Haynes Waldo - Class of 2018

HAYNES WALDO CLASS OF 2018

For most students, time in college is filled with coursework, fun, and the occasional job to provide a little cash for weekends out. That may be true for the average student, but class of 2018 Haynes Waldo isn’t your average student. During his time at the University of Alabama, he not only juggled all his studies and was in a fraternity, he also earned his real estate license. That effort led him to launch WalHen, a full-service real estate company with his friend, Smith Hendricks in September of 2021.

“Covid was a pivotal moment for me during my time at college,” said Haynes. “After being out of the house for two years, I was in my groove with my life away at college. I came home for a week or so and was getting antsy and realized I needed to get a job. I quickly realized that nobody hires at the start of a global pandemic. Growing up around the mortgage business with my father, I always had a passion for real estate. One great thing about real estate is that you get to work for yourself and not even Covid can stop you. After working under the top agent in the state of Alabama and learning the ins-and-outs of the business, I was ready to break out on my own.”

Haynes and his company partner don’t just help people buy and sell homes; they are a one-stop-shop for any real estate needs. “We closely work alongside investors because we are in a college town. This opens many great investment options from game day short-term rentals to condo portfolios, du/triplexes, and even multifamily apartment buildings.”

Haynes graduated from the University in May. He is staying in Tuscaloosa fulltime and offering WalHen services to people searching for homes all over West

Alabama. When he isn’t busy with his business, he is involved with the Church of the Highlands in Tuscaloosa and has been volunteering with JH Ranch Outback in West Alabama. He also loves playing golf and spending time with his new dog.

Haynes gives GWA credit for some of his success. “GWA taught me to think and dream big and equipped me with a toolkit to become involved in a new town, acquire a job, and then later start my own company. There are definitely a few teachers that impacted my experience at GWA. Coach Harcourt showed passion in every single thing he did and that opened my eyes to the importance of doing what makes you happy. Whether it is a daily activity or work, Coach taught me to have a positive outlook all the time and to enjoy life.”

“Also, Coach Head made a huge impact on my life. The way he preached “Life is bigger than the textbook” has impacted me during my time at school. I realized that I came to Tuscaloosa for the University of Alabama but used my time here to get connected and build so many new relationships and friendships and even start a company. Also, his daily lessons of life such as ‘Don’t steal. Don’t cheat. Don’t lie. Don’t whine. Don’t complain. Don’t make excuses,’ has always stuck with me in my professional life because if you follow these six principles and strive for greatness, you will ultimately succeed.”

While Haynes always had a gift for connecting with people, he even gives GWA a little credit for some sales skills building. “The yearly fundraising campaign and Jeanie Beach helped me too, because she let me run point on the fundraising calls early on in my time as a student (I think starting at sixth grade) and this allowed me to become more confident as a salesperson and with making cold calls!”