November 26, 2025 • 28 mins
We dive into Carol Tam’s 30-year journey from questioning closing costs to building a boutique commercial brokerage that blends CCIM rigor with real-world warmth. Strategy, grit, and clear boundaries shape her approach to investing, planning, and leading with integrity.
• curiosity about fees leading to broker and CCIM expertise
• investment-first thinking on timing, capital, and holding period
• redefining success through kindness, service, and integrity
• boutique model tailored to client goals and budgets
• economic development links between Texas and Asia
• structure through early business planning and checklists
• lessons from 2019 on forgiveness, gratitude, and mindset
• boundaries as a tool for focus and sustainable leadership
• actionable framework for a 2026 vision and big rocks
Find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or type in google www.tacbrokerage.com. I actually have 2026, I have two big events coming up. The first one is Taiwan Trade Mission.
Website URL
www.tacbrokerage.com
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_00 (00:18):
Where we share the tips, tools, and strategies to
help your business besuccessful.
Today we have a very specialguest, Miss Carol Tam.
She is the owner of TACBrokerage and Consulting with
over 30 years of experience inreal estate, commercial real
estate.
She is a wonderful, wonderfulsource to talk with about your
(00:39):
goals and your struggle and yourtrials and errors as a business
owner.
Welcome, Carol.
Thank you for joining us.
Thanks for having me today,Story.
So I met you at a wonderful,very private event.
Can you tell our audience moreabout what exactly you do in
commercial real estate and whatled you to want to be in this
position you're in today?
SPEAKER_01 (00:59):
Thank you.
Love that question.
Yes, I started in 1994.
Um I think growing up, I alwayswant to have my own business.
I think started from theelementary school, I was selling
those little um uh bookmarks.
Do you remember those bookmarks?
Yes, my daughter still usesthose, yes.
Yes, so it's always in my bloodwanted to be an entrepreneur,
(01:21):
want to be a lady boss.
I got into real estate because Iwas um working for a development
company in downtown Los Angeles,and I was working so fast I
finished in two hours.
What do I do with the rest ofthe time?
I study.
So I study real estate brokerlicense.
I didn't just want to get a asales license, I want to get a
(01:42):
broker license, like open my ownshop someday.
SPEAKER_00 (01:45):
Okay, okay.
So you knew what you wanted fromthe very beginning.
SPEAKER_01 (01:48):
I do.
SPEAKER_00 (01:49):
Okay, great.
And so how has that journey beensince your inception of it all
when you started school for yourbrokerage license?
SPEAKER_01 (01:56):
I'm glad you asked that question because like any
journey, you will have ups anddowns.
Yes, right?
But for every setback, there's acomeback.
So you never stay where you'reat and never feel defeated.
Um the message you f I can passto our young entrepreneur out
(02:17):
there is that you never give up.
You know what you want and youwill finish it no matter what.
SPEAKER_00 (02:25):
I love that.
So as long as you never give up,you you truly feel that if you
keep moving forward, right?
SPEAKER_01 (02:30):
Yes, ma'am.
SPEAKER_00 (02:31):
I think a lot of entrepreneurs can empathize with
that.
Either you keep moving forwardor you fall behind, would you
agree?
Yes.
Yeah, definitely.
So you've mentioned seeing thereasons why you wanted to get
into this specific area.
You you mentioned seeing some,you know, things that you really
didn't like in normal realestate and brokerage.
(02:52):
Can you tell us more about thatand how you're different from
the rest?
SPEAKER_01 (02:56):
Yes.
So story, uh when I firstpurchased our house, um, my
husband and I marry, my husbandand I marry in um 1990.
We purchased our first house.
And when I look at the closingstatement, it's like
documentation fee, messengerfee, points.
Oh, there's like so many garbagefees, so we call.
(03:19):
Delivery fee, printing fee, youknow.
So I wanted to understand who istaking all those money on the
closing statement.
Right.
Are they necessary?
As you know, at the closingcalls, you have title, escrow,
property tax, HOA fee.
It it just goes on and on, andthere's so many fees.
SPEAKER_00 (03:39):
Right.
SPEAKER_01 (03:40):
And coming from um that uh uh drive of uh curiosity
why and who is taking all thismoney.
And I realized, Carol, the wayto get in to be what you're
really good at is to get yourlicense and study it and know
(04:01):
how to read those contracts,know how to read those
disclosures, so you know whereall those money going.
Because if you don't know whereyour money is going, somebody
else will help you spend yourmoney.
SPEAKER_00 (04:15):
That is a true statement, whether you know it
or not, whether you want to beblind to it or not, right?
Wow, that's that's almost scary.
So in in researching all of thisinformation, what did you find?
How how did you decide to takeon your brokerage license with
that in mind?
SPEAKER_01 (04:31):
The brokerage license helped me not only to
open my own shop, but have thatin-depth of understanding of
real estate.
Uh-huh.
Not just about buying your houseor where do I put my big TV?
You know.
It's about investment.
Investment is so important.
Investment coming fromstrategies, timing, location,
(04:55):
the holding period, and how doyou um leverage an interest rate
with the turn of the um turn ofthe loan, all that is so so much
involved.
SPEAKER_00 (05:09):
Absolutely.
And you're managing commercialreal estate brokerage as well.
Yes.
And that's got a whole have awhole slew of other parameters,
right?
That's right.
That's right.
So through your career, youreally kind of refined your
approach, would you say?
Yes.
And so you've earned a lot ofawards through your your
decades, and it's amazing.
(05:30):
Can you tell us a little bitmore about the awards you've won
and and how these certificationselevated your business and
clients?
SPEAKER_01 (05:37):
Um, I think the most difficult certification was um
the CCIM, Certified CommercialInvestment Member.
And I started in 2005 and Ireceived my um uh in 2008.
Woo! It's like 20 years ago,right?
So it took me two and a halfyears.
(05:59):
So story, the the background isI'm a ESL, you probably can
tell.
Yeah.
English as a second language.
And once I decided to uh pursueCCIM, certified commercial
investment member, thatdesignation, there's no turning
back.
So I want to show you thispencil actually say jingri shu
(06:21):
jing ripi.
This is one of my principles inlife, means today's work, finish
today.
SPEAKER_00 (06:27):
Oh, I love that.
SPEAKER_01 (06:30):
Whatever you have to finish today, finish by the end
of the day.
Wow.
You don't procrastinate and youdon't do it tomorrow, do it next
week.
Yeah.
It's one of the successfulprinciples.
So I give this pencil to you.
SPEAKER_00 (06:44):
Oh, thank you.
Thank you so much.
I'm honored.
I really, really appreciatethat.
Thank you.
Would you say that this yourcore values and your principles
are what really gained yoursuccess in your career?
SPEAKER_01 (06:58):
Or yeah, story, um, many principles that lead us to
success.
And I don't really humbly I belI don't believe I'm success.
I I am successful um in the areathat I'm uh a wife.
Married 33 years.
Congratulations, that's hard.
Thank you.
Not the same guy for 37 years.
(07:20):
And uh I have two beautifulchildren.
My daughter's 28.
She's a licensed psychiatricnurse.
Wow.
Mental health, yes.
Incredible.
And my son is 24 years old, andhe's still looking, pursuing his
dream.
So um, for as far as me, I don'treally want to value my sus by
(07:46):
how much money.
Like the world judges how muchmoney you make last year, Carol,
how many transactions you close,how many agents you were.
No, that's the world looking atas success.
What kind of car do you drive?
I really think our successshould be: are you kind today?
Did you help somebody today?
(08:07):
Do you live in um abundance?
Or do you live in um complainingand lack?
And I'm a victim.
That's that's powerful.
It is very powerful.
Does that make sense?
SPEAKER_00 (08:20):
And what a legacy you've left for your children
for them to be able to see yougrow as an entrepreneur, as a
female, as a mother.
Those are huge, huge things tohave your children see and and
know that they can become.
Yes.
Right?
So at the end of the day, you'resuccessful in being a mom and a
wife.
SPEAKER_01 (08:38):
Thank you.
SPEAKER_00 (08:38):
And that's such a humble way of looking at it
because you don't stay in thisbusiness for 30 years if you're
not great at it, in my opinion.
Thank you.
Thank you.
So tell us about the actualbusiness name.
What what urged you to createTAC brokerage and consulting?
And what makes your boutiqueapproach so much more appealing
(09:01):
to your your audience and yourclients?
Great question.
SPEAKER_01 (09:05):
So TAC actually stems for Texas and California.
I am a licensed broker in thestate of uh California since
1994.
SPEAKER_02 (09:15):
Wow.
SPEAKER_01 (09:15):
So 12 years ago, our family moved to Dallas, Texas.
And uh the professor said,forget what you learn.
You're in the great country ofTexas now.
So I pursue and uh receive myTexas real estate broker.
So it's stay um both state.
I have license in both state.
(09:36):
And I always want to do aboutique shop because uh you can
tailor what the client wants.
So you're not justthree-bedroom, two-bath,
four-bedroom, three-bath.
No.
It's about what clients want.
What's their long-term goal,what's their short term, is it
for themselves, or it's it'stheir legacy, is a lease or a
purchase, is a shopping centeror industrial warehouses.
(10:01):
Every aspect is different.
And we can get into it, how topre-qualify client, how to cater
to that.
It's like you go into um um adress shop and they will
actually actually measure youand knowing that, oh Carol, a
little bit too much here, youknow, they'll loosen up and
(10:22):
they'll show your legs, Carol,you know, because that's your
asset.
They will actually do that foryou.
So you look great no matterwhere you are, and you're still
comfortable.
You're good at sitting down.
If you have to run with yourhigh heel, catching the train,
you know, or you're in a foreigncountry, you have to, you know,
um, hop on a taxi and woober andwear your backpack with computer
(10:44):
in there, you're still able tomove and you still beautifully
present.
So that's my my boutique shop,is it's really catered to
individual clients.
They come in, I actually askthem questions.
All these timing, location, isit for you or for someone else?
And how long is your holdingperiod?
(11:04):
Well, the most important thingis what's your budget?
Everybody have to have budget,right?
SPEAKER_00 (11:09):
Absolutely.
I mean, if you don't know yourbudget, you can't help anyone,
right?
No matter what industry you'rein.
Yes.
So you have these qualifyingquestions, and I'm sure you have
a customer journey process weall follow.
So, um, which is wonderful.
And by the way, can I point outthe shoes are very stylish and
very versatile?
Thank you.
She has these wonderful shoeson, guys.
(11:30):
You'll have to call her aboutit.
Thank you.
So you work in economicdevelopment as well, not just
getting to know these peoplepersonally.
So how does this partnershipcome about?
How do they support yourclients?
The the development to bridgethe gap between buyers and
sellers?
I love that question.
SPEAKER_01 (11:48):
This is something I just started three years ago
because I was uh a guest speakerum at the Taipei International
Convention Center.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Um December 15, 2023.
And it's uh um by divine power,how you say it.
I just raised my hand and say, Iwill do it, I'll show up, I will
(12:11):
delay my flight, I willrepresent Texas.
So I did.
I went on the stage, I did mybada beam bada boom in both
English and Mandarin Chinese.
I think.
Wow.
In front of the audience.
SPEAKER_00 (12:23):
Incredible.
SPEAKER_01 (12:24):
Yeah, so it's another secret for success.
You have to be willing and youhave to be ready.
Because when the opportunityopens, you have to raise your
hand, say, I will do it.
And everybody looks at you, say,look at me.
Who do you think you are?
You're not from government,you're no no no no.
I say, I speak both language,I'm from Texas, I know what to
(12:46):
say.
You just give me the PowerPoint,I can say English, I can say in
Chinese.
SPEAKER_00 (12:51):
Wow.
So do you feel like that was a agoal for you to to be seen as a
thought leader and speak infront of all these other
professionals or entrepreneursthat are in the same space?
SPEAKER_01 (13:01):
I think my uh long-term vision is to impact
people's life.
Whoever's listening, and I'mable to spark and inspire them.
Never think that you're not goodenough.
You don't have the time, youdon't have the money, you don't
have the right look.
SPEAKER_00 (13:20):
Right.
Right.
Yeah, at the end of the day, doyou think um being a female
entrepreneur led you down adifferent path than other
entrepreneurs that do what youdo?
SPEAKER_01 (13:32):
I think so.
Um I'm glad you brought that up.
I brought um thank you card thatI received anonymously.
Isn't that interesting?
May I read this?
Absolutely, go ahead.
This was probably three, fouryears ago.
I received this card and said,Hi, Carol.
I hope your week is going well.
Thank you for your commitmentand authenticity.
(13:54):
I came across your profile onthe CCIM site.
Your uh passion and interest incommercial real estate
development encouraged me.
Today, that field is dominatedby white males.
Starting this adventure in 1994took courage.
(14:16):
Thank you for starting andpersisting.
And she signed Yolanda Columbus.
SPEAKER_00 (14:22):
Wow, that is an incredible letter.
SPEAKER_01 (14:25):
And I was I I don't know her.
There's no return address.
How do I contact her and saythank you?
No, she wants to remainanonymous.
And I kept this card to remindme, Carol, you don't think
people are watching andlistening?
Yes, they do.
They're watching and listening.
SPEAKER_00 (14:43):
Wow.
SPEAKER_01 (14:44):
So even with this podcast, I drove all the way
here to see you because I feelthe connection with you.
I feel like my story willinspire someone else.
SPEAKER_00 (14:54):
Yes.
SPEAKER_01 (14:55):
And through your procrastination, there's other
people are listening.
They might not be here inDallas, Texas.
They may be somewhere else.
Absolutely.
And that inspire them, encouragethem, never give up.
SPEAKER_00 (15:10):
And you're a speaking reference to that,
right?
You are successful in your ownway, but you're successful in
your own mind and what you'vedone.
And obviously, it goes to saythat people are seeing that.
So you think authenticity issomething that anyone in this
industry should really have, ordo you think that's what
separates you from the rest?
SPEAKER_01 (15:30):
That's a good question.
It could be both.
And authenticity mean what yousee is what you get.
There's no fake about nothingfake about it.
No bait and switch, right?
Right, right.
And there's um um in ourcommercial real estate or in and
any industry, honesty,integrities are so important.
SPEAKER_00 (15:53):
Having those core values.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_01 (15:55):
Because you're touching people's lives and
touching their money.
SPEAKER_00 (15:58):
In anything you do, right?
Right.
In any industry.
So many entrepreneurs who are uhventuring out into your space
struggle with structure.
Okay.
I know I have in my career andhad to refine it.
Can you walk us through how youcreate steps and timelines to
stay aligned with your goals?
How do you create that structurestructure within yourself in
(16:19):
such a big space?
SPEAKER_01 (16:21):
Oh, you're so good at asking this question.
Um, I guess it's in mypersonality.
I get things done, like thepencil I just give you.
I make a list, check list thingsI have to accomplish this week,
things I like to accomplishtoday.
And um, even with uh 2026business plan, I started last
(16:44):
month.
People look at me like you stillhave plenty of times, you know.
My business plan and the agendaand important dates start
October of previous year.
So I wanna be, yeah, I wanna beahead of uh everybody's
schedule.
You don't wait until December totalk about your plans and vision
(17:05):
in 2026.
SPEAKER_00 (17:07):
Absolutely.
If you're waiting that long,then you probably need to
restructure, right?
SPEAKER_01 (17:12):
So accountability is important, get back to what
you're saying.
Structure is what you put onyourself.
You make yourself accountableaccountable.
And you could break it down tomonthly or quarterly, you can
break it down with budget,however you want.
But the most important thing,you have to be comfortable.
And you have to follow throughbecause no one's gonna hold you
(17:35):
by a hand and say, let's goacross the street together.
You get this.
You gotta hold yourselfaccountable.
And if you don't, who are yougonna blame?
Nobody.
SPEAKER_00 (17:46):
At the end of the day, right?
Uh that that's an incredibleadvice because sometimes you
forget that you're the one toblame for where you are in life,
right?
You can't blame it on anyoneelse but yourself.
And with all of your success,I'm sure you're the one to speak
on those things.
So you've openly shared thatyou've had tough lessons.
SPEAKER_01 (18:08):
Yes.
SPEAKER_00 (18:09):
Can you tell us a little bit more about that
specifically in 2019?
Um and tell us kind of whathappened and how you overcame
that.
SPEAKER_01 (18:17):
Um it was a story that um victim story that I
couldn't get out of it forprobably three, four years until
I signed up for Brave ThinkingInstitute.
Um the mentor, uh, MaryMorrissey taught us all those
steps.
One of the important things isgratitude every day.
(18:40):
And number two is forgiveness.
It was very difficult difficultfor give the business uh
partners who betray me, lie tome, wasted my time.
And these are Christian brothersister, we pray together every
meal, we pray before ourmeetings.
So, how did I overcome?
(19:02):
It takes courage to forgive themone by one.
And it takes time to learn tosee the gratitude every single
day.
And that gratitude will overcomeall the negative um uh you know,
(19:24):
story.
I have people tell them um tellme that oh, you know, um nobody
wanna hire me, nobody I'm notgood enough.
Uh blah blah blah.
It's like you know, you canovercome that while you still
have you have sunshine today,you have good health, you have
legs, you have hands, you'rephysically capable, you could do
(19:46):
more, you could be more.
What is that you want?
Instead of falling into thatrabbit hole, I'm not good
enough, uh, nobody's gonna hireme.
I'm so sad, I'm a victim, bossis yelling at me, blah, blah,
blah.
And you said four years of this.
Yeah, I wouldn't do it all thatbecause I was in the a victim
line.
(20:06):
I mean, there's audience outthere probably suffered more
than four years.
SPEAKER_00 (20:10):
Yeah, yeah, and you mentioned that leaders cannot be
people pleasers at the end ofthe day, right?
SPEAKER_01 (20:16):
Right, right.
SPEAKER_00 (20:17):
And so would you say that that's something you
learned from that?
SPEAKER_01 (20:21):
I learned, I learned um nowadays, um, I have to learn
to set boundaries, which is veryimportant.
And you and I we're mother andwe're helping people, we see the
need in um people, right?
And we give and give and give.
And when do we know that, okay,this is not good for me, it's
(20:41):
taking too much of my time.
And that kind of tone of voiceshould not be acceptable,
acceptable.
How can they talk to us this wayto set the boundary?
And I learned this year, I'm soproud of myself.
I learned to set boundary.
I actually learned to setboundary regardless of what they
say.
They're gonna judge you, they'regonna judge us.
(21:02):
So, oh that's Carol's so bossy.
Who do you who does she thinkshe is?
But that's how we protectourselves, protect our time,
protect our value, and spendtime with the people who
actually appreciate us.
SPEAKER_00 (21:14):
I love that you mentioned that after three
decades of being in theindustry, because it it goes to
the point that no matter whatentrepreneurial art, no matter
what industry, you are alwayslearning.
If you're not learning, evenafter 30 years, then you're
going to fall behind, in myopinion.
Would you say that that that'skind of where you are in life is
(21:35):
you're continuing to learn andgrow even though you've had
success in your industry.
Yes.
SPEAKER_01 (21:41):
It's like um cha cha or salsa.
Two step forward, one step back.
If you're not making thetwo-step forward, you're one
step back.
So keep moving forward.
SPEAKER_00 (21:53):
You so many little quotes I want to take from you
today.
I know we don't have a lot oftime, but I will have you back
on the show.
I want to ask you a couple finalquestions that I know um our
listeners are are wanting toknow.
So what at the end of the day,when you look back on your
journey, what's one decision orprinciple from your early days
(22:16):
that still guide you today?
SPEAKER_01 (22:18):
Oh, that's such a good question.
Yeah, you're very good.
SPEAKER_00 (22:22):
Thank you.
It's something I wanted to knowabout you.
So I assume everyone else wantsto know.
Something something that youlooking back on your journey,
what's one decision or principlefrom your earlier days in your
career that still stands withyou and guides you today?
SPEAKER_01 (22:43):
Yeah, I I was um, I have a weight of uh making
things more complicated in mybrain.
So there's no one thing.
There's probably, I'll give youthree.
Three principles.
Number one is never give up.
We talk about that.
Yes.
Number two is the grid.
G-R-I-T.
(23:04):
Number three, resilient.
You bounce back.
No matter the success or thefailure, you bounce.
Most of the time is our failure.
And remember, failures are justfeedback.
SPEAKER_00 (23:18):
Lessons, right?
Yeah.
Something to learn from, is howI frame it to my kids.
SPEAKER_01 (23:22):
It doesn't mean that you're a loser.
It's just a feedback.
Okay, then we're it this way.
It's fine another way.
So never give up.
You have to have the grit,G-R-I-T, and resilience.
SPEAKER_00 (23:34):
Oh, I love it.
Those those are great, at leastfor young entrepreneurs who are
just starting out, to reallyremember if you've carried that
from all those years ago, right?
I think so.
That was wonderful.
So, what's one piece ofactionable advice you want our
listeners to take away with themtoday, other than those those
three things you just mentioned,to move that would help them
(23:56):
move closer to their goals?
SPEAKER_01 (23:58):
So once you set your goals and vision in 2026, you
break it down, the action plan.
Okay, what are the steps?
Then you from that action plan,that that's the blueprint,
that's the 2026 blueprint.
You might not know every littledetail, but you have the big
rock first.
(24:19):
Under that big rock, can youstart writing the action steps?
You will know as anentrepreneur.
You know what light you up, whatmakes you happy.
Then you write it down.
Those are your the lights.
The guiding for your 2026.
The worst is don't know whereyou're going.
Like you drive in the car, youput the designation, address in
(24:43):
the GPA, and GPA take you.
The worst is you sit in the car,you're going around and around,
you don't know where you'regoing.
You're wasting time.
Right.
So how everybody wanna be theirown business, uh, have your own
business and be your own boss.
You don't know that it's themost difficult, most challenge
in the career.
(25:03):
Because nobody's gonna push you.
You don't clock, clock in, youdon't clock out.
There are days in the morningyou don't want to get up, but
you still have to do it.
And that's where grit comesfrom.
That's what um resilience comingfrom.
And not giving up because thisis your life.
This is your life.
What do you want your life tobe?
(25:25):
What make you happy?
Find those.
Find those gold knockets, findthose what make you happy, light
you up every morning.
You want to get up, let's go,let's go.
If nothing makes you want to getup in the morning, that's not
fit for you.
Find something that your heartopened up and just so happy and
(25:45):
grateful.
Every morning, get up.
And do that and write on yourbusiness plan and start taking
those actions daily, weekly,monthly.
And before you know it, you havea what?
A masterpiece, right?
SPEAKER_00 (26:00):
That that you are proud of at the end of the day.
Right.
Cause I love the way you framethat.
You really need to highlight thebullet points throughout the
year of goals that make youhappy, not goals you need to get
done and dread at the end of theday.
That's something to reallyremember, no matter what stage
of ownership you're in.
So thank you for that.
(26:22):
So, um, how can anyone find youto ask you more about all of the
different things you do frominternational to real estate
here in Los Angeles?
How can they find you?
Websites, social?
SPEAKER_01 (26:34):
Sure.
So um Instagram, Facebook, andum LinkedIn, and the fastest
probably uh just type in googletechbrokerage.com.
I actually have um 2026, I havetwo big events coming up.
The first one is Taiwan TradeMission.
So my vision is to bring atleast two EDC directors to
(26:57):
Taiwan to visit the CEOs, themanufacturers there and talk to
them, build that relationship.
So in September, when they cometo Texas, we're able to welcome
them and show them our Texashospitality and say, you have
us, we're helping you to expandyour horizon, to open your uh
(27:21):
manufacturer or industrial oryour satellite office right here
in Dallas, Texas.
SPEAKER_00 (27:27):
Wow, that's incredible.
That's an incredible goal tohave.
SPEAKER_01 (27:30):
It's fun.
SPEAKER_00 (27:30):
And you're so great at it.
You're really bridging that gapinternationally and and just
trying to help any and everyonethat's trying to help
themselves, it feels like, atthe end of the day.
Yes.
Thank you for everything you do,Carol.
Thanks for having me today.
I really appreciate you andeverything you do.
I appreciate you.
And to all of our listeners outthere, keep learning, keep
listening, and keep marketingwith Atma.
(27:52):
We'll see you next time.
SPEAKER_02 (27:54):
Bye.
Where we share the tips, tools, and strategies to
help your business besuccessful.
Today we have a very specialguest, Miss Carol Tam.
She is the owner of TACBrokerage and Consulting with
over 30 years of experience inreal estate, commercial real
estate.
She is a wonderful, wonderfulsource to talk with about your
(00:39):
goals and your struggle and yourtrials and errors as a business
owner.
Welcome, Carol.
Thank you for joining us.
Thanks for having me today,Story.
So I met you at a wonderful,very private event.
Can you tell our audience moreabout what exactly you do in
commercial real estate and whatled you to want to be in this
position you're in today?
SPEAKER_01 (00:59):
Thank you.
Love that question.
Yes, I started in 1994.
Um I think growing up, I alwayswant to have my own business.
I think started from theelementary school, I was selling
those little um uh bookmarks.
Do you remember those bookmarks?
Yes, my daughter still usesthose, yes.
Yes, so it's always in my bloodwanted to be an entrepreneur,
(01:21):
want to be a lady boss.
I got into real estate because Iwas um working for a development
company in downtown Los Angeles,and I was working so fast I
finished in two hours.
What do I do with the rest ofthe time?
I study.
So I study real estate brokerlicense.
I didn't just want to get a asales license, I want to get a
(01:42):
broker license, like open my ownshop someday.
SPEAKER_00 (01:45):
Okay, okay.
So you knew what you wanted fromthe very beginning.
SPEAKER_01 (01:48):
I do.
SPEAKER_00 (01:49):
Okay, great.
And so how has that journey beensince your inception of it all
when you started school for yourbrokerage license?
SPEAKER_01 (01:56):
I'm glad you asked that question because like any
journey, you will have ups anddowns.
Yes, right?
But for every setback, there's acomeback.
So you never stay where you'reat and never feel defeated.
Um the message you f I can passto our young entrepreneur out
(02:17):
there is that you never give up.
You know what you want and youwill finish it no matter what.
SPEAKER_00 (02:25):
I love that.
So as long as you never give up,you you truly feel that if you
keep moving forward, right?
SPEAKER_01 (02:30):
Yes, ma'am.
SPEAKER_00 (02:31):
I think a lot of entrepreneurs can empathize with
that.
Either you keep moving forwardor you fall behind, would you
agree?
Yes.
Yeah, definitely.
So you've mentioned seeing thereasons why you wanted to get
into this specific area.
You you mentioned seeing some,you know, things that you really
didn't like in normal realestate and brokerage.
(02:52):
Can you tell us more about thatand how you're different from
the rest?
SPEAKER_01 (02:56):
Yes.
So story, uh when I firstpurchased our house, um, my
husband and I marry, my husbandand I marry in um 1990.
We purchased our first house.
And when I look at the closingstatement, it's like
documentation fee, messengerfee, points.
Oh, there's like so many garbagefees, so we call.
(03:19):
Delivery fee, printing fee, youknow.
So I wanted to understand who istaking all those money on the
closing statement.
Right.
Are they necessary?
As you know, at the closingcalls, you have title, escrow,
property tax, HOA fee.
It it just goes on and on, andthere's so many fees.
SPEAKER_00 (03:39):
Right.
SPEAKER_01 (03:40):
And coming from um that uh uh drive of uh curiosity
why and who is taking all thismoney.
And I realized, Carol, the wayto get in to be what you're
really good at is to get yourlicense and study it and know
(04:01):
how to read those contracts,know how to read those
disclosures, so you know whereall those money going.
Because if you don't know whereyour money is going, somebody
else will help you spend yourmoney.
SPEAKER_00 (04:15):
That is a true statement, whether you know it
or not, whether you want to beblind to it or not, right?
Wow, that's that's almost scary.
So in in researching all of thisinformation, what did you find?
How how did you decide to takeon your brokerage license with
that in mind?
SPEAKER_01 (04:31):
The brokerage license helped me not only to
open my own shop, but have thatin-depth of understanding of
real estate.
Uh-huh.
Not just about buying your houseor where do I put my big TV?
You know.
It's about investment.
Investment is so important.
Investment coming fromstrategies, timing, location,
(04:55):
the holding period, and how doyou um leverage an interest rate
with the turn of the um turn ofthe loan, all that is so so much
involved.
SPEAKER_00 (05:09):
Absolutely.
And you're managing commercialreal estate brokerage as well.
Yes.
And that's got a whole have awhole slew of other parameters,
right?
That's right.
That's right.
So through your career, youreally kind of refined your
approach, would you say?
Yes.
And so you've earned a lot ofawards through your your
decades, and it's amazing.
(05:30):
Can you tell us a little bitmore about the awards you've won
and and how these certificationselevated your business and
clients?
SPEAKER_01 (05:37):
Um, I think the most difficult certification was um
the CCIM, Certified CommercialInvestment Member.
And I started in 2005 and Ireceived my um uh in 2008.
Woo! It's like 20 years ago,right?
So it took me two and a halfyears.
(05:59):
So story, the the background isI'm a ESL, you probably can
tell.
Yeah.
English as a second language.
And once I decided to uh pursueCCIM, certified commercial
investment member, thatdesignation, there's no turning
back.
So I want to show you thispencil actually say jingri shu
(06:21):
jing ripi.
This is one of my principles inlife, means today's work, finish
today.
SPEAKER_00 (06:27):
Oh, I love that.
SPEAKER_01 (06:30):
Whatever you have to finish today, finish by the end
of the day.
Wow.
You don't procrastinate and youdon't do it tomorrow, do it next
week.
Yeah.
It's one of the successfulprinciples.
So I give this pencil to you.
SPEAKER_00 (06:44):
Oh, thank you.
Thank you so much.
I'm honored.
I really, really appreciatethat.
Thank you.
Would you say that this yourcore values and your principles
are what really gained yoursuccess in your career?
SPEAKER_01 (06:58):
Or yeah, story, um, many principles that lead us to
success.
And I don't really humbly I belI don't believe I'm success.
I I am successful um in the areathat I'm uh a wife.
Married 33 years.
Congratulations, that's hard.
Thank you.
Not the same guy for 37 years.
(07:20):
And uh I have two beautifulchildren.
My daughter's 28.
She's a licensed psychiatricnurse.
Wow.
Mental health, yes.
Incredible.
And my son is 24 years old, andhe's still looking, pursuing his
dream.
So um, for as far as me, I don'treally want to value my sus by
(07:46):
how much money.
Like the world judges how muchmoney you make last year, Carol,
how many transactions you close,how many agents you were.
No, that's the world looking atas success.
What kind of car do you drive?
I really think our successshould be: are you kind today?
Did you help somebody today?
(08:07):
Do you live in um abundance?
Or do you live in um complainingand lack?
And I'm a victim.
That's that's powerful.
It is very powerful.
Does that make sense?
SPEAKER_00 (08:20):
And what a legacy you've left for your children
for them to be able to see yougrow as an entrepreneur, as a
female, as a mother.
Those are huge, huge things tohave your children see and and
know that they can become.
Yes.
Right?
So at the end of the day, you'resuccessful in being a mom and a
wife.
SPEAKER_01 (08:38):
Thank you.
SPEAKER_00 (08:38):
And that's such a humble way of looking at it
because you don't stay in thisbusiness for 30 years if you're
not great at it, in my opinion.
Thank you.
Thank you.
So tell us about the actualbusiness name.
What what urged you to createTAC brokerage and consulting?
And what makes your boutiqueapproach so much more appealing
(09:01):
to your your audience and yourclients?
Great question.
SPEAKER_01 (09:05):
So TAC actually stems for Texas and California.
I am a licensed broker in thestate of uh California since
1994.
SPEAKER_02 (09:15):
Wow.
SPEAKER_01 (09:15):
So 12 years ago, our family moved to Dallas, Texas.
And uh the professor said,forget what you learn.
You're in the great country ofTexas now.
So I pursue and uh receive myTexas real estate broker.
So it's stay um both state.
I have license in both state.
(09:36):
And I always want to do aboutique shop because uh you can
tailor what the client wants.
So you're not justthree-bedroom, two-bath,
four-bedroom, three-bath.
No.
It's about what clients want.
What's their long-term goal,what's their short term, is it
for themselves, or it's it'stheir legacy, is a lease or a
purchase, is a shopping centeror industrial warehouses.
(10:01):
Every aspect is different.
And we can get into it, how topre-qualify client, how to cater
to that.
It's like you go into um um adress shop and they will
actually actually measure youand knowing that, oh Carol, a
little bit too much here, youknow, they'll loosen up and
(10:22):
they'll show your legs, Carol,you know, because that's your
asset.
They will actually do that foryou.
So you look great no matterwhere you are, and you're still
comfortable.
You're good at sitting down.
If you have to run with yourhigh heel, catching the train,
you know, or you're in a foreigncountry, you have to, you know,
um, hop on a taxi and woober andwear your backpack with computer
(10:44):
in there, you're still able tomove and you still beautifully
present.
So that's my my boutique shop,is it's really catered to
individual clients.
They come in, I actually askthem questions.
All these timing, location, isit for you or for someone else?
And how long is your holdingperiod?
(11:04):
Well, the most important thingis what's your budget?
Everybody have to have budget,right?
SPEAKER_00 (11:09):
Absolutely.
I mean, if you don't know yourbudget, you can't help anyone,
right?
No matter what industry you'rein.
Yes.
So you have these qualifyingquestions, and I'm sure you have
a customer journey process weall follow.
So, um, which is wonderful.
And by the way, can I point outthe shoes are very stylish and
very versatile?
Thank you.
She has these wonderful shoeson, guys.
(11:30):
You'll have to call her aboutit.
Thank you.
So you work in economicdevelopment as well, not just
getting to know these peoplepersonally.
So how does this partnershipcome about?
How do they support yourclients?
The the development to bridgethe gap between buyers and
sellers?
I love that question.
SPEAKER_01 (11:48):
This is something I just started three years ago
because I was uh a guest speakerum at the Taipei International
Convention Center.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Um December 15, 2023.
And it's uh um by divine power,how you say it.
I just raised my hand and say, Iwill do it, I'll show up, I will
(12:11):
delay my flight, I willrepresent Texas.
So I did.
I went on the stage, I did mybada beam bada boom in both
English and Mandarin Chinese.
I think.
Wow.
In front of the audience.
SPEAKER_00 (12:23):
Incredible.
SPEAKER_01 (12:24):
Yeah, so it's another secret for success.
You have to be willing and youhave to be ready.
Because when the opportunityopens, you have to raise your
hand, say, I will do it.
And everybody looks at you, say,look at me.
Who do you think you are?
You're not from government,you're no no no no.
I say, I speak both language,I'm from Texas, I know what to
(12:46):
say.
You just give me the PowerPoint,I can say English, I can say in
Chinese.
SPEAKER_00 (12:51):
Wow.
So do you feel like that was a agoal for you to to be seen as a
thought leader and speak infront of all these other
professionals or entrepreneursthat are in the same space?
SPEAKER_01 (13:01):
I think my uh long-term vision is to impact
people's life.
Whoever's listening, and I'mable to spark and inspire them.
Never think that you're not goodenough.
You don't have the time, youdon't have the money, you don't
have the right look.
SPEAKER_00 (13:20):
Right.
Right.
Yeah, at the end of the day, doyou think um being a female
entrepreneur led you down adifferent path than other
entrepreneurs that do what youdo?
SPEAKER_01 (13:32):
I think so.
Um I'm glad you brought that up.
I brought um thank you card thatI received anonymously.
Isn't that interesting?
May I read this?
Absolutely, go ahead.
This was probably three, fouryears ago.
I received this card and said,Hi, Carol.
I hope your week is going well.
Thank you for your commitmentand authenticity.
(13:54):
I came across your profile onthe CCIM site.
Your uh passion and interest incommercial real estate
development encouraged me.
Today, that field is dominatedby white males.
Starting this adventure in 1994took courage.
(14:16):
Thank you for starting andpersisting.
And she signed Yolanda Columbus.
SPEAKER_00 (14:22):
Wow, that is an incredible letter.
SPEAKER_01 (14:25):
And I was I I don't know her.
There's no return address.
How do I contact her and saythank you?
No, she wants to remainanonymous.
And I kept this card to remindme, Carol, you don't think
people are watching andlistening?
Yes, they do.
They're watching and listening.
SPEAKER_00 (14:43):
Wow.
SPEAKER_01 (14:44):
So even with this podcast, I drove all the way
here to see you because I feelthe connection with you.
I feel like my story willinspire someone else.
SPEAKER_00 (14:54):
Yes.
SPEAKER_01 (14:55):
And through your procrastination, there's other
people are listening.
They might not be here inDallas, Texas.
They may be somewhere else.
Absolutely.
And that inspire them, encouragethem, never give up.
SPEAKER_00 (15:10):
And you're a speaking reference to that,
right?
You are successful in your ownway, but you're successful in
your own mind and what you'vedone.
And obviously, it goes to saythat people are seeing that.
So you think authenticity issomething that anyone in this
industry should really have, ordo you think that's what
separates you from the rest?
SPEAKER_01 (15:30):
That's a good question.
It could be both.
And authenticity mean what yousee is what you get.
There's no fake about nothingfake about it.
No bait and switch, right?
Right, right.
And there's um um in ourcommercial real estate or in and
any industry, honesty,integrities are so important.
SPEAKER_00 (15:53):
Having those core values.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_01 (15:55):
Because you're touching people's lives and
touching their money.
SPEAKER_00 (15:58):
In anything you do, right?
Right.
In any industry.
So many entrepreneurs who are uhventuring out into your space
struggle with structure.
Okay.
I know I have in my career andhad to refine it.
Can you walk us through how youcreate steps and timelines to
stay aligned with your goals?
How do you create that structurestructure within yourself in
(16:19):
such a big space?
SPEAKER_01 (16:21):
Oh, you're so good at asking this question.
Um, I guess it's in mypersonality.
I get things done, like thepencil I just give you.
I make a list, check list thingsI have to accomplish this week,
things I like to accomplishtoday.
And um, even with uh 2026business plan, I started last
(16:44):
month.
People look at me like you stillhave plenty of times, you know.
My business plan and the agendaand important dates start
October of previous year.
So I wanna be, yeah, I wanna beahead of uh everybody's
schedule.
You don't wait until December totalk about your plans and vision
(17:05):
in 2026.
SPEAKER_00 (17:07):
Absolutely.
If you're waiting that long,then you probably need to
restructure, right?
SPEAKER_01 (17:12):
So accountability is important, get back to what
you're saying.
Structure is what you put onyourself.
You make yourself accountableaccountable.
And you could break it down tomonthly or quarterly, you can
break it down with budget,however you want.
But the most important thing,you have to be comfortable.
And you have to follow throughbecause no one's gonna hold you
(17:35):
by a hand and say, let's goacross the street together.
You get this.
You gotta hold yourselfaccountable.
And if you don't, who are yougonna blame?
Nobody.
SPEAKER_00 (17:46):
At the end of the day, right?
Uh that that's an incredibleadvice because sometimes you
forget that you're the one toblame for where you are in life,
right?
You can't blame it on anyoneelse but yourself.
And with all of your success,I'm sure you're the one to speak
on those things.
So you've openly shared thatyou've had tough lessons.
SPEAKER_01 (18:08):
Yes.
SPEAKER_00 (18:09):
Can you tell us a little bit more about that
specifically in 2019?
Um and tell us kind of whathappened and how you overcame
that.
SPEAKER_01 (18:17):
Um it was a story that um victim story that I
couldn't get out of it forprobably three, four years until
I signed up for Brave ThinkingInstitute.
Um the mentor, uh, MaryMorrissey taught us all those
steps.
One of the important things isgratitude every day.
(18:40):
And number two is forgiveness.
It was very difficult difficultfor give the business uh
partners who betray me, lie tome, wasted my time.
And these are Christian brothersister, we pray together every
meal, we pray before ourmeetings.
So, how did I overcome?
(19:02):
It takes courage to forgive themone by one.
And it takes time to learn tosee the gratitude every single
day.
And that gratitude will overcomeall the negative um uh you know,
(19:24):
story.
I have people tell them um tellme that oh, you know, um nobody
wanna hire me, nobody I'm notgood enough.
Uh blah blah blah.
It's like you know, you canovercome that while you still
have you have sunshine today,you have good health, you have
legs, you have hands, you'rephysically capable, you could do
(19:46):
more, you could be more.
What is that you want?
Instead of falling into thatrabbit hole, I'm not good
enough, uh, nobody's gonna hireme.
I'm so sad, I'm a victim, bossis yelling at me, blah, blah,
blah.
And you said four years of this.
Yeah, I wouldn't do it all thatbecause I was in the a victim
line.
(20:06):
I mean, there's audience outthere probably suffered more
than four years.
SPEAKER_00 (20:10):
Yeah, yeah, and you mentioned that leaders cannot be
people pleasers at the end ofthe day, right?
SPEAKER_01 (20:16):
Right, right.
SPEAKER_00 (20:17):
And so would you say that that's something you
learned from that?
SPEAKER_01 (20:21):
I learned, I learned um nowadays, um, I have to learn
to set boundaries, which is veryimportant.
And you and I we're mother andwe're helping people, we see the
need in um people, right?
And we give and give and give.
And when do we know that, okay,this is not good for me, it's
(20:41):
taking too much of my time.
And that kind of tone of voiceshould not be acceptable,
acceptable.
How can they talk to us this wayto set the boundary?
And I learned this year, I'm soproud of myself.
I learned to set boundary.
I actually learned to setboundary regardless of what they
say.
They're gonna judge you, they'regonna judge us.
(21:02):
So, oh that's Carol's so bossy.
Who do you who does she thinkshe is?
But that's how we protectourselves, protect our time,
protect our value, and spendtime with the people who
actually appreciate us.
SPEAKER_00 (21:14):
I love that you mentioned that after three
decades of being in theindustry, because it it goes to
the point that no matter whatentrepreneurial art, no matter
what industry, you are alwayslearning.
If you're not learning, evenafter 30 years, then you're
going to fall behind, in myopinion.
Would you say that that that'skind of where you are in life is
(21:35):
you're continuing to learn andgrow even though you've had
success in your industry.
Yes.
SPEAKER_01 (21:41):
It's like um cha cha or salsa.
Two step forward, one step back.
If you're not making thetwo-step forward, you're one
step back.
So keep moving forward.
SPEAKER_00 (21:53):
You so many little quotes I want to take from you
today.
I know we don't have a lot oftime, but I will have you back
on the show.
I want to ask you a couple finalquestions that I know um our
listeners are are wanting toknow.
So what at the end of the day,when you look back on your
journey, what's one decision orprinciple from your early days
(22:16):
that still guide you today?
SPEAKER_01 (22:18):
Oh, that's such a good question.
Yeah, you're very good.
SPEAKER_00 (22:22):
Thank you.
It's something I wanted to knowabout you.
So I assume everyone else wantsto know.
Something something that youlooking back on your journey,
what's one decision or principlefrom your earlier days in your
career that still stands withyou and guides you today?
SPEAKER_01 (22:43):
Yeah, I I was um, I have a weight of uh making
things more complicated in mybrain.
So there's no one thing.
There's probably, I'll give youthree.
Three principles.
Number one is never give up.
We talk about that.
Yes.
Number two is the grid.
G-R-I-T.
(23:04):
Number three, resilient.
You bounce back.
No matter the success or thefailure, you bounce.
Most of the time is our failure.
And remember, failures are justfeedback.
SPEAKER_00 (23:18):
Lessons, right?
Yeah.
Something to learn from, is howI frame it to my kids.
SPEAKER_01 (23:22):
It doesn't mean that you're a loser.
It's just a feedback.
Okay, then we're it this way.
It's fine another way.
So never give up.
You have to have the grit,G-R-I-T, and resilience.
SPEAKER_00 (23:34):
Oh, I love it.
Those those are great, at leastfor young entrepreneurs who are
just starting out, to reallyremember if you've carried that
from all those years ago, right?
I think so.
That was wonderful.
So, what's one piece ofactionable advice you want our
listeners to take away with themtoday, other than those those
three things you just mentioned,to move that would help them
(23:56):
move closer to their goals?
SPEAKER_01 (23:58):
So once you set your goals and vision in 2026, you
break it down, the action plan.
Okay, what are the steps?
Then you from that action plan,that that's the blueprint,
that's the 2026 blueprint.
You might not know every littledetail, but you have the big
rock first.
(24:19):
Under that big rock, can youstart writing the action steps?
You will know as anentrepreneur.
You know what light you up, whatmakes you happy.
Then you write it down.
Those are your the lights.
The guiding for your 2026.
The worst is don't know whereyou're going.
Like you drive in the car, youput the designation, address in
(24:43):
the GPA, and GPA take you.
The worst is you sit in the car,you're going around and around,
you don't know where you'regoing.
You're wasting time.
Right.
So how everybody wanna be theirown business, uh, have your own
business and be your own boss.
You don't know that it's themost difficult, most challenge
in the career.
(25:03):
Because nobody's gonna push you.
You don't clock, clock in, youdon't clock out.
There are days in the morningyou don't want to get up, but
you still have to do it.
And that's where grit comesfrom.
That's what um resilience comingfrom.
And not giving up because thisis your life.
This is your life.
What do you want your life tobe?
(25:25):
What make you happy?
Find those.
Find those gold knockets, findthose what make you happy, light
you up every morning.
You want to get up, let's go,let's go.
If nothing makes you want to getup in the morning, that's not
fit for you.
Find something that your heartopened up and just so happy and
(25:45):
grateful.
Every morning, get up.
And do that and write on yourbusiness plan and start taking
those actions daily, weekly,monthly.
And before you know it, you havea what?
A masterpiece, right?
SPEAKER_00 (26:00):
That that you are proud of at the end of the day.
Right.
Cause I love the way you framethat.
You really need to highlight thebullet points throughout the
year of goals that make youhappy, not goals you need to get
done and dread at the end of theday.
That's something to reallyremember, no matter what stage
of ownership you're in.
So thank you for that.
(26:22):
So, um, how can anyone find youto ask you more about all of the
different things you do frominternational to real estate
here in Los Angeles?
How can they find you?
Websites, social?
SPEAKER_01 (26:34):
Sure.
So um Instagram, Facebook, andum LinkedIn, and the fastest
probably uh just type in googletechbrokerage.com.
I actually have um 2026, I havetwo big events coming up.
The first one is Taiwan TradeMission.
So my vision is to bring atleast two EDC directors to
(26:57):
Taiwan to visit the CEOs, themanufacturers there and talk to
them, build that relationship.
So in September, when they cometo Texas, we're able to welcome
them and show them our Texashospitality and say, you have
us, we're helping you to expandyour horizon, to open your uh
(27:21):
manufacturer or industrial oryour satellite office right here
in Dallas, Texas.
SPEAKER_00 (27:27):
Wow, that's incredible.
That's an incredible goal tohave.
SPEAKER_01 (27:30):
It's fun.
SPEAKER_00 (27:30):
And you're so great at it.
You're really bridging that gapinternationally and and just
trying to help any and everyonethat's trying to help
themselves, it feels like, atthe end of the day.
Yes.
Thank you for everything you do,Carol.
Thanks for having me today.
I really appreciate you andeverything you do.
I appreciate you.
And to all of our listeners outthere, keep learning, keep
listening, and keep marketingwith Atma.
(27:52):
We'll see you next time.
SPEAKER_02 (27:54):
Bye.
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