What were your priorities when you were 18? There must have been so many things, so many ideas, bouncing around in your young, restless mind. In the shuffle between maintaining a strict education and active schedule did you leave room for chasing after life-long dreams? Were you able to turn those dreams into a reality soon after walking out of high school graduation? For many, this seems far-fetched, but for Chase McAnear it is a true story.
From a very young age, McAnear had the desire to become an independent individual and to build a business empire. When he turned 18 and it was time to start thinking about enrollment in a university, McAnear decided against racking up close to $250,000 of debt, and instead, chose to try his luck as an entrepreneur in the real estate industry. His parents, with a rather firm assumption that a college degree would be necessary for Chase’s future, were livid at his decision to take a different route.
When he refused to change his mind, they forced him to leave the house and fend for himself, hoping it would bring him back to his senses. With an empty wallet and no home to call his own, Chase spent numerous nights on the couches of extended family members and friends. When these options weren’t available, he would sleep in his car.
As soon as the sun was shining, however, Chase would pack up his things and head to the nearest coffee shop to connect to free sources of WiFi to study. Days were passing quickly but there was no substantial change occurring. As he continued on with this lifestyle, the struggles began to take a toll on him, and he found himself dealing with depression. Chase was gaining weight at a rapid pace and there were no signs of any job opportunities or ways to maintain a steady income.
It wasn’t until he passed the real estate licensing exam that things began to turn around. The situation was still difficult but at least he had the legal means to begin to make things happen for himself. McAnear began to work towards achieving the goals that he had set as an inspired and passionate teenager.
Slowly, day by day, things started to improve. The hard work, dedication, perseverance, and
communication skills began to bring several big opportunities to the table. Chase began communicating with important people in the real estate industry who would, ultimately, pave the way for him to soar higher in business.
The biggest validation of success, however, came from the rekindling of his relationship with his parents, who started talking to him again after they realized that he did in fact, have a plan, and it was working. He was turning it into a reality.
After two years selling houses, McAnear realized that he was ready to take a leap and establish his own real estate company. He then made a commitment to follow through and never turn back.
After experiencing great success within his real estate company, Chase continued to fulfill his entrepreneurial dreams by using some of the profits to fuel new start-ups. He ventured into several other businesses ranging from advertising, consulting, apparel, public relations, and real estate.
Three years ago, McAnear was a homeless, almost penniless man. Today, he successfully runs multiple businesses and has traveled far and wide. Along with being a businessman, he is also a philanthropist for St. Jude Children’s Hospital in which all of his companies donate to consistently.
In a few short years (and ALOT of hard work) Chase turned his life around and proved to the world that if you follow your gut, and your dreams, steering clear of any predefined paths or judgement from others, you can successfully achieve your goals.
Cheers to your success!
