Success in real estate and mortgage brokering doesn’t come easy, and Corey Edwards knows this better than most. His story is not just about professional achievements but about overcoming significant personal challenges with grit and determination.
Starting Out and Facing Major Setbacks
Beginning his career in the late ’90s at Quicken Loans, Corey quickly moved from a loan officer assistant to one of their top bankers. However, life took a sharp turn at 17 when he was accidentally shot, leaving him paralyzed from the knees down. Doctors said he’d never walk again, but Corey had other ideas.
Growing up as an active teenager, deeply involved in sports and social activities, the sudden change in his physical abilities was a massive shock. He went from running around with friends to needing assistance for basic tasks. It was a dark period filled with doubt and frustration. But he didn’t let this setback define him.
Building Resilience
Recovery was as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Months spent in rehab, sharing a room with two quadriplegics, provided a profound perspective. Seeing their struggles, he decided to focus on what he could do, not what he couldn’t. Small steps turned into significant progress, with a routine that included intense physical therapy, often starting his day at 3:30 AM.
Gratitude played a crucial role in his recovery. While he had lost the use of his legs, he still had his arms and his mind. This shift in perspective helped him regain partial mobility, eventually walking with the aid of two canes.
The Mortgage Market Crash
By 2008, Corey was professionally thriving, but the mortgage crisis hit hard. He went through a divorce, lost his home, and had to file for bankruptcy. It was a challenging period, but giving up was not an option. Moving to Florida, he joined Keller Williams and started over. Through sheer hard work, he became one of their top agents.
This period tested his resilience like never before. The financial crash not only affected his career but also his personal life. Starting over in a new state, he faced the daunting task of rebuilding his life from scratch. Yet, he approached this challenge with the same determination he had shown in his recovery, leveraging his network, honing his skills, and gradually rebuilding his career.
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