Today we’d like to introduce you to Ken Gilliard.
Ken, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
A few years ago, I was the Service Manager at BMW of Fort Walton Beach, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. At that time, I was the youngest service manager in BMW North America at the age of 24. I was making great money, living on the beach, and driving nice vehicles; living the American dream as most people would call it.
Behind the scenes I was working 12 to 14 hours a day, 6 days a week, and I never had time for family, my daughter, nor myself. I was extremely miserable and unhappy. I loved helping people, however, I was missing life, special events, and people that were important to me. I often thought to myself that there had to be something out there I love doing, have time for myself, and create a legacy for my family. Before I got into the automobile industry I always wanted to go into real estate, because I absolutely love that market; however, I could never commit to it because I was spread so thin and always stuck at the dealership.
I always enjoyed finance, real estate, and insurance so I started doing research and found out that I could somewhat connect them by becoming a mortgage loan originator. Well duh Ken! So, I immediately started to take the state required classes, took the exam, PASSED, and just like that I became a licensed mortgage loan originator. Once I was licensed, I got appointed to a mortgage company and began my new journey. While all of this was going on I was still working for BMW juggling them both. After all this new excitement I was still unhappy, because I couldn’t fully commit; of course, BMW was taking most of my time. After a few months passed by, I worked hard building my new business from the ground up utilizing my marketing skills from a previous side business; 381 Marketing Inc. I designed my own logos, website, business cards, flyers, etc.
I was ready to rock and roll; however, I was still holding on to BMW scared to take a leap of faith and quit my regular job to jump into the entrepreneur life full time. So, after seeking advice from my mentor, I took a leap of faith and quit my job, started doing mortgages fulltime, and I love every bit of it. Once I left I started networking, making major connections, and building my book a business. Then one day I met a lady who shared a vision that aligned with mine, to become a full-service real estate and financial & insurance business. Since then, we have become business partners, and created a system to be a one-stop shop for clients looking for a home and insurance needs with one reputable company providing outstanding customer services and competitive rates.
To operate a full-service insurance company, we have since obtained a Texas Life, Accident & Health, for Profit Legal Services, and Property & Casualty Insurance license. Hence this is how G & G Wealth Enterprises was created. We wanted to give the client the opportunity to have the ultimate experience when shopping for a home, purchasing an apartment building, investing in real estate, construction, residual/commercial financing, or even just simply shopping for car insurance. We have the opportunity to help so many people, and I absolutely LOVE IT!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
OMG no! I went from making 6 figures a year, getting paid every week, not worrying about money. Thank GOD I was smart enough to save, because it has been some months where I haven’t gotten paid at all. Getting use to not having a consistent paycheck every week has been hard, but I had to the get used to the real estate and insurance world. It’s very cut and dry. I had to get used to still getting up at 4 or 5 in the morning to start working without having to punch a clock or answer to anyone.
I was still new to this business, not really knowing what to expect or even do. I remember my first day like yesterday, I went to my mortgage company office eager, and ready to start with my trainer at 9 in the morning; he didn’t show up till 10 and we were done at 11. He was like ok we’re done here, go out there and door knock to get your leads, because they’re not going to just show up at your doorstep like service clients do. You must go make a name for yourself. I was like uh oh what have I got myself into.
But from that day on I’ve been in the field making a name for myself. I’ve had contracts that I knew would close but ended up losing at the last minute. I have gone through it and wanted to quit so many times. A few weeks ago, I got a job offer to go back to the dealership making almost double the pay I had before, but I believe in this so much that I turned it down. I love what I’m doing! Creating relationship and friendships that will last a lifetime is unmatched, and I wouldn’t trade this for the world. I absolutely love what I do!
G & G Wealth Enterprises – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
G & G Wealth Enterprises is a one-stop shop for lending, real estate, and insurance & financial services. We specialize in residential and commercial mortgages, retirement and financial planning, and literally all types of insurance. We help clients get financed for their dream home, plan for college or retirement, and help them secure their biggest assets. As a company, we value our clients by taking pride in educating them through every step of the process for whatever service they come to us for. We provide people a peace of mind when it comes to their finances.
In this market, a lot of clients are taken advantage of, so we believe it is important to educate them on their options. I love helping clients when others have turned them away. I love the feeling when clients smile and have a peace of mind, because they understand where their money is going. I love when a client takes the keys to their first home, or when their money is protected from losses in the market. Our company goal is to be a blessing to every client that ever does business with us.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is what you make out of it. It doesn’t mean you have millions or billions in your bank account. It’s when you have honestly put in long days of work and reached or surpassed every goal you have set out for. Success to me is when you have blessed so many people around you that you have left a name for yourself that no one can ever take away from you.
Contact Info:
- Address: 11224 Southwest Fwy #100 Houston, TX 77031
- Website: www.ggwealthenterprises.com
- Phone: 800-934-8103
- Email: kgilliard@ggwealthenterprises.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/gg_wealth_enterprises
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/G-G-Wealth-Enterprises-2242319349323507
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