Meet Forrest Ryan | South Carolina Realtor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Forrest Ryan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Forrest, how do you think about risk?
One of my all time favorite quotes is George Adair’s “Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the opposite side of fear.” This quote resonates with me hard because the percentage of realtors that usually get out of the game sits around 87% over the course of 5 years. When you first go into a business like real estate and that’s the percentage odds you’re working with, it can be a very scary thing. Real estate is not for the weak willed and I think growth of any form is not only vital for your business but your personal development through life. I have met many business owners that have went belly up but refused to lay down and take it. Risks that don’t work out and risks that pay off are all lessons to the human condition.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a fairly new realtor in all things considering, with this being my second full time year in real estate. I started off in the service industry 10 years ago slinging drinks and chatting people up. I had this one regular that would always come in, chat with me about my antics and always tip well. He was and still is one of the nicest guys ever. I asked one day what he did to be able to be so well adjusted and to always tip so nicely, “real estate” he replied. I didn’t jump into real estate right way but it definitely stuck. As I went around Columbia being apart of many new restaurant openings, I finally reached the pinnacle at my last restaurant. I had to choose between staying in the service industry or making a change for myself. Everything kind of fell in place, like things do. I had been talking about getting my real estate license and my hair lady said she knew a guy. I then called said guy and he ended giving me my license classes for free because his love for my hair lady. I passed my test and then put my license on hold until I could get my funds up. My first year active, I worked both my realtor job, while also serving. I slowly phased out of serving until I could hit the ground running in real estate and haven’t looked back since! As I look back I’ve realized that all great things take time and I get by with a little help from my friends.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a girl that loves to eat and look at pretty things, I am well versed in this area. I love Columbia and the ends and outs.

Friday Night Itinerary: Inakaya on Oneil for sushi, Goats for an expresso martini, State St for a night cap.
Saturday Day: Lake Murray for a festival such as Reggaetronic or Drift Jam & hitting Catfish Johnnys for live music and some good vibes.
Sunday: Cafe Strudel for brunch and then Riverwalk Park to sweat off all the carbs and then Riverbanks Zoo to look at the new reptile exhibits.

Some of my other favorites for food are Lula Drake, Bodhi Thai, Prohibition, Calloways, Keg Cowboy, il Giorgione, Transmission Arcade, Bang Back Arcarde, Cucinella’s Pizzeria, Bourbon and Terra.

For some more activites we can’t forget Congaree National Park, Edventure ( for the kiddos), the State Museum, Art Museum and the Saluda River for some awesome floats.

Last but not least, we have our local breweries and beer gardens, Steele Hands, Columbia Craft, WeCo and Craft and Draft.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m incredibly grateful for all the support and encouragement I’ve received from my amazing community throughout my journey. I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the wonderful people of Columbia, SC, and the neighbors who have always had my back. I have watched many families grow in my time in the industry over the years and it’s been a joy to have the same support as I ventured into the path of real estate. I can recount many times that my community has went out of it’s way to help me without any questions asked. I am forever indebted to the people of Columbia for not only believing in me but also being an unwavering light of support through my growth.

Website: https://forrestryansellscolumbia.com

Instagram: forrestryansellscola

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/forrest-ryan-6882771a9

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forrestlr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVoy6VkkWJXTrZkh2TszS5Q

Image Credits
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