face of the earth in the 1980’s, to their re-introduction into Yellowstone in the early 1990’s, which has been a huge success.
What is your favorite restaurant? Serpas. It’s amazing.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Atlanta? The Tabernacle.
What kind of car do you drive? Lexus GS 350.
Smartphone or paper? Both. Of course I have a smartphone. I’m not sure how any agent can conduct business without one these days. But I also don’t know what I’d do without my daily journal. It’s a necessity for me like the air I breathe. It goes with me everywhere. Every day, I record what my daily objectives are, and at the end of the day, every box must be checked. I contribute a lot of my success to that simple concept. I also record weekly, monthly and annual objectives. I couldn’t live without it.
What is your favorite city after Atlanta? Asheville, NC. Then San Francisco.
What is your advice for someone new to the industry? Try everything. Every broker and agent is going to tell you a million different things. From knocking on doors to cold calling, try everything and see what works best for you.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Fusion, which is the FMLS app. It definitely can come into play when showing properties. The Harry Norman Mobile app is also great. It gives us instant access to any home around us. I can get the virtual tour, list price and tax info from a home I drive by within seconds. It’s great.
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? I don’t have a Twitter Account. Twitter is where I draw my line in the sand on social media.
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