Steven Pagano, Lic. R.E. Broker, Pagano Properties, has been a FORCE member for 10 years. He has been elected a member of the Advisory Board since 2017 and is the current vice chairman of the FORCE Advisory Council, a position he’s held since 2020.
When asked what drives his commitment to his craft and industry, Steven replied:
Among many, there are two things that immediately come to mind. The first and most important is to be of service to others. I realize my clients have many choices of who to work with, and if they have chosen to work with me, I am making sure I deliver the goods every day, in every way possible. I want to have the answers they need before they ask, and being available is also important.
The second thing is I have long had a mandate for personal excellence, so holding myself accountable and trying to exceed expectations are part of my core values.
What are some insights or at least one piece of advice you wish you would have known when you first started in the industry?
Be willing to be flexible. Rigidity doesn’t work. Listening to others from helping others has been invaluable.
What is top of mind for you in your business right now? (topic, industry trend, or idea)
Getting more business! I often say it’s a lot easier to keep the accounts that you have than it is to find new ones, so at least for me, it’s constantly evaluating my skill set, seeing where I can improve. I was recently on a Force webinar with Jeff Shumaker, the Broker at Re/Max Agility in Virginia. He has a great presentation on learning how to rekey assets. You can keep gaining skills to be a more valuable broker to your clients.
How has being a member of a trade association resulted in business growth for you?
I think sometimes people have unrealistic expectations for things like associations and conferences. Don’t go to a conference and expect to go home with a goodie bag full of listings. That’s not how it works. For me, it’s been mostly organic in building relationships where I am able to help someone without expectations. It comes full circle when your motives are aligned with service.
What legacy industry impact would you most desire to be known for?
None of those things. I’d much prefer my epitaph to be, “He was a good dad, husband, and friend”.
