Sean Carpenter is one of those people that you literally cannot help but adore. His infectious personality and tireless commitment to leaving the world better than he found it is not only admirable but something that has left a profound impact on me personally. Whether it is a professional question or just needing a friend, I know I can call on Sean as do so many others throughout the real estate industry.
You may know Sean from his popular (and consistent) blog, Carp’s Corner where he shares real-life experience coupled with important lessons in business and in life. Or, you may have seen his widely recognized #CarpArt.
1. Who has had the greatest impact on your life?
Probably my father and his father before him (my “Pop). My grandfather was a traveling shoe salesman for Clarks of England and Florsheim shoes. He called on shoe stores and department stores all over the state of Florida. I got to travel with him one week (he made me wear a little jacket and tie and I would pull his samples into the stores). Looking back, he knew every person’s name, spouse’s name, kid’s names, etc. Not just his customers but the hotel workers and diner waitresses and everyone along the way. My father was a professor of Landscape Architecture at The Ohio State University for 29 years. His student’s loved him as was evidenced by the number that attended his funeral, but they all said how much they hated him when they were in school because he was tough on them, expected the best out of them, and always challenged them…but they all agree he made them better.
I never wanted to do what my Pop or Dad did when I was younger and now that they are both gone…and I am much wiser, I am proud to honor their legacies by teaching people how to be salespeople.
2. With a new “smart” something coming out almost every day, what products amaze and astound you?
Google Photo can recognize faces and place and things in every photo. If I remember taking a photo with you in Nashville while drinking a beer, I can probably find that photo by searching “Alyssa,” or “Nasvhille beer”. Super cool, but also a little creepy.
Anthony Malafronte pictured with Sean Carpenter and his own personalized #CarpArt
3. What is something you’re really proud of and why?
My ability to remember people’s names and use them when we meet again, even if it has been years since our last interaction. I know how much it means to people when someone uses their name so I try really hard to use people’s names as much as possible.
4. Why do you believe having mentors is so important?
Mentors serve one of four roles: Teacher, Coach, Role Model, Leader. Getting help in all those areas helps make me a better father, husband, speaker, Realtor, friend, etc.
5. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read/seen this week?
Thomas Jefferson’s tomb only has 26 words on it. His Wikipedia page has over 15,000 words but his tombstone simply says “Here was buried Thomas Jefferson, Author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the Statute of Virginia for religious freedom & Father of the University of Virginia” (It didn’t even mention he was President of the United States!!!
6. What’s an average day look like for you?
Up at 5:15, gym, office by 7:15 am (usually first one there) to do my 4H Club, appointments or presentation prep in the afternoon, happy hour, dinner, reading or sports on TV, bed by 11 pm
7. How do you relax?
Craft beers, college sports, listening to music (Tom Petty, Grateful Dead, JJ Grey & Mofro, etc)
8. What made you decide to do the work you’re doing now?
That feeling you get when you know you made an impact on a student, audience member, attendee, or client and your ideas, information, or inspiration will help them become better.
9. What gets you fired up/energized?
The Florida Gators, the first tee time of the day, an audience that laughs when they’re supposed to laugh, and that moment after a speaking gig that I get through TSA on my flight home and can enjoy a cold beer.
10. What have you created that you’re most proud of?
Carp’s Corner. Really proud that I am approaching almost 1,000 blog posts. The consistency of my posts has definitely made me a better writer and now I have a career of content that will last beyond my days.
Even though this series is called 10 Questions, we couldn’t resist including Sean’s rules for life: “My philosophy seems like good rules for life – Build relationships, Solve problems and Having fun.” Get to know Sean better and we assure you - you’ll be better for it.