The power of proper education is the most pronounced in the real estate industry. It is quite challenging to have a viable career path without at least some degree of education. However, a career in the real estate industry is quite different from any other. Real estate is the only industry that allows people to easily rise through the ranks and succeed as long as they are equipped with determination and an educational foundation to stand on.
Damon Woodward is currently one of the most influential real estate investors in Canada. In October 2020, he closed the biggest deal in the history of Remax in Manitoba after purchasing three apartments for a total of 81 units. When asked about the secret to his success, Damon said that he owed it all to his coaches and mentors.
"I have spent over $100,000 on my own personal development over the last few years and every time I put a dollar in, I get to pull several dollars out. Hiring a coach to work with one-on-one is very important if you want to succeed," Damon explains.
Before his real estate business took off, Damon used his credit card to pay for his real estate investing courses. When he was finally able to flip his first property, he used the money to pay off all the debt.
"When I made $68,000 on my very first real estate transaction the light bulb sort of went on," Damon says. "Investing $19,000 made me $68,000. This motivated me to put in more money in education so I can take more money out."
Damon's first real estate venture was starting a Rent-to-Own business, commonly known as lease options. Prior to starting the business, Damon invested a significant amount of money on coaching and real estate courses. "At that time I was new in entrepreneurship and Rent-to-Own sounded like the best option at the seminar that I attended, so I decided to start there," Damon explains.
A few months later, Damon attended a seminar hosted by Stefan Aarnio, a high-profile real estate investor. This trip made Damon rethink his business model and he decided to sign up for Blackcard University, Aarnio's real estate training company.
Blackcard University specializes in teaching investors the skills and strategies needed to become professional real estate investors. Blackcard offers numerous programs to its students, ranging from one-on-one coaching sessions to programs such as 'MI5' or 'Millionaire in 5 Years,' which guides aspiring entrepreneurs to making a million dollars over five years.
Damon completed two programs at Blackcard University and he got the opportunity to work alongside Stefan Aarnio for several years before Stefan's tragic death. Damon points out that, for him, one-on-one coaching sessions turned out to be most productive. "I have never been a big fan of the larger group coaching settings. I have tried those before, and even though they are certainly better than doing nothing, they just aren't my favorite," Damon says.
In addition to founding his company, Leadway Holdings Ltd., Damon is also the President at Blackcard University. He also frequently shares advice on his Instagram (@damonwoodward3) and posts educational videos on his YouTube channel.
