Before he became a top-producing RE/MAX agent, Don Bell was better known for his performance on the golf course.
The former pro golfer traveled the world for 15 years competing in major tournaments. But five years ago, he decided to find a more stable career that allowed him more time with his family.
Ultimately, that path led Bell to join RE/MAX Signature in Daytona Beach, Fla., in 2007.
Not only has his career taken off with the RE/MAX name behind him, but he's also re-entering the golf world as an amateur. He recently qualified for the U.S. Golf Association Mid Amateur Championship, edging out 84 competitors for one of four spots.
"I'm 44 now, but my goal is to get a shot at the champion's tour when I turn 50," says Bell (ABR, CRS, SRES). "As an amateur, I can still focus on growing my business and enjoy the sport I love most."
A faithful believer in professional designations and education, Bell has been to numerous Brian Buffini retreats and continues to hone his skills with courses offered on the RE/MAX Satellite Network - especially team-building seminars.
Bell's team, which comprises a licensed assistant and a buyer's agent, is thriving. Collectively, the team has closed 37 transactions totaling more than $10 million so far this year.
The team concept wasn't encouraged at his old brokerage, Bell says.
"The first year I was in the real estate business, I sold $4 million in homes and I did well," Bell says. "In 2007, I realized the market was shifting, and the importance of having brand name recognition would be huge. And I was right.
"In any industry, you go to the places you know and trust. I felt RE/MAX was the company people know and trust. I got more referrals in my first month with RE/MAX than I had received at the large family-owned company I was with before."
The transition was a winning move for Bell, who sells mostly single-family homes in golf communities and in the area's best school districts.
Although he's been out of the pro limelight for a few years, Bell has always kept golf tied to his business. He hosts a number of charity golf events for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and donates $1,000 to the organization if he makes a hole in one. He also donates $1,000 of his commission per transaction to Komen if clients list their homes with him during certain time periods.
Above all, he says, making the switch to RE/MAX has done more for boosting his business and reputation than anything he tried to do on his own.
"If you're serious about making a living selling real estate, RE/MAX is the place to be," he says. "When I walk into listings, I don't have to go through much of a presentation. I say I'm with RE/MAX, answer their questions and they sign on the dotted line. It's that easy."