By Carl Medearis
As an entrepreneur in real estate, I’ve come to realize that success is not only measured by the deals you close or the properties you develop but also by how you balance your professional life with the relationships that matter most. For me, that means maintaining a strong connection with my family while navigating the challenges of running a thriving real estate business. Over the years, I’ve learned that building a successful career doesn’t mean sacrificing your personal life—in fact, it’s the support of family that can make all the difference.
The Foundation of My Success
When I look back on my journey, I can’t help but appreciate the strong foundation my family has provided. I’ve been married to my wife, Christine, for over 38 years, and together we’ve raised three children and now have two grandbabies—more on the way! Christine has been my rock, offering unwavering support throughout my entrepreneurial endeavors. She’s a constant source of encouragement, especially during times when the demands of my business might pull me away from home.
Our children have grown up watching me build my business from the ground up. They’ve seen the highs and lows, and while they know I work hard, I’ve always made it a priority to be present for them. I believe that showing them how to manage both success and failure, while always prioritizing family, is one of the greatest gifts I can give them.
The Challenge of Balancing Work and Family Life
In the world of real estate, opportunities can arise unexpectedly, and often, the most lucrative deals require quick action. This can make it difficult to carve out quality time for family. The temptation to prioritize work over relationships is strong—after all, real estate can be demanding, and it often feels like there’s always something that needs your attention.
But I’ve learned that this approach is not sustainable. Early on in my career, I realized that true success doesn’t just come from business achievements; it comes from the ability to nurture relationships and maintain a healthy work-life balance. It was important for me to be able to share not just my successes with my family but also the moments of challenge, growth, and learning.
There are days when the phone keeps ringing and meetings seem never-ending, but I’ve learned to prioritize the big moments—the family events, the vacations, the quiet evenings together. The key is setting boundaries and being intentional with your time. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush, but by focusing on what truly matters, I can make time for both my career and my family.
Incorporating Family into the Business
Another way I’ve found to strike a balance is by incorporating my family into my business. My children have always shown interest in what I do, and over the years, they’ve become more involved in the day-to-day workings of my real estate ventures. Whether it’s helping with property research, brainstorming ideas for new developments, or simply learning about the financial aspects of the business, involving them has allowed us to spend more time together while also imparting valuable lessons.
Christine has also been an integral part of the business. Over the years, she’s helped with administrative tasks, supported me in making strategic decisions, and offered her insights when it comes to managing the emotional aspects of the work. Having her by my side not only makes the business stronger but also deepens our connection as a couple.
Incorporating family into the business in this way has had numerous benefits. It’s allowed us to work together toward shared goals, foster communication, and create a family legacy that can continue for generations. By involving my loved ones in the entrepreneurial process, I’ve found a way to combine my passion for real estate with the joy of spending time with those who matter most.
The Importance of Support
No successful entrepreneur can thrive without a solid support system. I’m fortunate to have a family that not only understands the demands of my career but also actively supports me. There’s a lot of hard work and long hours that go into real estate—whether it’s managing multiple properties, overseeing development projects, or negotiating deals—but knowing that my family is behind me makes all the difference.
Christine’s belief in my ability to succeed and her willingness to support me during the difficult times has been invaluable. There are days when the stress of deadlines, finances, and managing the logistics of land development feels overwhelming. Having someone who is not only your partner in business but also in life gives me the strength to push forward and keep my focus on both personal and professional goals.
Setting Realistic Expectations
As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned to set realistic expectations for both my business and personal life. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and neither does balance. Some days I may be more focused on work, while other days, family time takes precedence. What matters most is consistency and a commitment to finding that equilibrium.
When it comes to my career, I’ve come to embrace the fact that it’s okay to say no sometimes. Turning down a deal or a meeting to spend time with family doesn’t make me less successful—it makes me more grounded. It’s about knowing when to step away and prioritize what’s truly important. In the long run, both my business and my relationships will benefit from this balanced approach.
Conclusion: Growing Together
Building a business while maintaining strong family relationships is a challenge, but it’s one that has proven incredibly rewarding. Real estate entrepreneurship has allowed me to provide for my family, and through the ups and downs of the business world, my family has provided me with the grounding and support I need to stay focused.
It’s been a journey of growth, both personally and professionally, and it’s one that I’m excited to continue—side by side with my family. By balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with a commitment to family, I’ve created a life that’s not only successful but deeply fulfilling. My family is my foundation, and through them, I’ve learned that true success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about who you become along the way.