Each chapter of my life taught me valuable lessons that shaped who I am and how I serve others. 

 

At 20, I joined the military, marking the start of a 24-year career that took me all over the world and taught me far more than I could’ve imagined. My role was in metrology, which is the science of weights and measures. If something in the military needed to be tested or measured, we made sure the equipment used was accurate. I worked on everything from aircraft systems and missile guidance tools to hospital machines and flight line instrumentation.

 

The slightest inaccuracy could get someone hurt or cause a mission to fail. The job required precision, a deep understanding of scientific principles, electronics, and measurement systems, and the ability to work under pressure. Over time, I worked up to training others, managing teams, and leading the quality assurance department responsible for Air Force-level compliance. I got used to breaking things down, finding the root of a problem, and solving it step by step.

 

I spent 19 years stationed overseas, including Japan, Germany, Korea, and Afghanistan. Living in different cultures gave me a stronger appreciation for the many ways people think, live, and work. I became more comfortable around a wide range of personalities and perspectives, and more curious about what shapes people’s thinking.

 

After retiring, I got married to my wife, Megumi. We met while I was stationed in Japan. She’s been an incredible partner in this next phase of life out of the military. We have two children: Rei, who’s sixteen, and Samuel, who’s just over a year old. After I retired, I spent a couple of years traveling the country, visiting old friends, and reconnecting with people from different points in my life. That time gave me space to think about what I wanted to do next—and how I wanted to grow.

One thing I knew I needed to work on was communication. When I’m learning or trying to understand something, I ask a lot of questions. But in the military, that can come across the wrong way. People often feel this as critical or challenging, even when it isn't. After retiring, I realized I needed to change how I communicated if I wanted to build stronger connections. I started learning how to be more intentional. I became more focused on who I was talking to and where they were coming from. That shift helped me communicate more clearly and connect more meaningfully.

 

With new skills, I realized I wanted to work in a field where communication and connection were central. That led me to real estate. I don’t need a deal to provide for my family. I do this because I genuinely enjoy helping people. I’m not here to push sales. I’m here to guide people through unfamiliar, often emotional decisions and make sure they feel heard, supported, and taken care of. It really has turned into a passion serving people through such a pivotal process in their lives.

 

The attention to detail I developed in the military has also translated to real estate, where I analyze data and trends, review contracts, and spot things others might miss. My clients know I’m not guessing. Every recommendation I make is backed by research and first-hand experience.

 

Real estate has challenged me in new ways and given me a chance to work with people, educate them, and help make complex situations more manageable. I’m driven to do things the right way, treat people well, and always continue to learn and grow.

 

Outside of work, I enjoy family time, reading educational books, woodworking, doing projects around the house, playing guitar and piano with my son.

 

One of the first things I noticed when I got into real estate was how many moving parts there are and how quickly you can start to feel overwhelmed. Whether it’s reviewing contracts, scheduling inspections, or just figuring out the right questions to ask, it’s a lot to manage, especially when emotions are involved. That’s where I come in. I slow things down, walk you through each piece, and make sure you fully understand what’s happening and why. We go over the details together, weigh the pros and cons, and make sure every decision lines up with your goals. Sometimes that means advising you not to move forward if something doesn’t look right. My focus is always on what’s in your best interest, and I’m fortunate to be in a position where that’s never compromised.

 

Building real, lasting trust with my clients matters to me. I want you to feel confident not just during the transaction, but long after. If you ever need a contractor, have questions about your home, or want to talk through your next steps, I’ll be there. I aim to be a long-term resource—someone you can count on whenever something comes up!

 

With gratitude,

Justin Smith