Jim Bowen is an associate broker with Coldwell Banker Atlanta in Dunwoody/Duluth/Alpharetta

What was your first job in the realty industry? I started as a market analyst for Coldwell Banker Residential Affiliates and moved on to regional marketing director. I assisted in the divestiture of company-owned operations and the development of franchised locations. I also was regional director of Realty World. With family growing, I opted to focus on residential sales in the Atlanta market.

Where did you grow up? The small town of Pampa, in the panhandle of Texas.

Growing up, what did you want to be? A biologist.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Gym workouts and roller blading.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Thurgood Marshall, so I could understand how race relations were viewed by the higher courts, and what they visualized the world would look like through the decisions that were made. Then I’d read him some recent news articles and ask him if he felt we have moved forward and by how much.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? Atlantis Resorts.

What do you love most about the industry? Every transaction is unique in some form. From making sure the light bulbs remain after the sale to hearing about the transaction from the client’s perspective 30 days later. A lot can change during the period from contract to closing, and dealing with clients’ frustrations is what I enjoy minimizing, so that all parties are “friends at the table.”

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I’ve been in it for a long time myself, and I come from a family of Realtors. Having understood the business both from an industry perspective and buyer/seller approach, I like to think I meld the two approaches to the business. It’s about the customer first and the money second.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Getting apps, software and equipment to work in union with my goals of increasing the number of homes I manage on the market.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I seem to talk to everyone anywhere, and can usually find some commonality between us. I’ve been president of my city’s business association, have networked within social media and have a large email directory. Of course, I rely on past customers to engage me with their friends who are selling their home.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? Helping a customer who was dying from cancer find a home for his wife and daughter that was in a better environment, while concurrently selling their present home. I got everything to close on the same day, just hours before he relapsed into further decline.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? Movie: “Seabiscuit.” Book: “100 Greatest Battles of the World.”

What is your favorite restaurant? Ru San’s.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Atlanta? Too many, although the more dramatic, the better I like it.

What kind of car do you drive? Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Smartphone or paper? Smartphone.

What is your favorite city after Atlanta? South Padre Island.

What is your advice for someone new to the industry? Work your sphere of influence; they will likely be your first customers. Choose a mentor in the business you would like to model yourself after. Then, get with a company that has a great training program.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? My own: Atlanta Home Finder – currently under construction, but partially running.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? I typically just follow family, friends and clients in that order.
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