APRIL 2019 S. ORANGE COUNTY

EXECUTIVEAGENT MAGAZINE

SAHAR CYRUS Executive Agent of the Month

INSIDE FEATURES Gilda Pagcu-Aquino Alsop & Associates

Kerry Skarvan & Gina Kulik The McMonigle Team as Agent Inc.

Lucy McCarney Century 21 Award

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ORANGE COUNTY BRANCH 320 Commerce | Suite 100 | Irvine, CA 92602

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John J. Reed

Eric Miller

(949) 398-3655

(562) 682-0746

Branch Manager NMLS-391165

Branch Manager NMLS-869516

Mark Martinez

Rick Bui

Alan Cipolletti

Sales Leader

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

(949) 398-3666

(714) 305-2400

(949) 394-1757

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Valerie Dawson Senior Mortgage Advisor NMLS-1552910

(949) 398-3650

NMLS-309803

Hanh Duong

NMLS-653005

Karina Flint

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

(714) 689-9834

(949) 903-3370

NMLS-352080

Mario Pierce

NMLS-1736332

Momi Pointer

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

(714) 689-9846

(949) 769-7633

NMLS-491911

NMLS-272816

Julie Colangelo

Georgie Corona

Ryan Dabich

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

(949) 769-7625

(949) 769-7600

(909) 282-4506

NMLS-234887

Therese Franklin

NMLS-245260

John Kramer

NMLS-1659500

Lynn Nelson

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

(949) 398-3647

(714) 689-9830

(714) 412-8608

NMLS-1151840

NMLS-282232

NMLS-653022

Patricia Redfern-Wright

Thomas Testerman Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

NMLS-483924

(949) 769-7582

(714) 521-0039

Senior Mortgage Advisor

(714) 329-8620

NMLS-435148

Jim Thiel NMLS-907893

We offer in-house agent marketing support providing the following services: POSTCARDS | FLYERS | VIDEO | PHOTOGRAPHY Š2019 Finance of America Mortgage LLC is licensed nationwide | | NMLS ID #1071 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | 300 Welsh Road, Building 5, Horsham, PA 19044 | (800) 355-5626 | AZ Mortgage Banker License #0910184 | Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act | Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #15499 | Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee | Kansas Licensed Mortgage Company | Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance | Licensed Mortgage Banker -- NYS Banking Department | Rhode Island Licensed Lender.

EXECUTIVE AGENT OF THE MONTH

Sahar Cyrus Keller Williams Realty

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Inside Features

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4

06

12

Gilda Pagcu-Aquino

Kerry Skarvan & Gina Kulik

Lucy McCarney

Alsop & Associates

The McMonigle Team as Agent Inc.

Century @1 Award

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

S. ORANGE COUNTY - APRIL, 2019

Editorials

E XECUTIVE AGENT

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MAGAZINE

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Fred Arrias Executive Publisher PO Box 73384 San Clemente, CA 92673 Ph: (949) 297-8323 Fax: (949) 266-8757 FArrias45@gmail.com www.ExecutiveAgentMagazine.com

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ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

Letting Go Vs. Giving Up -Louise Morganti Kaelin

Stand Out -Jon Gordon

City of Hope....................................................34 Commerce Home Mortgage.............................16 Finance of America Mortgage...........................2 Kinecta Federal Credit Union...............................11 Michelle Fairless Photography..............................23

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A Good Life Contains These 6 Essentials -Jim Rohn

NAHREP..................................................................30 PWAOR.............................................................................10

The Termite Guy......................................................3 Ticor Title Company...................................................36 VAREP............................................................................31

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Choosing the Right Neigh borhood -The Moving Team

Photography: iPhotography Studio, Michelle Fairless Photography, Rob Paino Graphic Designer: Garon T. Arrias Editorial Manager: Trudy Van Writers: Ben Angel, John Boe, Haley Freeman, Jim Rohn, Walter Sanford, Dirk Zeller, Zig Ziglar Craig Harrison, Simma Lieberman, Chris Widener

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© Copyright 2019 Executive Agent Magazine. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Although every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of published materials, Executive Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors.

Affection, Acceptance and Approval -Zig Ziglar

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E XECUTIVE AGENT

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MAGAZINE

Written by H. K. Wilson

Kerry Skarvan & Gina Kulik Selling a Coastal Lifestyle With Unrivaled Results.

T

hey call themselves the KG Collective, and together, they’re bringing an elevated level of service to buyers and sellers of real estate in Newport Beach.

Kerry Skarvan and Gina Kulik are the “K” and “G” in this equation, longtime friends and colleagues who recently joined forces to leverage their unique combination of talents to offer superior client service in one of real estate’s most sophisticated markets.

Kerry is a longtime resident of Orange County, former litigation paralegal and experienced real estate investor.

Gina is a third-generation SoCal Native with a background in interior design and past owner of a successful residential staging company. Both have raised families, owned homes and been entwined with the OC community for decades.

Their complementary skills, values and passion for the place they call home make them ideal ambassadors for this distinctive enclave.

KG Collective ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Kerry says, “Gina’s reputation in home design is amazing.

She has a great creative eye and knows how to make every home look beautiful. Gina brings additional value which helps to sell property for the most amount of money in the shortest time frame. She is well-organized and always has the big picture in mind. She’s also very dedicated, loyal and hard-working, all qualities I respect in her. I think we work well together to provide a complete package for the clients we represent.”

“I admire that Kerry always does the right thing,” Gina says. “She is ethical, honest and has grit. When she puts her mind to something, she sees it through. I would trust her with any aspect of my life. She gets the job done on all fronts — mother, wife and business. Our clients love her.”

The duo’s demand for excellence is evident in their choice of brokerage — The McMonigle Team as Agent Inc. This lifestyle boutique caters to Southern California’s vibrant coastal communities with unparalleled results for owners of the area’s most exclusive homes, and is growing into a global platform. “We came here because we know it is truly the best place to be for coastal and luxury homes,” Kerry says. “Owner John McMonigle has a vision, and that vision is luxury in every aspect of real estate.”

“We both love that it doesn’t matter if the client has a small condo or a multi-million-dollar home, they receive the same package of elegance,” Gina adds. “Everyone gets white-glove treatment, and we’re proud to roll out consistently excellent service.”

With upmarket print, television and digital advertising that is syndicated to select markets around the world, Kerry and Gina are able to showcase their listings to buyers everywhere. According to Kerry, “We have the ability to offer things that are cutting edge in this industry. Our marketing is phenomenal, with the best photographers and copywriters who can capture the individual allure of each property.

And through our partnerships with top vendors, we can provide remodeling and home staging, the cost of which can be funneled through escrow. Everything we do is consistent across every medium.”

Giving back is an important component of the KG Collective’s business model, a value they share with The McMonigle Team as Agent Inc. Currently, they are giving time to a number of local events, including the UCI Center 4 Autism’s September gala at Pelican Hill;

the Newport Beach Police Foundation’s golf tournament and gala; and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast’s golf tournament at the Newport Beach Country Club, which will help renovate local facilities into state-ofthe-art clubhouses.

“Between us we have five kids,” Gina explains, “and we’ll both be empty nesters soon. We’re used to being very hands-on moms, and now we have the opportunity to give more of our time to our community. It’s fun to be able to network and give back at that same time.”

Kerry and Gina bring exceptional value to clients who are buying or selling homes in stunning Newport Beach. Kerry says, “We believe we’re not just selling a home, we’re selling a lifestyle, a community. People who purchase a home are investing in their future and the community’s future.

We understand what a huge step that is, and we believe that with our knowledge of the area and commitment to our clients’ success, we can offer a better product. We put our clients first, and we promise to create a seamless experience for them.”

Kerry Skarvan & Gina Kulik The McMonigle Team as Agent Inc. 3500 East Coast Highway, Suite 110 Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 Tel: 949.412.9200 / 949.791.8160 / 949-933-8387 Email: KerrySkarvan@gmail.com Email: GinaRKulik@gmail.com Web: www.kgcollectivere.com CalDRE # 01935962 / 01923006

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ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Affection, Acceptance and APPROVAL

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n article that appeared in The Dallas Morning News was particularly fascinating because the author was writing about Vitamin A (for affection) which is advocated by Inez Bloomingdale who is the owner and director of Miss Bloomingdale’s Academy, a child care center in Las Colinas. Miss Bloomingdale pointed out that she doesn’t merely operate a business, but that she wants to make sure children have all they need to help them grow. She received the Paul Harris Award from the Dallas Rotary Club which is given to recognize a lifetime commitment to education.

Miss Bloomingdale is “right on.” Research indicates that all of us have a need for affection and everybody wants to be accepted and to gain approval. We also want to be right and to be understood. Unfortunately, we all cannot always be right but all of us can listen attentively to a person, whether child or adult. If we cannot agree with their position, we can give them personal approval for the originality of their ideas. With children and, for that matter, with adults affection is important. We all have a “skin hunger” that can only be satisfied with genuine affection from an unselfishly caring person.

The parent or teacher of any kind who demands certain performances before they give acceptance causes the recipient to wonder if they have performed well enough to “deserve” that acceptance.

Approval comes in many forms. A simple “good job” or “congratulations” or “my, I like the way you shined your shoes (or brushed your hair) this morning” is sometimes all a struggling child needs to hear to feel they are worthwhile.

Combine what Ms. Bloomingdale is teaching with the fact that over 60% of a child’s working vocabulary is acquired by age three and 80% of their character is formed by age five, as well as 90% of their personality by age seven, and you can understand why Ms. Bloomingdale receives such high accolades. Follow her approach to dealing with your children and I’ll SEE YOU - and the kids - AT THE TOP! Zig Ziglar is known as America’s Motivator. He authored 33 books and produced numerous training programs. He will be remembered as a man who lived out his faith daily.

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21824OC-01/19

E XECUTIVE AGENT

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Written by Haley Freeman

A Fearless Purveyor of the American Dream

L UCY M C C ARNEY

A

fter living in the U.S. for more than two decades, Lucy McCarney still retains the soft lilt of her birthplace in Belfast, Northern Island. At only 18 years old, she left home, and her

sense of adventure called her to many countries.

Finally, enticed by the images of blue skies and sunny beaches she had seen on television, she journeyed to California.

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Lucy began working with a supplier of wholesale fashion accessories in LA, and once she understood the industry, she turned it into a successful multi-million dollar enterprise of her own. She became a top vendor for Nordstrom, and her buying trips routinely took her to China where many of her goods were manufactured.

Competition and the challenges associated with being a woman in a male-dominated business environment never discouraged her, and her gracious persistence earned her the respect of her colleagues. Eventually, the retail slowdown prompted Lucy to search for a new career where she could utilize her years of international business expertise.

Real estate was the answer.

Today, Lucy is helping people achieve their own American Dreams at CENTURY 21 Award in Irvine. “I love sales and helping people. I have a soft spot for young couples who come in. I like to explain where they can get loans with no money down and direct them to the honest lenders I work with. If someone is renting, I don’t want to see them throwing their money away if they could qualify to buy a home.”

Real estate is also an ideal forum for Lucy’s creative talents. “I used to design my own handbags. I was also good at looking at merchandise and knowing which one would sell. People used to call me from the importer’s office and ask me what to order. I think it applies in real estate too — I just have a sense for what will sell and how to sell it. I also love creating my brochures, and I love photography.”

Lucy’s faith-based values govern the way she deals with people in any business transaction. She leads with integrity and compassion, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her work ethic drives her to follow through and look for practical solutions when challenges arise. “When something needs to be done, I do it, and I get it done ethically and legally. When I communicate with people, I am open and honest, like I would want someone to be with me.”

Due to her extensive world travel and her many years of conducting business in China, Lucy works frequently with the Asian community in Orange County. “The

Chinese have a very beautiful culture if you understand it. I speak a few words of Mandarin, and I know how to approach people with respect. You meet someone with a little bow, whereas in Ireland you would shake their hand or give them a hug. It definitely makes a difference when you understand someone’s culture and can make them feel comfortable.”

As fearless as ever, Lucy recently took up a popular California pastime: boogie boarding. “I love it! I especially like to go to Laguna Beach. I’m not giving up on life, and this is a great way to express it.”

Lucy says her proudest accomplishment in life is her two grown children, Louise and Daniel, whom she raised on her own. “Louise has her master’s degree in behavioral therapy and teaches children with autism. Daniel owns his own business. They are both wonderful people, and I am so proud of them.”

With all of her bold choices and business success, it is Lucy’s kindness toward others that makes her such a standout real estate professional. “It’s an honor to help people with such an important decision in life,” she says.

“The most rewarding thing for me is that people become my friends afterwards, and they are happy in their dream home.”

Lucy McCarney CENTURY 21 Award 4000 Barranca Parkway, #110 Irvine, CA 92604 Tel: 949.331.7474 Email: LucyRealtor1@gmail.com Web: www.century21award.com/agents/lucymccarney DRE # 02001973

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Stand Out Written By Jon Gordon

I

t’s not enough to just show up to work. In today’s economy you must stand out at work to differentiate yourself and your company.

When I think of who stands out, I think of Publix Super Markets. When you shop in their grocery stores and can’t find an item, their employees are trained to walk you to the aisle and take you to the product you are looking for. I personally can attest this has saved me hours of time and the embarrassment of wandering aimlessly around the store looking for the very thing my wife sent me there to get. I would even venture to say that Publix has improved my marriage.

Les Schwab Tires also stands out. When you drive up to their tire centers their manager or crew will run outside to greet you with a sincere welcome and smile. I was recently talking about Les Schwab to a CEO on the west coast and he said, “I love that place. That’s where I take my car. They actually run outside and greet you when you pull up.”

You see, when you do things that stand out, people notice. Then they talk about you to others. They become a powerful and free source of advertising for you. And most of all they become loyal customers.

Courtney from American Airlines stands out. He works at DFW. I was taking a flight from Dallas to Miami last week. It was a long week of travel and speaking engagements. The gate agent wouldn’t let me take my carry-on-bag on the plane because he said there wasn’t room. (I later found out there was

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plenty of room). As I was about to board the plane I saw Courtney. He was dressed like a manager so I told him my situation and that I really needed my bag on the plane and that my recent flights with American have not been great experiences. He asked for my claim ticket and said he would be right back. A few minutes later he came back with my bag. When I asked him for his card, because I wanted to write the airline, he said “You don’t need my card. This is between you and me. I just want to make a difference and make you love my airline.”

Courtney made a big difference, not only in my day but in my decision to fly American again. He’s an example that one person who decides to stand out can make a difference.

So, if you are reading this Courtney, thank you. The difference you made is just between you and me... and the hundred thousand people that read this.

When you stand out, people notice, they talk about you and they tell others.

Standing out doesn’t take a lot of time and money.

It doesn’t require a complicated process.

Standing out is about doing the little things that show people you care about your job and you care about them.

- See more at: http://www.jongordon.com/articlesstandout.html#sthash.Lg3evHEH.dpuf.

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Cover Story

SAHAR CYRUS Executive Agent of the Month

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

SAHAR CYRUS The Journey Home Written by H. K. Wilson

F

ew people have had the privilege of both visiting and living in multiple countries around the world.

Sahar Cyrus, however, has called many places home. Her journey took her from Iran to Sweden and finally the U.S., where she met her husband and eventually settled in California. Once here, Sahar tapped into her longtime interest in real estate, applying her international business background and love of diverse people and cultures to her practice. Sahar is now a top-

producing agent at Keller Williams Realty in Mission Viejo, where she delights in guiding people on their own journey home.

In Sweden, Sahar earned her bachelor’s degree in business and managerial economics from the University of Borüs.

There, she enjoyed friendships with people from around the world and traveled extensively throughout Europe. She eventually moved to Boston to continue her education.

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Although California was an ideal place for a real estate career, Sahar began in the challenging recession market.

But as is her habit, Sahar put a positive spin on hard times.

“When I started, the market was tough. I worked really hard, and it was not easy to get clients or go through the process to get home loans. But it made me stronger, more educated and more experienced. I think it was actually good for me.”

When Sahar joined Keller Williams Realty, she reached

new professional heights. “I loved it from the beginning.

We have a lot of support, training and technology that have helped me to do well. It is not just the systems and models we have, but also the culture. Our team leader, Rino Caturano, is amazing. He helped me change my mindset by never asking how many clients I had or how many homes I was selling. He would always ask, ‘How are you doing for yourself?’ For him, numbers don’t matter.

He just wants you to grow. He does training every week, and I’m happy to say I’m growing.”

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Sahar is currently among the top 10 in an office of 450 agents. But her success is not only owing to the exceptional resources at Keller Williams Realty. Sahar’s positivity, work ethic and genuine care for people are the true foundations of her achievement. As her repeat and referral business increases, Sahar is in high demand, so she is adding an assistant to her busy practice. “I’m a very independent person, so I like working as a solo agent, but I have a great team that includes a transaction coordinator, lenders, escrow and title professionals who support me.”

Sahar showcases her homes on her website and utilizes a team of professional service providers such as a photographer, highly regarded staging companies, virtual tour providers, and graphic designers to assist in marketing her client’s properties.

A person who values honesty in all areas of her life, Sahar brings an integrity to her real estate practice that inspires client trust. “I have education, technology and coaching, but I work from my heart. If I go see a house and I think it is not a good fit for my clients, even if they

like it, I tell them. The whole process of buying or selling a home is stressful, so I do a lot to make it an easy and smooth process for my clients. I hear that people have fun working with me. I enjoy being with people, and buying a home should be a happy, positive experience.” As an experienced agent, Sahar understands that buying and selling is one of the biggest decisions in a client’s life and views representation and guidance of her clients through this process as a true privilege.

Sahar’s friendly nature also makes her an effective business networker. Her many relationships across the real estate community make it possible for her to sell off-market listings and get priority consideration of her buyers’ offers. Her tenacity often opens the door to solutions. When a client is looking for a home in a particular neighborhood, Sahar reaches out to agents in her network, and sends letters and door-knocks the neighborhood until she finds the ideal property. She uses similar methods to help her sellers get maximum exposure for their listings.

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Sahar’s connections in multiple countries, ongoing international travel and facility for languages are all tremendous assets when representing clients from overseas.

She is a fluent speaker of English, Farsi and Swedish.

“Working with international clients is a big part of my practice. I know people in different countries, and they refer me when someone they know is moving here. It helps people trust me when I can speak their language and understand their culture.”

Maintaining ties to her rich cultural background is something Sahar also shares with her two children. “We only speak Farsi at home because I want my kids to know it. They also want to learn Swedish.”

Society for Children with Cancer. “When I sell more, I am able to help more. My kids are very aware. They know that every time I sell something, we have to give a portion back to the community.”

Sahar’s glowing optimism and authentic connection to the people she meets make her an ideal guide for a successful journey home. “Almost every time I give the key to clients, I cry with them when I see how excited they are. I love seeing people happy and free in the feeling of owning their own home, and I’m super happy to be a part of it. I see it as a journey, and we all work together to get there.”

According to Sahar, her “Big Why” in real estate is twofold: her family and the opportunity to help others.

She sets aside 5 percent of every sale for the purpose of helping children in need around the globe, and she has long been a volunteer and fundraiser for the International ExecutiveAgent Magazine

SAHAR CYRUS Keller Williams Realty 27101 Puerta Real, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 Tel: 949.307.0280 Email: SaharCyrus76@gmail.com - Web: www.saharcyrus.yourkwagent.com DRE # 01878844 ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Head Shot Session 20 Minute Session Includes: Private Preview Gallery for you to choose your favorite photos 2 Fully Edited High Res Digital Downloads $150.00 South Orange County Only No refunds please Dates and locations based upon my availability

Home - Family - Head Shots - Real Estate Photography Events - Fashion - Boudoir Life Is About The People And The Moments That Take Your Breath Away

Choosing the Right Neighborhood

Y

ou’ve found the house of your dreams and the price is even within your budget. There’s just one problem: the location. The front porch swing happens to face the second-busiest highway in the state.

Fabulous house or good neighborhood?

Houses can be adapted to meet your needs, but neighborhoods take years to change. And there’s no guarantee they’ll change for the better.

Choosing the right neighborhood is arguably the most important decision you will make, and the whole family needs to be involved in the discussion. Have each member list neighborhood characteristics that are important to him or her. How important is…

• Living on a quiet street?

• Being close to shops and public transportation?

• Having access to quality schools?

• The diversity of neighborhood demographics?

Start by focusing on the characteristics you like best about your old neighborhood. Once you have formed a picture of an ideal neighborhood, you can begin to research your options.

Visit the town hall Find out how the city government works: the tax rate, utility services, trash collection times and methods, and services the town provides. Read the local newspapers to learn about the major issues.

Contact the board of education Ask the hard questions: • What is the graduation rate?

• What percentage of graduates go to college?

• How do students perform on SATs or other standardized tests?

• What extracurricular activities are offered?

• What counseling services are available to help your child make the transition to a new school?

Go for a walk Drive through the neighborhood, and then walk through — without your real estate agent.

• Do you like the way it looks?

• Does it feel safe?

• Is it noisy?

• Is there a lot of traffic?

Try to find out if there is interaction among neighbors, such as crime watches, block parties, or a neighborhood association.

Once you’ve found a neighborhood that fits your family’s needs, all you have to do is find the house of your dreams.

Our City Comparison provides you with helpful statistics and information about U.S. towns and cities.

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E XECUTIVE AGENT

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MAGAZINE

Gilda Pagcu-Aquino

W

hen you need an insurance policy for your home, auto, life or business, give it to Gilda!

An executive account manager at Alsop & Associates Insurance Agency, Gilda Aquino represents California’s largest Allstate Insurance agency

with five offices across Southern California. For 15 years, she has been protecting people in her community, and it’s a job she takes seriously. “I think this is my calling,” she says.

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

You’re in Good Hands Written by H. K. Wilson

Originally from the Philippines, where she worked in IT communications and management, Gilda moved to the U.S. in 2000. She married, and a short time later began her career at Allstate Insurance.

With her friendly personality and excellent customer service skills, Gilda quickly built a large network of satisfied clients and professional partners. “I came here with just my suitcase and my experience in IT,” she says. “I didn’t know anybody. But along the way, I met people who became referral sources. Clients refer me because they’re happy with my service, and business partners refer me because they know they can trust me to work fast and efficiently.”

Homeowners insurance is a particular specialty for Gilda. She understands that when a home is in escrow, time is of the essence. Details and accuracy are crucial. “If someone encounters any problems during closing, I will take care of it right away. I work in this industry every single day, and I know what is needed. I don’t ever want a closing delayed because of insurance.”

When Gilda receives a client referral, she takes the time to educate new homeowners about their choices. “I want them to know why they need insurance, and I give them my insights on what coverage they need to have and what kind of policy they are buying. When I talk to clients, I want them to know and feel that I care.”

Once a client purchases a policy, their relationship with Gilda is just beginning. When life happens, she is ready to help. “When a claim arises, that’s when you need your agent. I always give people my personal cell. They can text or call me over the weekend or anytime of the day if they have an accident, are buying a car, or have some other claim concerns. I’m always accessible and here to tell them what to do. And if they have any problem with their claim, I will be there to mediate with the insurance company. I know people there; they don’t.”

To illustrate, one client shared her story: “I recently had a flood/water damage in my home.

This is the first time in 20 years that I had to file a claim. I called my ‘go to’ girl, Gilda, and she handled everything! She directed me through the process,

and when some things got tough, she and Mr. John Alsop, Agency President himself advocated on my behalf and made things happen. I highly recommend this office for your insurance needs! Thank you Gilda and John!”

During the recent fires and floods that ravaged many of the communities insured by Alsop & Associates Insurance, Gilda and her team were on call to help people make use of their insurance coverage. “We have one client whose house was totaled. It burned to the ground. From the beginning of the fire, we were talking to her and telling her what to do. Then we helped put her into a fully furnished, beachfront home while she is thinking about what to do next. We’re even providing renters insurance while she is in that location.”

In addition to coverage through Allstate Insurance, Alsop & Associates offers access to a wide range of policies underwritten by other companies. Gilda can match even hard-to-insure properties with the right coverage. “It’s especially hard to insure in the mountains right now because of the fires. If a home is old, new, in the mountains, beachfront, a mobile home, duplex or raw land, I know where to put them. If I have two or three choices, I will check to see which is most beneficial for the client.”

If you are a mortgage or real estate professional, you’ll find a trusted advisor in Gilda. If you are a homeowner, you can count on Gilda to protect you and your family. You’re always in good hands with Gilda.

Gilda Pagcu-Aquino Executive Account Manager Alsop & Associates Insurance Agency/ Allstate Insurance Company 4701 Arrow Hwy., Ste. A Montclair, CA 91763 Office Tel: 909-626-5000 ext. 3514 Direct: 909-267-3514 Cell: 650.892.2463 Email: GildaAquino2@allstate.com Web: www.agents.allstate.com/alsop--associatesinsurance-agency-montclair-ca.html

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Letting Go Vs. Giving Up

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ave you ever wondered what the difference is between ‘letting go’ and ‘giving up’? There certainly seems to be a very fine line between the two.

Intuitively, I know there is a different feeling between the two, but it’s only recently that I was able to understand the essence of that difference.

For me, ‘giving up’ is like folding your cards in poker, throwing in the hand before all the cards are dealt. You stop investing energy into the project and concede failure at a point way before the finish line. Like in poker, we usually fold as a result of fear, uncertainty or a spot-on analysis of the situation and the likelihood of success. You can usually tell the difference by how you feel about the ‘giving up’ after you’ve done it. When you feel calm, confident and free, you can be pretty sure it was based on sound analysis.

There are definitely times when moving on is the appropriate way to go.

On the surface, ‘letting go’ looks the same. What I now understand, however, is that what I’m actually letting go of is the attachment to the results, especially the results I decided the action would have before starting. This process allows me to play out the hand knowing ‘Yes, I might win; Yes, I might lose’ but either way I gain something from the experience”. It also allows me to keep investing energy into whatever it is.

So often in life we judge ourselves not by the results of our actions, but by what we decided in advance the results ‘should’ be, our expectations.

We often speak of others’ expectations of us and how deadly they can be, yet we forget that we develop expectations as well. In many ways, our own expectations can be more devastating than someone else’s expectation of us. We may have an initial knee-jerk reaction to the idea of someone else having expectations, something inside us that shouts ‘No!’ even as we try to live up to them.

Unfortunately, our own expectations seem normal and ‘right’ and we rarely question them.

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A long time ago, I heard an _expression that I must admit I don’t remember as consistently as I’d like: Let go and let God. For me, it’s the essence of letting go of my attachment to the results. I believe (and tell my clients) that it is our job to figure out what we want, to develop a clear picture of that and to start moving towards it. It’s God’s responsibility to figure out “how”. Our actions send a strong message that we are truly committed to experiencing whatever our stated goal is. The process is definitely one of “co-creation”.

Next time you are feeling disappointed in how things are turning out, here are some questions to help you determine if it’s time to let go: • How have I defined success in this area?

• Where did that definition/number come from?

• What is that result supposed to bring me? What feeling?

• What other definition/number can bring me that feeling?

• What am I learning in the process?

• Am I taking all the actions necessary to make this come true?

• Am I willing to let go of my attachment to the results?

Louise Morganti Kaelin is a Life Success Coach who partners with individuals who are READY (to live their best life), WILLING (to explore all options) and ABLE (to accept total support. She publishes a free bi-monthly newsletter, The 3-Minute Coach, which offers tools, ideas, strategies and action plans to assist individuals in creating the life they truly want. In addition, she is the author of the ebooklet “Blueprint for Success: 101 Tips to Reclaim your Vital Energy & and Get the Results You Want “.

Copyright© 2003, Louise Morganti Kaelin. All rights reserved. For more information about Louise, contact the Frog Pond at 800.704.FROG(3764) or email susie@frogpond.com; http://www.frogpond.

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

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April 8-10, 2019 M AY F LO W E R H OT E L WA S H I N G TO N , D C

N A H R E P. O R G / D C 2 0 1 9

HELPING MILITARY & VETERAN

FAMILIES REALIZE THE

AMERICAN DREAM! 2,600 + VETERANS

EDUCATED ABOUT HOMEOWNERSHIP

1,500 + FAMILIES

WHO WE ARE Established in 2011, the USA Homeownership Foundation, Inc. DBA Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP), is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to increasing sustainable homeownership, financial-literacy education, VA loan awareness, and economic opportunity for the active-military and veteran communities.

WERE HELPED THROUGH VAREP CARES

750 VETERANS PLACED IN HOMES THROUGH OUR PROGRAMS

UPCOMING LOCAL VAREP EVENT VAREP Orange County - Golf Tournament September 14, 2018 Tustin Ranch Golf Course 12442 Tustin Ranch Rd, Tustin, CA 92782

66 HOUSING SUMMITS TO EMPOWER VETERAN HOMEOWNERSHIP

WHO CAN JOIN? Any individual regardless if you have served or not. VAREP and its members represent and work within all sectors of the real estate, housing and financial services industries...

WE WANT YOU!

VAREP San Bernardino - Veterans Housing Summit Saturday · September 22, 2018 Check In 8:00AM Event 9:00AM - 2:00PM Ontario Chamber Of Commerce Education Training Room 3200 Inland Empire Blvd., Ste 130 Ontario, CA 91764 VAREP San Diego - Golf Tournament September 26, 2018 Riverwalk Golf Club 1150 Fashion Valley Road · San Diego CA 92108 View the full VAREP Events Calendar at:

https://varep.net/eventsfront/advocacy

info@VAREP.net | w w w .VAR EP. n e t | 951-444-7363 VAREP IS A 501.C.3 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE. USA HOMEOWNERSHIP DBA VETERANS ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS TAX ID: 45-2458485

A Good Life Contains These 6 Essentials

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ere’s what we must ask constantly, “What, for me, would be a good life?” And you have to keep going over and over the list—a list including areas such as spirituality, economics, health, relationships and recreation.

And we’ve all got casual friends, friends who, if you called them, they would say, “Hey, if you get back, call me and we’ll have a party.”

So, what would constitute a good life? Jim Rohn has a short list:

3. Your culture.

Language, music, ceremonies, traditions, dress. All of that is so vitally important that you must keep it alive.

The uniqueness of all of us, when blended together, brings vitality, energy, power, influence, and rightness to the world.

1. Productivity.

You won’t be happy if you don’t produce. The game of life is not rest. Yes, we must rest, but only long enough to gather strength to get back to productivity.

What’s the reason for the seasons and the seeds, the soil and the sunshine, the rain and the miracle of life? It’s to see what you can do with it—to try your hand to see what you can do.

2. Good friends.

Friendship is probably the greatest support system in the world, so don’t deny yourself the time to develop it.

Nothing can match it. It’s extraordinary in its benefit.

Friends are those wonderful people who know all about you and still like you. I lost one of my dearest friends when he was 53—heart attack. As one of my very special friends, I used to say that if I was stuck in a foreign jail somewhere accused unduly, and, if they would allow me one phone call, I would call David. Why? He would come and get me. That’s a real friend—somebody who would come and get you.

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You’ve got to have both real friends and casual friends.

4. Spirituality.

It helps to form the foundation of the family that builds the nation. And make sure you study, practice and teach— don’t be careless about the spiritual part of your nature because it’s what makes us who we are, different from dogs, cats, birds and mice.

5. Don’t miss anything.

My parents taught me not to miss anything, not the game, the performance, the movie, the dance. Just before my father died at 93, if you were to call him at 10:30 or 11 at night, he wouldn’t be home. He was at the rodeo, he was watching the kids play softball, he was listening to the concert, he was at church—he was somewhere every night.

Go to everything you possibly can. Buy a ticket to everything you possibly can. Go see everything and experience all you possibly can.

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Written By Jim Rohn

Live a vital life. If you live well, you will earn well. If you live well, it will show in your face; it will show in the texture of your voice. There will be something unique and magical about you if you live well. It will infuse not only your personal life but also your business life. And it will give you a vitality nothing else can give.

6. Your family and the inner circle.

Invest in them, and they’ll invest in you. Inspire them, and they’ll inspire you. Take care of the details with your inner circle.

When my father was still alive, I used to call him when I traveled. He’d have breakfast most every morning with the farmers at a little place called The Decoy Inn out in the country where we lived in Southwest Idaho.

When I was in Israel, I’d have to get up in the middle of the night, but I’d call Papa. I’d say, “Papa, I’m in Israel.”

He’d say, “Israel! Son, how are things in Israel?” He’d talk real loud so everybody could hear. I’d say, “Papa, last night they gave me a reception on the rooftop underneath the stars overlooking the Mediterranean.” He’d say, “Son, a reception on the rooftop underneath the stars overlooking the Mediterranean?” Now everybody knew the story. And giving my father that special day only took five or 10 minutes.

all day. It’s the special stuff with your inner circle that makes you strong and powerful and influential. So don’t miss that opportunity.

The prophet said, “There are many virtues and values, but here’s the greatest: one person caring for another.”

There is no greater value than love.

So make sure in your busy day to remember the true purpose and the reasons you do what you do. May you truly live the kind of life that will bring the fruit and rewards that you desire.

Jim Rohn knows the secrets of success - in business and in life. He has devoted his life to a study of the fundamentals of human behavior and personal motivation that affect professional performance. He can awaken the unlimited power of achievement within you! Reproduced with permission from the Jim Rohn Weekly E-zine. Copyright© 2006, Jim Rohn. All right reserved. For information about Jim’s keynote presentations and seminars, contact the FrogPond at 800.704.FROG(3764) or email susie@ FrogPond.com, http://FrogPond.com.

If a father walks out of the house and he can still feel his daughter’s kiss on his face all day, he’s a powerful man. If a husband walks out of the house and he can still feel the imprint of his wife’s arms around his body, he’s invincible

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

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Our bone marrow transplant reunion is now standing room only.

Each year, City of Hope invites bone marrow transplant recipients and their families to attend the “Celebration of Life” event. It’s a joyous time during which survivors of blood cancers such as lymphoma, leukemia and myeloma embrace their health, their life and each other. It began more than 35 years ago when City of Hope created what is now one of the largest and most successful bone marrow transplant programs in the world. In fact, we’ve completed over 11,000 transplants and, according to national reports, our outcomes are among the best in the nation. The goal of curing cancer isn’t just something we work at. It’s what we live for.

If you have cancer, make us your first call. Or ask your doctor for a referral. We accept most insurance.

800-826-HOPE

COH-0726_BMT_Hem_fp_4c_ExecAgt.indd 1

WE LIVE TO CURE CANCER. Science saving lives. cityofhope.org/bmt

11/25/13 6:02 PM

EXECUTIVEAGENT MAGAZINE

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