PHOTO: Damon Walker. NEWSHUB
DAMON Walker was sleeping in his car and couch surfing just 18 months ago, but today the Queensland teenager is celebrating selling his first property for $2m.
The 19-year-old has gone from being homeless and juggling a serious mental health condition to landing his dream job in real estate.
Last year, like 116,000 other Australians, Mr Walker found himself homeless and living in his car for six months, which led to a number of mental health issues.
Damon Walker hard work at his employer’s office, Ray White Commercial Burleigh. Image supplied.
“It’s pretty amazing to think where I’ve come from, it still blows my mind.” Mr Walker said.
“The very first thing that impacted my life was getting accommodation. I’d been staying on friends’ couches, sleeping in my car and other places.”
With the help of a recruitment specialist, Mr Walker was introduced to Ryan Langham at Ray White Commercial Burleigh, where he has been working full-time as a sales associate for over a year now.
“When Damon first joined our team, he didn’t know much about real estate, so we got him on the phones talking to potential clients,” Mr Langham said.
Ray White Commercial Burleigh consultant Ryan Langham. Picture: Glenn Hampson.
“He’s made thousands of calls since then and gained a huge amount of knowledge. That’s been one of his big strengths — his persistence. He wants to succeed and is very hardworking.”
Mr Walker estimates he would have made around 7000 calls since joining Ray White, with anywhere between 50 and 150 calls most days.
“I’ve also completed my real estate registration certificate,” he said. “That took me a couple months and was hard work, but it was definitely worth it. If you don’t put in the effort, you don’t reap the rewards down the track.”
Omnia Inclusive Employment Solutions workplace consultant Kimon Peters helped put Mr Walker into emergency housing and has supported his journey since.
Mr Peters said Damon’s story demonstrated the transformative effect the real estate industry could have on young people.
“There was a real sincerity and a hidden drive that I saw in Damon — towards life, not just work,” Mr Peters said. “Damon and I had a lot of conversations, and I discovered his love for real estate.”
Mr Walker said he had always had an interest in real estate.
“I was a furniture removalist for a while and we used to work in these massive mansions,” he said. “I just fell in love with property and architecture.”
Mr Langham said he was excited about Mr Walker’s future.
“He’s already bought in his first big listing for us, a commercial property which he sold for over $2m,” he said.
READ MORE VIA NEWS.COM.AU