Part free spirit, part entrepreneur, and all in on his new career path, David Harrison brings a diverse set of skills to the Usaj Realty brokerage. As the company’s newest associate broker, David Harrison enters the profession during a real estate market that operates at break-neck speed and he loves the challenge (which isn’t surprising given his past experiences).
Learn more about this native of Little Rock, Arkansas, and how David Harrison can help you with all your real estate needs.
Q. Tell me a little about yourself.
I am 31 years old, originally from Little Rock. I moved to Colorado in 2015 and absolutely love it. I am an avid cook and rock climber, both of which have been a part of my life for over 20 years. I live in the Baker neighborhood with my girlfriend Masha and our two dogs and three cats.
Q. Have you had other careers before becoming a real estate broker? If so, what were they and how has that experience impacted your real estate career?
In my early 20s, I set routes in climbing gyms across the country and lived out of my Honda Odyssey minivan. After a few years of that lifestyle, you learn to appreciate even the smallest amenities of a home.
In 2012, along with my mother, we started a business in Little Rock called Le Pops. We specialized in hand-crafted ice cream and popsicles showcasing local ingredients and farmers. In 2015, we made the decision to expand and opened a second location in Boulder.
After signing four commercial leases and building out one space from scratch, I learned an immense amount about the process and some of the pitfalls of commercial real estate leases. This led me to feel very passionate about helping clients through the complicated and daunting process of both commercial and residential real estate.
Q. How did you get interested in real estate?
Mainly through ongoing dealings in my previous business. I always enjoyed and had an interest in homes and finishes (mainly the kitchen) but this was always on an amateur level.
Q. Talk about the Denver real estate market generally and what makes it exciting for you.
I really enjoy the diversity of properties available within Denver and even those within a 30-minute radius of the city.
Q. What has been your biggest accomplishment during the pandemic?
Probably getting my broker’s license after having to shut down one location of my previous business and then sell the other.
Q: What are some of the challenges you have faced and how did you overcome them?
After nine years of owning a small business with multiple locations, it seems like we ran into challenges every day. We started that venture on a shoestring budget and had to always be very mindful and conservative with how much money we spent and saved. Marketing and growing any business takes time and capital. Even though we were typically short on both of those, we weren’t short on hustle and determination.
Building a second location from scratch was probably the most difficult project I have ever taken on. Hard work played a large part in getting that accomplished but breaking down large problems into more manageable pieces was a huge component of how we got through each day.
Q. Any hobbies or pursuits that you’d like to share?
As mentioned above, I very much enjoy rock climbing and cooking. A few years ago I began doing a fair amount of woodworking and now focus on working with lumber and building furniture pieces.
Q. What are your go-to apps and why do you need them?
From climbing to hiking with the dogs, we are always on the move so having Google Maps is a must. And Instagram is probably the easiest way to keep up with news from local businesses I care about.
Q. What are you currently reading or listening to?
I am re-reading Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain.
Q: What is your favorite Denver area neighborhood and why?
Well, I’m biased but I love Baker because we live there and think it’s great. It’s super diverse and laid back. There are a ton of local restaurants and shops within walking distance as well as a large park across from our house where you can always find other dogs.
Q. What do you find most desirable about the Denver area? What would you tell people who are considering a move here?
You can really enjoy so many different hobbies with a home base in Denver. Not only is the recreation aspect incredible but the breweries, coffee, and food are also top-notch. Being from the south originally, the lack of humidity is also a huge plus!
Q. How do you make the buying/selling experience unique for your clients?
I strive to bring strong attention to detail and also hopefully add a unique viewpoint and creative approach to any obstacles during the process.
Q. What do you enjoy most about being a part of the Usaj Realty brokerage?
The team itself! Everyone is incredibly welcoming and helpful along with being professional and knowledgeable. My #1 criteria for picking a brokerage was the ability to learn and train from a great team that would help me start my real estate career off on the right path and allow me to succeed and grow as I progress in the industry.
