It's Not What You Know

It is no secret that those who have my back are some of the best and brightest. I am blessed to have them on my side. My company is small--but they treat what I do as something valuable. And, for that, I am grateful. Those I work with have become friends. They mostly came through networking, until I found the right ones. I am grateful I can call on them. I am even more grateful they answer when I call.

My primary attorney came from a former loan officer, who told me he was the best in the business. He is. He also knows just about everyone in Birmingham. Or, if he doesn't know them, they know him. Everything he touches makes my company a little bit better.

My secondary attorney was a referral from the primary attorney. She and I have developed a nice rapport. She understands landlord-tenant law. Her advice isn't cheap. But, I have looked around Birmingham, and I cannot find anyone better versed in what she does.

My current loan officer came from my primary attorney. He is a straight-shooter. He works well with my agent and more than once he has found better deals for me, without letting me know he was shopping.

My agent came from... you guess it! I couldn't ask for a more savvy person to work with. He understands business growth. He understands the big picture of what I am looking to accomplish. And, he has told me wants to help me grow it.

I have a trusted tenant who runs errands, gets my rent and takes care of miscellaneous tasks I would do I if I lived there. But, he is also a friend who will--and has--gone to bat for me.

My CPA came from my former bookkeeper (the former bookkeeper had a few moral issues, like she didn't have any morals). This man is one of the most genuinely wonderful people I have had the pleasure of knowing. He has become a great ally when things are tough.

But, holding me together, helping with my sanity and acting as my sounding block--all while reading my mind, deciphering my circular zen e-mails with the patience of a patron saint and balancing my books--is my bookkeeper. She and I have been friends 20 years and she still tolerates me. She is great at keeping me in reality--especially when I would rather cave. I can leave her to her own devices and she will have it all done. I can throw extra projects on her and she never complains. I have the utmost respect for how she handles her company and especially how she lives her life. I could replace the rest of the people above--after all, there are always other attorneys out there... But, I cannot replace her.