GENEROSITY IS A QUESTION OF THE HEART.
It has more to do with the willingness and spirit of the person giving than the act of giving itself. Generosity is not tied to a monetary value. Generosity is, however, tied to selflessness and willingly giving up resources for the good of others.
Doug Gardiner is someone who does just that.
You may associate his name with The Maryland Group of Long & Foster, as he has been an award-winning real estate agent for the company for over 10 years. Last year in 2020, he ranked number one for most homes sold. It may just be in his blood—his mother was in real estate for many years as well.
“After I sold my business, [real estate] seemed a natural fit for my sales background,” he recalls. “It’s extremely rewarding to help my clients buy or sell their homes. It’s their most important investment—not just financially, but also emotionally.”
Doug’s investment into the lives and well-being of his clients has earned him credibility and solid friendships. Those lasting relationships are important to him. When he isn’t working, he often finds himself playing golf. A lifelong
golfer, Doug finds the sport both enjoyable and stress-relieving. And he is quite skilled! What’s more remarkable, though, is his using this passion for a great cause.
Doug recently participated in a golf tournament for “Advocates for Homeless Families” (AFHF). The purpose of the golf tournament is to raise awareness of the organization and its mission while simultaneously raising funds. Doug points out that one added plus to this fundraiser is that it is outdoors with plenty of room for participants to be safely
spaced.
He adds, “Our fundraiser is one of several I participate in throughout the year. Raising money for a worthwhile cause while enjoying time with friends is a win-win.”
Doug is involved in AFHF even beyond the fundraising aspect. He serves on the Board of Directors for this Frederick nonprofit, which is dedicated to providing homeless families with children access to housing, education, and employment opportunities for a sustainable future.
The impact of this organization is tremendous. Annually, AFHF provides housing and support services to about 90-100 adults and children. AFHF family graduates, after one year of completing their program, have remained in stable housing and are either employed full-time and/or are pursuing educational goals.
Doug states, “As a Frederick realtor, I recognize that the lack of affordable housing is a leading cause of homelessness. As a Board Member, it is my hope that I will be in a position to advocate for an expansion of housing for our county’s most vulnerable across several markets. Every homeless household moved into permanent housing makes Frederick a better place to live.”
Making our community a better place to live requires the dedication and heart that Doug has. He uses his passions, his skills, and expertise to give to those who are in need. Perhaps, you’ll see him around town in that unmistakable Maryland flag-wrapped MINI Cooper made especially for him by Nick Marchetti at AMI signs. Perhaps, you’ll wave hello. And perhaps, you’ll take a moment to consider how you might use your own time and talents to give.
DOUG’S KEYS TO SUCCESS:
+ Be genuine. You have to love what you do and want to do it.
+ Put in the hard work. Some jobs, like Doug’s, are 24/7. You have to be available when your clients need you.
+ Know your clients’ needs. For Doug, educating clients on the process of home buying is essential.
+ Hone your skills. In real estate, negotiating skills are important as well as working well with other agents. When done right, it should be a smooth transition with very little stress.
+ Look out for the best interests of your clients. For Doug, “knowing the best mortgage lenders and title companies is imperative” and “if working with investors, you have to know the market and how the numbers will work for them.”
MarylandExperts.com
