I was initially drawn to the concept of servant leadership during my early career as an employee. I’ve always hated the idea of a boss who acts like a taskmaster, pushing from behind and ordering everybody around. It’s in my nature to resist that type of authority, so I knew I needed to align with individuals who would not only challenge me but also come alongside me as teachers and mentors.

I started my career in real estate, working under a top agent in Atlanta named Zac Pasmanick. Later on, during the Great Recession, I partnered with Mark Spain, who also had a servant leader’s mindset. He was always willing to do whatever he asked his agents to do. If we needed an extra hand to get things done, he was right there on appointments with us. I found it inspiring—someone who truly walked the talk.

As I moved into management and leadership, it felt natural to offer the same mentorship and support I had once sought out. Now, at Faris Capital Partners, I focus on acquiring value-add apartment buildings, renovating them, and selling them for a significant profit for our investors. Even today, I’m out on the properties, picking up trash myself if that’s what needs to be done. It’s about setting the tone, setting an example, and being willing to do whatever it takes for the success of the team.

A boss who stays in the C-suite and yells out orders will typically struggle in the long run. Companies run by leaders who get alongside the team, do the work, and show they’re willing to do whatever it takes usually perform better. That’s the core of servant leadership for me: acting in a way that makes others want to follow—not because they have to, but because they’re inspired to.