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KEN BARNES : Is He The Next Donald Trump?

TIM: How was your transition like?
KB:Initially, it was not easy to conform to the lifestyle and the cultural life of America. I would want to say good morning to everybody I meet on the street and they will turn round puzzled. The little advantage I had was that, I had been in the US and other European cultures several times before I finally moved here.

TIM: How hard was it starting off?
KB: Starting a business, as an immigrant is always difficult and challenging. There is the 'You cannot do it' attitude advice from fellow immigrants. There is the 'be careful, others have failed' group on the other hand and those who will flat out, mock at you. Thanks be to God for those who will encourage you and tell you 'you can do it and come to us if you need help'.

TIM: Do you miss home?
KB: Yes. I really miss home but my siblings visit from time to time.

TIM: Why did you come to the U.SA?
KB: Why does anybody come to the US? I came here purposely to study and to better my lot.

TIM: Your educational qualifications in brief.
KB: BS Banking and Finance, MBA Finance, GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), Licensed Real Estate agent, Licensed Insurance agent (Life insurance).

TIM: What were your goals coming to the U.S.A?
KB: As I've said, I came here basically to study. I also wanted to broaden my horizon, exploit my full potential and build my future financial and economic security.

TIM: Have you achieved your goals?
KB:I am still in the process and I'm on course. I am thankful to God for thus far. I humbly look up to him to fulfill all his promises concerning my life.

TIM: Tell us a little about your company.
KB: Ken Barnes Real Estate Group Inc. is a full service one-stop real estate and loan brokerage, which also does property management. Some of our services include buyer and seller representations for purchases and sales of residential, commercial, multi-units, churches and rentals, real estate loan origination and processing for purchases and refinances for all types of properties and property management. Our agents come from diverse cultural and ethnic background, which is one of our strengths, in that, we are able to relate and serve people of all ethnicities. Integrity, sincerity and expert services (we term as results you can trust) are our hallmark. We have done deals from Sacramento, Oakland to Lancaster, Palmdale, Los Angeles, San Diego and Loma Linda among others. We have also cooperated with other brokerages out of state to do businesses in Georgia, Texas and Virginia. Our client base includes individuals, churches, companies, schools and investors. Our success rate is 99.8%.

TIM: Who started it and when?
KB:I started this company in May 2006.

TIM: What were you doing prior to this?
KB: Before that, I was the director of training for two real estate companies here in Santa Clarita.

TIM: How far has it grown now?
KB: We started with two agents and now we boast of 11 agents from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

TIM: What do you think is important for other Immigrants to know?
KB: Never feel intimidated, never feel you cannot do it and be positive at all times. Be transparent and master whatever you do.

TIM: Where do you see the future taking you?
KB: The next Donald Trump. Donald, here we come.

TIM: What is your greatest achievement so far?
KB: Satisfied clientele. The sense of accomplishment and joy in seeing the smile on clients' face after handing them the key to their new home or commercial facility or a check from refinancing. The joy of hearing those magic words 'Thank You'.

TIM: What is your philosophy about success?
KB: My philosophy about success in this business is waiting on my clients diligently, with personalized service, with respect, saving my clients' time and making sure that each transaction is easy and stress free. One must be truthful at all times.

TIM: Tips you'd like to give others in the business.
KB: Good negotiation skills, excellent personality skills, exceptional listening skills, personalized service, going the extra mile, being truthful in all situations, keeping in touch on a regular basis and treating clients with respect.

Ken Barnes Real Estate Group Inc. 866-756-1369 (phone)