Written by Carissa Abazia

My dad is one awesome human being.  Some say I’m his mini-me. Some say “the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.”  I can’t say I don’t like hearing these remarks from people who know us both — it’s quite the compliment and honor.

He is, and always has been, my biggest supporter and a very lucrative source of inspiration.

For the record, my mom is a cross between a magical unicorn and a saint ― but since I work in the same industry as my dad, I want to highlight some of the most valuable life lessons he has taught me, and my brother, over the years.

  1. Always finish strong. If you start a project, do not quit halfway through.

  2. Follow the only rule: respect. Treat others how they – and you – want to be treated.

  3. Practice discipline: do what you need to do, when you need to do it, and don’t stop until it’s done. He loved to quote Jerry Rice when I would complain: “Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can’t.”

  4. A clean car runs better. Joking aside, my father would check on my car at least once a week in high school to ensure it was clean (on the outside as well as on the inside).

  5. It’s what you know AND whom you know. Do not lose sight of one over the other.

  6. Live within your means. Do not spend money you don’t have.

  7. Family first. Remember to always stick together.

  8. Be the main point of contact on ALL business transactions. Do not make excusese for not knowing the file or client.

  9. In business, if you make a mistake, don’t brush it under the rug. Own your mistake, and let others know you made the mistake early on so it doesn’t get bigger (or kill the deal).

  10. Make sure your client is not calling you for an update. Give your client an update before they even have to think about making that call.

  11. Think before you speak. Listen, stop, think, and respond intelligently.

  12. With freedom, comes responsibility. Use it wisely.

  13. Many streams make a big river. Multiple sources of income is the key to success.

  14. “The older you get, the wiser I become.”

I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it.  (Dad, if you read this, I love you and greatly appreciate the wisdom you have bestowed on me).

Thanks for reading!

Carissa Abazia

@CarissaMortgage