John Stough, Partner and Principal Broker of Kentucky Select Properties, has built an incredibly successful company with his natural talent for management and sales. John discusses the path that led him to form Kentucky Select Properties, which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary. He also received the ‘Master Networker’ award at the 18th Annual Luxury Real Estate Fall Conference.
How did you get your start in real estate? I pursued a career in real estate directly out of college. I invested in an intensive vocational testing service while I was a senior in college and real estate was the number one choice for my skill set. I have been licensed since 1979 and never looked back. The relationships that I have enjoyed have been a tremendous boost to me both professionally and personally.
What path has your career taken? I was in sales initially with the largest local real estate firm. They had the distinction of having the largest market share overall and the high end market as well. I spent 5 years in sales and was asked to go into management. At the young age of 29 I was managing the largest of their sales offices and overseeing 150 associates. I look back on those days and wonder who thought I had the credibility to manage proven seasoned sales professionals. It was a huge stepping stone for my career. I spent the next 15 years in management and became the Executive Vice President of the 41st largest real estate firm in the nation with 850 sales associates and 13 offices. The principal owner wanted to sell the firm and ultimately sold to Berkshire Hathaway. I could have remained in management but decided sales was where I wanted to spend my energy. Four years later I left to form Kentucky Select Properties with two partners. This was the best decision I have ever made.
Why is your company successful? Today we have 80 associates and are celebrating our 10th anniversary. I am amazed at the talent we have within our company. There is a culture of teamwork and caring which has catapulted us to the top of the luxury market. The new young agents bring an enormous enthusiasm and vitality to our team. The synergy is contagious.
What are the favorite parts of your job? I am so fortunate to enjoy personal sales in addition to serving as the Principal Broker of our firm. I get enormous satisfaction from the sales and listing portion of my job and then get to work with great agents daily whom I consider family. I am very fortunate!
What do you do enjoy doing outside work? I have a terrific spouse and two wonderful children whom we love to visit. One lives in New Orleans and the other in New York. Great destinations! We have a vacation home in Umbria, Italy which is a very exciting getaway! I also never miss a Luxury Real Estate conference! Many of my best friends are made at those conferences from all over the world. I love my life!!
For more information on John or Kentucky Select Properties, please visit www.kyselectproperties.com.