#291: Becoming a #1 Real Estate Agent in 2 Years with Shawn Cleary, USNA ‘16

“Do what you have to do in this industry to be successful, and what that usually entails is being uncomfortable and putting yourself out there… Every single time you put yourself out there, you're kind of shedding off a little bit of this ego." -Shawn Cleary

Shawn Cleary is a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty in the Charleston, South Carolina area. Prior to his career in real estate, he served in the U.S. Navy for over 11 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. During his naval career, Shawn served as a Submarine Officer and held various other positions including Shift Engineer at the Naval Prototype Training Unit and Naval Science Instructor at The Citadel. Shawn's educational background includes a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated in 2016. His diverse experience in naval operations and engineering provides a unique foundation for his current work in real estate.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Shawn's transition from Naval Submarine Officer to being on track to become the #1 real estate agent in Charleston, South Carolina within two years of getting his license.
• How living with roommates sparked his real estate investing fire.
• How military training can give you the skills for your next gig but how you have to let go of your ego when switching careers.
• Embracing the idea that everything is sales.
• The value of continuous learning through books, podcasts, and YouTube videos to become a knowledgeable expert in your craft.
• Strategies for building a personal brand, including having a consistent social media presence, and mirroring what other successful people do.
• The challenges and importance of scaling a business and building a team.
• Advice for aspiring real estate agents, investors, and entrepreneurs, on overcoming limiting beliefs and embracing discomfort to be successful.
• Why Charleston is a great place to live and do business.

Shawn Cleary, a former Naval Submarine Officer turned successful Realtor, joins us in this podcast episode to share his remarkable journey from military service to being on track to become the #1 real estate agent in Charleston, South Carolina. Drawing from his experiences in naval operations and engineering, Shawn discusses how he leveraged his military training while letting go of his ego to excel in his new career. In our conversation, Shawn reveals the strategies that propelled his rapid success, including continuous learning, personal branding, and embracing discomfort. He also delves into the challenges of scaling a real estate business and building a team, offering valuable insights for aspiring agents, investors, and entrepreneurs. Additionally, Shawn shares his perspective on why Charleston is a thriving business and lifestyle hub. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in a career transition or who’s interested in real estate or working on personal development.

Connect with Shawn

• LinkedIn
• ShawnClearyHomes.com
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram

Book and Podcast Recommendations

• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller
• Books by Bigger Pockets Publishing
• Real Estate Rockstars Podcast
• The Millionaire Real Estate Podcast

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Special thanks to Shawn for joining me this week. Until next time!

-Scott Mackes, USNA ’01