Residential Properties Ltd. is excited to announce the addition of Sales Associate Stephen Gaskin to its Providence office. Stephen is a native Rhode Islander, licensed in RI and MA, who brings to RPL his lifetime of knowledge and connections as well as nearly two decades of high-touch customer service. Previously, he was Director of Marketing & Operations for a successful team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Robert Paul Properties, making him skilled at current real estate marketing practices. He also spent over 17 years in a consumer-centric service industry role where he excelled at driving results and creating a complete client experience.
To learn more about Stephen, we asked him to answer a few questions about his brand of real estate and his bright new future with Residential Properties.
What about RPL felt like a good fit for you?
“Changing a brokerage is a huge decision, and I wanted to ensure that I was comfortably aligned with a brand that shared my visions and values, was a reputable force in the industry, and would offer continued support as I grow my business. Joining a brand with strong roots and community involvement was extremely important to me, and RPL stands out amongst the competition.”
What are you most looking forward to about joining RPL?
“I am excited about being in a collaborative environment and working with a talented group in a highly productive office. I thrive off teamwork and working together for the greater good. RPL and its team members embody all of these qualities.”
Can you tell us what areas you serve?
“There is no destination too far for me to go in order to help my clients achieve their homeownership goals. Though I have a wealth of transaction experience in the Greater Providence, South Coast MA, and Northern RI areas, one of the best parts of Rhode Island is our ability to travel to so many wonderful places in such a short period of time. I am looking forward to expanding my service areas even further in my partnership with RPL.”
Describe your previous role in real estate. What skills will you be migrating over to your role at RPL?
“As Director of Marketing & Operations with Berkshire Hathaway, I helped build a strong team of agents, administrators, and field leadership from the ground up. As a result of the team’s success, we increased sales from $27 million to over $59 million in total sales in just two years. Some of the key skills that I use are collaboration, organization, persistence, and patience, all of which are extremely important during a transaction. Having someone on your side who maintains professionalism while remaining patient, persistent, collaborative, and organized is crucial.”
Prior to that role, you had 17 years as District Manager for a national retailer. What kinds of customer service expertise did you earn in that role?
“Everyone should work in some form of customer service in their lifetime. Spending 17 years in the retail field prepared me well for a successful career in real estate. Connecting with customers and helping them achieve their individual goals is a feeling like no other. Correlating these customer service skills to the realm of real estate has been a natural transition for me, and one that I still enjoy each and every day.”
How do you stay inspired/motivated in today’s challenging market?
“Every day is a new day to start over, and we are truly in control of the life we carve out for ourselves. Though market trends ebb and flow and can be difficult at times, there are still ways to work with each of your clients to help them cross the finish line. Motivating myself and my clients is on my checklist every day. We have to be our own biggest cheerleader and encourage our clients and colleagues to do the same.”
Can you tell us about the community service or volunteer work you do?
“Giving back to the community is something I’ve always held near and dear to my heart. I have spent a lot of time with AIDS Care Ocean State, Human Rights Campaign, Rhode Island Pride, and many others, assisting with events and fundraising to ensure the needs of the community are met. My goal in life is to leave the world with a little more compassion, kindness, and love than it had before. Working with some of these organizations is just a small way I am able to do that.”
What do you love about Rhode Island / the New England area? How do you spend your free time?
“Native Rhode Islanders have a different appreciation for the state and all it has to offer. We are at the epicenter of so many amazing things – a quick drive to Boston, a train ride to New York City, all the fabulous restaurants and views to take in at the coast, Rhode Island is truly a unique place. I still love exploring the state, especially new dining experiences, mom-and-pop shops, speakeasies, and the small businesses that give our state a special, memorable character. I look forward to assisting people throughout our beautiful state and helping them find their house to make a forever home!”
For more information about Stephen and to view his listings, please visit StephenJGaskin.com.
