One part of real estate sales that solidified my passion for the industry, was the many amazing people, with amazing attributes, lifestyles, and thought processess. Recently, I launched a new business, www.gotchagifts.net, which supplies distinctive, artistic closing gifts for real estate agents. Yet again, I am amazed at the talent and remarkable "think outside the box" mentality that is conscious throughout our world. What do I mean by this? Well, by trying to find the unique gifts, I found unique artists and suppliers with amazing ideas, talents, and thought processess.

For instance, there is Tammy Roy, a dumpster-diving recycle-based artist from Wisconsin (my home state mind you). Her passion for creating art out of recycled metal was inspired by her mom's "hobby" of rummaging through industrial dumpsters and junkyards. A few welding lessons from Dad, and Voila!, 180 Design was created. I told her that since I lacked that level of creative thinking, I would live vicariously through the sale of her creations.

Another? How about Kalalou? It is a company that travels the world, and literally seeks out talented, poor individuals that create beautiful product. The owners will create contracts, begin carrying their artistic creations, and facilitate the families in building their own micro businesses. How amazing is that? My favorite story is that of "Tom Sawyer". They named the young boy, selling shells on the street, this name because that is who he looked like. Passing by, they couldn't forget his face. The next day they found him, discovered that he lived with 7 siblings and his grandmother in a one room, dirt floor home, with little money. Its a long story, but in the end, Kalalou now successfully distributes "Grandmas" knit bags, and the family has now moved into a new three bedroom home. All 8 kids are attending school. Additionally, they carry about 65% recycled products, typically hand made by artisans. Kalalou is triumphant in so many ways, and I hope to be the same in my business as it grows.

These are just two examples of the magnificent way in which people use their talents and minds to produce quality products, and better the world.  Have fun shopping!