Meet Tommie Denson

 

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tommie Denson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tommie, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Growing up as one of the only Black children in Corona, CA in the early ’80s taught me early on how to navigate spaces where I was often the only person who looked like me. At that time, Corona was a predominantly working-class area, and my experiences as the only Black student in class shaped my understanding of how to be effective and successful.

From a young age, I learned that I had to work harder than others. In elementary school, I faced challenges where I knew I had to exceed expectations to stand out in a positive way. But it wasn’t just about working harder, it was about adapting while remaining true to who I am. I recognized early that I didn’t need to change who I was to fit in, but I did need to be resilient and intentional about how I presented myself.

One pivotal moment was in 5th grade when another Black student moved into the area. I quickly learned there were different expectations and social norms within different groups, and navigating those dynamics taught me the importance of self-awareness and flexibility. As I progressed through middle school and high school, the diversity increased, yet I often felt like I didn’t fully belong to any group. That experience, especially on the basketball team, showed me the importance of finding common ground while embracing my individuality.

In college, both at Orange Coast College and CSU San Bernardino, I found myself back in spaces where I was often the only Black person, particularly in the Mathematics department. The isolation felt familiar, but by this point, I had developed a strong sense of resilience. I built relationships and cultivated a strong work ethic, knowing that I had to constantly prove my worth, both to myself and to others.

My career as a high school math teacher was another environment where I was frequently the only Black person in the room, particularly within the department. While this came with its own set of pressures, such as combating stereotypes and feeling the need to prove my abilities. I found that the same principles that guided me growing up continued to serve me. I focused on building authentic relationships with my students and colleagues, and I made sure that my work ethic spoke for itself.

However, after several years of teaching, I began to feel the need for a change. While I loved helping students, the demands of teaching started to conflict with my desire for a better work-life balance, especially as my family grew. I decided to switch careers and pursue real estate, a field where I could continue to help people while having more flexibility in my schedule.

In real estate, I found that the skills I developed as a teacher: patience, communication, and the ability to break down complex concepts were just as valuable. But I was also back in a familiar position, being the only Black person in the room in many professional settings. Once again, I relied on the same strategies I’d honed over the years: building strong relationships, working hard, and remaining true to myself. Real estate allowed me to lean into my strengths while navigating a new field, and I’ve applied the same determination to succeed, whether it’s helping clients find their dream home or expanding my network.

Switching careers from math teacher to real estate agent wasn’t just a professional change; it was a reminder that I thrive in spaces where I’m challenged to be both resilient and authentic. In real estate, just like in teaching, I aim to break down barriers and show that success is possible no matter where you start or who you are.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’ve taken a unique path to becoming a realtor. My journey began on the basketball court, where I played up to the college level and dreamed of coaching young athletes. With a degree in mathematics from CSU San Bernardino, I became a high school math teacher and basketball coach. After five years, my passion led me to pursue a master’s degree in math, aiming to teach and coach at the college level. I landed a tenure-track position as a math instructor and assistant basketball coach, and life was great.
However, after having four children, my priorities shifted. I realized I wanted to spend more time with my family, something my father had once expressed regret about not doing. At that point, I was teaching and coaching long hours, leaving little time for anything else. Inspired by friends in real estate who balanced successful careers with family time, I decided to make a change.
Though I had no experience in sales, I knew my dedication and work ethic could make real estate a fulfilling career. It offered the perfect blend of providing for my family and helping others achieve their dream of homeownership. Now, as a realtor, I’m committed to guiding people through one of the most important decisions of their lives, just as I once did with my players on the court.
I am dedicated to providing truly personalized service, putting our clients at the heart of everything we do. I believe that buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction, it’s a deeply personal experience. That’s why I take the time to sit down with each client, listen carefully to their needs, and understand the unique factors driving their decisions. This approach is focused on you as an individual, ensuring that our guidance is tailored specifically to help you achieve your real estate goals.
I specialize in helping clients relocate to their dream homes, no matter where they are. My streamlined, detail-oriented process simplifies the often complex journey of relocation, combining personalized service with a dynamic, multifaceted marketing strategy that delivers optimal results. While taking pride in transforming what could be a stressful process into a smooth and rewarding experience.
What sets me apart is my commitment to building lasting relationships. When I start working with a new client, they may begin as strangers, but by the end of the journey, they become like family. I take great pride in the service I provide and the deep connections that naturally grow from it. I’m not just about transactions. I’m are about people, and that’s what makes my approach unique.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities and skills in my journey have been resilience, adaptability, and the ability to build strong relationships. These qualities have allowed me to succeed, whether as a teacher, coach, or real estate agent, even when I was often the only Black person in the room.

From a young age, I learned that being the only one who looked like me often meant facing more challenges and higher expectations. I had to push through moments of doubt, isolation, and pressure to prove myself. My advice to those early in their journey is to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Resilience isn’t about avoiding adversity, but about bouncing back from it. The more you persevere, the stronger you become. Keep a mindset that every obstacle is a step toward success.

Growing up in an environment where I was often the outsider, I quickly learned the importance of being flexible while staying true to myself. Whether it was adapting to different social norms or switching from a teaching career to real estate, adaptability has been key to my success. For those starting out, understand that adaptability doesn’t mean losing your identity. It means learning how to adjust to different environments while remaining authentic. Be open to change, and develop the ability to pivot when necessary, especially when pursuing new opportunities.

Throughout my career, whether in the classroom, on the basketball court, or in real estate, I’ve found that strong relationships have been crucial. People need to see who you truly are to trust you. My advice is to invest in authentic connections. Take the time to understand the people you work with, whether colleagues or clients and build trust through your actions. Solid relationships will carry you through difficult times and open doors to new opportunities.

For those early in their journey, focus on developing these qualities. Cultivate resilience by pushing through discomfort, embrace adaptability by learning to thrive in new environments, and nurture relationships by always showing up as your authentic self. With these skills, you can achieve success no matter where you start or what room you find yourself in.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

My journey has certainly had its challenges. Coming into real estate without any sales or marketing experience made the learning curve steep. The first few months were a whirlwind of mastering contracts, building the confidence to discuss real estate, and learning how to navigate the business. Each aspect of the industry presents its own unique challenges, and lead generation has been one of the toughest. Keeping new clients coming in and the phone ringing is a constant focus. However, I’m actively developing a social media strategy that is helping me connect with potential clients more effectively. Despite the hurdles, each challenge has been a valuable learning opportunity, pushing me to grow and refine my approach.

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