Montgomery Advertiser, Ala., Business Profile Column

Jun 05, 05:54 PM

Current Headlines: By David Irvin, Montgomery Advertiser, Ala.

Jun. 5--BUSINESS Q&A: JOE COKER, REALTOR: Having been a Realtor for 10 years, Joe Coker takes pride in serving people of all walks of life through renting and selling homes.

He said he is inspired by hard work and determination, which has helped him negotiate the early difficulties of a start-up business. His young business is thriving, and he has begun to hire additional agents to help him expand.

Coker has experience with apartments, duplexes, single family homes, residential lots, commercial lots, lake and river properties, subdivisions and farms and timberlands.

What's unique about your business?

I wouldn't say unique, but my agents and I provide sincere, dedicated service to help our clients sell and buy homes. I personally manage over 40 rental homes in Montgomery, Prattville and Millbrook.

What career path led you to your job?

I worked over 28 years for the state as an accountant after a couple of years as a high school coach and teacher in southeast Alabama. I met a lot of people over the years, made a lot of friends and felt that I have the right kind of personality to make it as a Realtor. After seven years working for other brokers, I started my own business in 2003 and hired agents in 2005.

How do you spend your free time?

I don't have a lot of free time, but I mostly go to a small farm in Pike County. I try to spend a lot of time with my 1-year-old grandson, Chance Pate.

What attributes are needed for success in your field?

Honesty, availability and willingness to work hard for my clients to get them their best deal whether they are sellers or buyers.

What are the big issues in your specialty these days?

I guess it would be keeping a lid on interest rates if we can control them. Advising clients to keep their credit clean is always an issue.

What are your long-term plans?

Build up the rental business for my family to take over so I can really retire and live on the farm full-time.

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