Our journeys have been different, but the lessons we’ve learned along the way allow us to approach real estate with greater understanding, patience, and purpose in how we serve our clients.

 

Jimmy: When I moved to Columbia in 2007, I was starting over. I had been in recovery before, but a relapse knocked everything off track. My finances were wrecked, and I knew I needed to make a big change. A friend in recovery saw that and brought me to Columbia so I could get a fresh start.

 

I had success, stability, a strong career—but addiction doesn’t pick and choose. Before real estate, I spent 25 years managing a golf course in Charleston, starting out cleaning clubs and eventually running the entire operation. It was a great job for a long time, but the hours and burnout pushed me to look for something different. In 2000, I got into real estate because I wanted more freedom and control. I found early success, but addiction brought it all crumbling down.

 

When I moved to Columbia, I didn’t know anyone and was restarting my recovery journey. The market crash shortly after made it even more challenging. Listings dried up, foreclosures were everywhere, and deals were falling apart left and right. It was humbling, but I kept going. I learned that you don’t have control over everything, but you can put in the work and have faith that everything will work out how it is supposed to.

 

Rebuilding took time, discipline, and a commitment to showing up—even when it wasn’t easy. But over time, that effort paid off. I was able to rebuild the career I love, gain financial stability again, and commit fully to the 12-step program that helped change my life. 

 

I’m proud to be 18 years sober with a business that gives me the opportunity to serve others. Starting over taught me how far trust, patience, and the right support can take you. That’s why I’m passionate about helping clients who trust me to guide them in real estate.

 

Joseph: It hit me during a long holiday weekend in retail. I was exhausted, missing time with family, and felt like I was just spinning my wheels. After nearly seven years managing a furniture and appliance store, I knew I couldn’t keep going like that. I needed a change.

 

I’ve always liked helping people, which is what drew me to real estate. I got licensed shortly before our wedding, and the day after Sierra and I got back from our honeymoon, I walked into the office for my first day. She supported me completely, knowing how burnt out I’d been. That made all the difference.

 

A few months in, I met Jimmy. I was looking for a mentor, and our broker brought Jimmy and me together. He had decades of experience and was ready to step back from working with buyers, which made the timing right. From the start, he showed me how to stay consistent, build real relationships, and treat this like a business. What started as mentorship naturally became a partnership. My dad is also a big influence. He is one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever 

known. He taught me to stay consistent and that has been a huge help.

 I really enjoy working with clients because you get to be part of such a big moment in their lives. And our efforts were recognized as top 3 % of Coldwell Banker agents. It goes to show we’re on the right track, and there are so many great things ahead.

 

The switch from retail gave me something I didn’t have before: balance. I spend more time outside now—fishing, hunting, out on the lake—and Sierra and I are starting to plan for a family. Real estate keeps me on my toes, but that’s part of what I enjoy. No two days are the same!

 

We take a direct, personal approach to real estate. We communicate clearly, stay accessible, and handle every part of the process ourselves from beginning to end. Between the two of us, we bring years of experience, local market knowledge, and a commitment to building lasting relationships with our clients. Whether someone’s buying their first home or navigating a major life change, we are here to guide you, explain your options, and ensure you have everything you need to make informed decisions.

 

Our business is built on honesty, follow-through, and service. We let our faith guide us and put people first in everything we do. We’re also Dave Ramsey Trusted Agents, which means we represent our clients’ best interests and help them make smart, financially sound decisions for the long term. A lot of people come to us overwhelmed or unsure of what’s next. Our job is to make things clear, keep the process on track, and be a trusted resource long after the deal is done!

 

Sincerely,

 
 
 
                               

Jimmy Murray                                            Joseph Thomas