In my childhood, I only really knew two things: the life of hard work on the family farm and sports. When I had the opportunity to go abroad, I was exposed to a diverse world and a variety of cultures and people. It also set me on the path to my career.

It was a culture shock in the best way possible. Before I was 17, I knew about sports and work, and that was pretty much it. There was no shortage of work to be done. I grew up on a farm in rural Oregon. I was one of eight kids. I wasn’t dissatisfied. I have amazing parents and had a good upbringing. But I was also aware that there was a big world out there and was intrigued by the idea of seeing more of it. I found out about a study abroad program with the American Institute for Foreign Study and jumped at the chance to join the program!

We went to many of the biggest European cities. I got to visit London, Amsterdam, Paris, Heidelberg, and Madrid. It was incredibly eye-opening. I was gripped by how different everything was there. It was the first time I truly recognized and appreciated artwork. And I’d seen large structures before, but the architecture was incredible. Different styles and periods. But the best part about the trip was definitely the people I got to meet and the different cultures I got to experience. It felt as though there was an explosion inside of me. I’d never felt like that before. It was amazing. I fell in love with travel, and it’s been a huge part of my life ever since that trip.

At the time, I wasn’t sure what career to pursue. The trip ended up helping me with that as well. Part of the program for me, as a marketing student, included working with retailers in the cities we visited. It was my first real exposure to the ad world. It was fun! It was also, importantly, a skill and career that I could continue to cultivate when I got back home. I learned about how to get the word out, good messaging, effective signage, the importance of customer loyalty, the in-store experience, how to leave a good impression, and how to follow up. In the pre-internet days, there were three main ways to advertise. Those were at the core of my education: broadcast, print, and radio.

After college, I had a few short-lived positions before landing at a major newspaper in Oregon. Since it was a New York-based company, I was able to get my travel fix with regular business trips to the East Coast.

Back then, We had a unlimited budgets and would take clients to Broadway shows, extraordinary dinners, and lavish parties. I held a number of different sales positions before landing a position as the real estate director. Real estate had never been on my radar before, but I couldn’t help but feel it was a natural fit. I had a team of 15 salespeople who I taught about sales & marketing. I felt drawn to the industry. I’d been a corporate worker my whole life, but after working with and interviewing top agents I became intrigued. I have an entrepreneurial spirit that I’d never let take the lead. When the time seemed right, I retired from the Oregonian and began my new career.

I wish I’d become an agent earlier! It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s so much fun. And I’m so happy to be a real estate broker in my hometown town of Portland, Oregon. I’m committed to my city. I support green energy and a clean environment. I think this is an amazing place that has faced a lot of challenges yet remains welcoming to everyone. I look forward to seeing Portland evolve further. And I look forward to helping you find your next home!

I love this job and hearing people’s stories. One of my greatest strengths is being a good listener. Once I know a client’s story and the nuance behind their reasons for moving, I can better assist and advise them. One family told me I helped them find the dream home they never allowed themselves to dream of.

The people are the best part of this job. Whether they’re clients or not, I meet the most amazing people. And I’m put in their lives to help them. Homeownership can massively improve a family’s well-being. They connect with me because of my honesty, sincerity, and authenticity.  They know they can trust me to do what’s best for them. I always get a jolt of excitement when I show someone a house. I look forward to their reactions. I can learn a lot from their first impressions.

The close connections I make in this line of work are unlike the connections you make in any other. I can hardly wait for that next relationship to be with you.

Sincerely,

Brian C. Johnson