Conversations with Colin Stok

Today we’d like to introduce you to Colin Stok. 

Hi Colin, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As I was going to school for accounting, I was doing the books for my aunt and uncle who owned a drywall company and bar at the time. I remember staring at the computer screen every day and though, “I can’t sit here and look at this computer screen all day” 

I had a friend that was in new construction sales and said they loved their job and what they did. So, I decided to go to the RE/MAX Alliance office right down the street from my house and see if anyone was hiring for an assistant. I thought that would be the best way to get my foot in the door and learn the business. 

The receptionist was very helpful and told me to make a flier to put in all of the agent mailboxes to see if anyone was hiring. I ran home and made up my flier and went to Office Depot to get copies made. I stuffed all the agent mailboxes and received a call from an agent that afternoon! 

I ended up working with that agent as her transaction coordinator while I got my license and learned the business by seeing all of the transactions come through my desk. It was a very valuable experience and I appreciate every moment of it. 

I started feeling like I didn’t want to push paper anymore and be on my own completely, even if it was terrifying! I made the leap and it was great, no regrets. I couldn’t imagine being in a different career. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
With any industry, there are challenges you face. Whether that be with your colleagues, clients, or personal issues that get in the way. I find that every experience is an opportunity to grow and become better, however. 

I think the biggest challenge I have face, and still face, is being very sensitive. It’s hard when a client or agent is yelling at you and ruins your day. I feel like I especially take those moments very personally, even though they really have nothing to do with me and everything to do with what is going on in that person’s life at the moment. Over the years I have grown a thicker skin, even though sometimes it gets to me still. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a full-time agent and I would have to say my specialty is first-time home buyers. I LOVE when I am showing first-time home buyers’ properties and their eyes light up when they find “the one” it reminds me every time why I love this business and what I do it for. 

I also specialize in first-time home sellers. It can be very overwhelming and uncharted territory to sell your first home. I love all of the questions they ask. Ultimately my goal for any transaction is to not make it as scary as they once thought. 

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I am a total goofball! I have very different work and personal personalities. Typically, my work personality is very serious and fact-driven, while my personal personality is very silly and doesn’t take much seriously. It’s funny to see people react to my different personalities when they haven’t seen the other side. 

When I work with family and friends they are astonished at how professional and detailed I am, People who have initially met me in a business setting and see me in a social setting are pleasantly surprised at how fun and outgoing I am. 

Contact Info:

• Email: colin@colinstok.com
• Website: www.ColinStok.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/ColinStokRealEstate
• Facebook: Facebook.com/ColinStokRealtor