Today we’d like to introduce you to Darnell Gardener.
Darnell is a quintessential businessman, who has transformed his passion for helping people into a lucrative and fulfilling life and business model. Born into a military family, his life experiences in both domestic and international locations molded him into the well-rounded and cultured man that he is today. He attended Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, PA, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Communications. This specific college tract prepared him for successful matriculation into the world of real estate sales and brokering.
Darnell arrived at his profession in real estate in the early 2000s, after approaching a woman who was exiting her car, while on his lunch break. He introduced himself before escorting the woman to her office, which was located in the same building as him. During their brief encounter, he discovered that the woman was a mortgage broker who owned her own company. He was so inspired by their conversation that the following day he searched for mortgage schools in which to enroll.
In 2004, he became a licensed real estate professional in Florida. A few years later, he earned his broker’s license and opened Baseline Realty & Mortgage in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Here, Darnell sold more than $20 million worth of property and mortgages in his first year of business. He transitioned to a branch owner position with Sunteck Business Brokerage in West Palm Beach in 2013. At Sunteck, he received the Million Dollar Club Award for two consecutive years. Darnell also opened 1st Source LLC in 2013. Under this brand, he expanded his business into Georgia and Jamaica.
Darnell is a member of Commercial Alliance, the Global Business Alliance Committee and is a candidate to become a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). This membership is extended to elite commercial professionals with backgrounds in brokerage, banking, property management, law and accounting.
Even with his accolades as a licensed real estate broker in Florida and specialized expertise in commercial properties, he is most passionate about helping individuals succeed. He openly shares his resources, knowledge and wisdom with his network and future generations in person and via his online broadcast called Ask Darnell 1st. Darnell believes that educating young people about real estate and ownership is fundamentally necessary in personal and professional development.
Ultimately, he endeavors to be a role model for his children and other young people who look up to him. He believes that the most significant way to empower future generations is by passing on the tools and resources that he has gleaned throughout his life. Darnell hopes that his attributes as an energized, passionate, hardworking and resourceful black professional will become his legacy.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The business of real estate is learned in the field. What books, courses and licensing don’t teach is the professionalism required to create a lasting and trustworthy brand. As a minority business owner competing with larger brokerages and nationally known real estate brands, I face challenges on a daily basis. I find that I have to work harder in order to acquire the clout and business that is more easily acquired by bigger brands. Therefore, my real estate knowledge and expertise can sometimes be overlooked because I am not under the umbrella of a well-known company name.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a real estate professional. I am passionate, personable and resourceful. I pride myself on thinking outside the box and finding solutions in order to get real estate transactions done for my clients. What sets me apart in the industry is being accessible and understanding the importance of the wants and needs of my clients. I really take the time to listen to the desires of my clients, then make it my mission to deliver.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in a military family and environment. So my home life was very structured. As the middle child in my family, I was very adventurous and took on challenges easily. I loved being around other kids, and was the child who would round up all the neighborhood children to come outside, ride bikes, play games and hangout. I rarely got into physical altercations because I was the problem solver in my group. Some of my favorite pastimes were watching cartoons, socializing and being artistically creative with my hands.
Contact Info:
- Address: West Palm Beach, FL, Atlanta, GA and New Kingston, Jamaica
- Website: www.darnellgardener.com
- Phone: 800-875-7447
- Email: dgardener@1stsp.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/darnellgardener
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/AskDarnell
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/AskDarnell1st
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/1st-source-properties-west-palm-beach
- Other: http://darnellgardener.com/the-realestate-insider/
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
