By Rick Mauch
Candy’s Dirt Contributor
David Allen spent more than a decade making his fellow Americans feel safe through his military service. Now, he’s working to put people into homes where they can feel safe and comfortable.
Allen flew the F/A-18 Super Hornet, had two carrier deployments onboard the USS Enterprise and USS Teddy Roosevelt, and worked as a liaison for the national security team that is charged with defending the nation’s capital.
In 2019, his military career ended, he relocated to Fort Worth, and a new career was in order — running a multi-million-dollar weapons business.
But he had a passion for real estate. He moved a lot, traveled much overseas and developed an understanding for different architectural styles.
So, in February he entered the business and is a Realtor at The Ashton Agency in Fort Worth. Success quickly followed as he received the 360 West award for Top Realtor and Top Producer in Fort Worth.
Has your experience in the military helped you in the real estate business?
In the cockpit, you never experience the same flight twice. You have to learn to adapt to the situation, think, and make a decision. Learn from your mistakes and don’t make the same one twice. I’ve found real estate is strikingly similar. Each new deal brings opportunity to learn, and growth brings confidence.
Why did you ultimately decide to enter real estate?
When I was still in the Navy, I always wanted to buy and flip houses. After I bought my first house living in Washington, DC, I was hooked on the real estate game. Watching properties transform can be truly amazing and inspiring. But now that I’m in it, I truly enjoy the aspect of the hunt, searching for that perfect property or piece of land that I know someone is looking for.
What is your favorite part of the business?
Seeing a traditional or new build that someone was willing to reach out and take a chance on that turned into a masterpiece. Exploring. Finding projects, developments, or land that might yield a favorable return for a client. Building wealth or finding a home for a family to grow up in.
What do you find is the biggest challenge? The biggest reward?
Real estate is a business, and it’s nothing personal. I wake up every morning in my search for growth to figure out what I’m missing and how I can better myself. But just because we are friends, doesn’t mean I’m entitled to your business.
The biggest rewards are client success stories. Real estate’s not about the agent. We may help, guide, and carry the deal over the finish line, but the emotions, the smiles, the gratitude, the laughter and camaraderie along the way is what makes this life rewarding.
Any additional thoughts/comments?
I’ve had a very long, different, and interesting path to get to where I am today. It took me 16 years and going around the world to figure out what I truly enjoy.
If you know of an agent for us to profile, email Rick Mauch or [email protected]
