Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs don’t come from careful planning—they come from moments that force you to reevaluate everything.

 

 Real estate came at a point when everything felt like it was falling apart. I had been selling timeshares for eight years and was frustrated. I had hit a glass ceiling, and the behind-the-scenes politics at that particular resort were unfair and plain toxic. I felt stuck. At the same time, my fiancée and I broke up.

 

 When she left, something shifted in me. I realized I needed to get my life together. I wanted to take better care of myself and become more financially stable. It was clear that I needed a new industry. I remember sitting on my couch, reflecting on where I was and where I wanted to be. I asked myself, “What have I always wanted to do?” The answer came clearly: real estate.

 

Real estate had caught my attention back in college while I was studying business and finance. After graduation, though, I began arranging life settlements for an insurance company. I essentially took existing life insurance policies from people who no longer wanted or needed them—policies they had paid into for years—and sold them to investment groups.

 

 I was incredibly successful in that role and eventually decided to go out on my own. That decision became one of my biggest business lessons. I invested a lot of money into launching my own operation, only for it to flop. I learned the hard way that people value security; without the backing of a recognized company name behind me, it made it much harder to build trust. That experience taught me what it truly takes for a business to take off and how important it is to be careful with money and aware of the seasons of life.

 

 Eventually, I landed in timeshare sales. In Florida, selling timeshare requires a real estate license, so technically I had already stepped into the field without fully realizing it. Once I decided I wanted to leave that industry and focus on selling homes, something incredible happened. I received one of the most synchronous emails of my life: a recruiter from a homebuilding company wanted to interview me. One thing led to another, and I became a sales agent for new construction homes!

 

 From there, my career took off. I loved the company, felt supported, and became a top performer. I worked in different communities, which allowed me to really get to know the area and understand the market. In 2023, I transitioned to working as an agent with Robert Slack and eventually joined RE/MAX. Through the brokerage, I’ve also had the opportunity to give back—volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and donating time and food to our local animal shelter.

 

While my career was growing, my personal life was transforming too. Five years ago, I met my soon-to-be wife, Jasmine, at a restaurant. She has two daughters, Jessica and Jennifer, and I 

have a daughter of my own, Lani, who is 22. I’m excited about the blended family we’re building and the new chapter we’re stepping into together.

 

 Outside of work, I’m a gym fanatic—I’m there seven days a week. I also love playing golf, going to the beach, and, believe it or not, shopping. I genuinely enjoy spending time at the mall, browsing different stores, and sitting down for a great meal at a good restaurant.

 

 Looking back, real estate didn’t just become my career—it became the fresh start I needed. What once felt like everything falling apart turned out to be everything falling into place.

 

I take my work seriously because I understand that buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions a person can make. I’ve always loved being in new homes and have a genuine appreciation for architecture and thoughtful design. Earlier in my career, I received construction training, which gave me a strong understanding of how homes are built. That knowledge allows me to recognize quality craftsmanship—and also identify potential issues that others might overlook.

 

 I provide a full concierge experience for my clients, connecting them with trusted lenders and professionals to ensure every step of the process runs smoothly. I don’t believe in high-pressure sales tactics. I don’t “sell” homes—I present them, offer honest guidance, and act as an advisor. Whether a home sells or not, my priority is that my clients feel confident and comfortable in their decisions.

 

Having lived in Orlando for 34 years, I know the area inside and out. My local knowledge is a true asset, and I’m always willing to do whatever it takes to make my clients feel supported.

 

 

Sincerely, 

  

Thomas Mackay