When everything felt off—including my mental health—I knew I couldn’t keep going down the same path.

 

I remember my time working in construction, being told I had to relocate yet again. Once I landed in a new place, it was time to grind. I’d work seven days a week, only to wait to be relocated again. I had no freedom—over my schedule and over my life. I had pictured life as something else, and this wasn’t it.

 

Construction was my thing––or so I thought. My father and his father had owned construction companies. I studied construction management at Chico State, hoping to follow in their footsteps—and I did. I worked for a big construction company after college, hoping to move up the chain. I helped rebuild homes in Northern California, often on emergency cleanup projects, which meant we had to be on location instantly. Burnout became a familiar feeling.

 

I had a strong interest in flipping houses and felt captivated by the real estate market. Nevertheless, I stayed in construction, eventually becoming a project manager—ordering materials, managing schedules, keeping construction on track, and managing budgets. On paper, I was doing fine, but inside, I felt dissatisfied.

 

There was nothing fun about working at a job I didn’t like for so long. I noticed it in my mental health—I felt depleted and hopeless. “What else can I do?” I kept wondering. I started listening to podcasts, looking for guidance, and I kept hearing the same thing: don’t waste your life doing something you hate. It rang true: I wanted to find something I absolutely loved.

 

I got hired by an elevator company in San Francisco; that’s when I began studying for my real estate license. My curiosity for real estate investments was the one thing that had stuck with me—an interest that didn’t wane with the years. 

 

When I moved to San Francisco, I began dating Courtney. She was very supportive of my dream to become a REALTOR®, even when others weren’t. My family encouraged me not to make the switch. Real estate is, after all, commission-based. It’s a sink-or-swim kind of deal.

 

I kept postponing the decision, yet, I was constantly talking about real estate––something Courtney noticed. One night, at a bar, I was going off—for the millionth time—about housing markets. “Okay, that’s it,” she said. “Write down a date—that’s when you tell your boss you’re putting in your two weeks.”

 

I wrote down a date. The days leading up to it were nerve-wracking. I already had my real estate license, but in all honesty, I was afraid. However, when that date finally came, I walked to my boss’s office and gave my two weeks’ notice. I felt the adrenaline rush of knowing: this was it. There was no turning back.

 

I began working for a broker in San José, doing 40 hours a week of cold calling. I had no connections, but this job had to work––and I knew it would. How? I felt a burning passion for it. Every day, I was excited to work. Up until that point, work had felt like a drag—but this didn’t. This felt right.

 

Eventually, I landed deals, and my mental health improved. I felt energized and passionate. Everything shifted when I made the leap. And now, three years later, I’m so glad I did.

 

Courtney and I are now engaged, and I look forward to having kids one day. I’m also close with my parents, my sister, and my nephews. For fun, I play baseball with them. I also play golf, snowboard, enjoy visiting breweries—summer lagers are my thing—and connect with other people who are into business development.

 

Looking back, I can see that following a burning passion, in the end, pays off.

 

As a dedicated real estate agent, I go above and beyond to deliver results—doing what many others won’t, from door knocking and cold calling to hands-on help with prepping homes for sale. I don’t just list a property and wait; I proactively seek out buyers and stay involved every step of the way.

 

With 7 years of construction experience, I offer valuable insight into a home’s functionality. I can evaluate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems, and help clients understand renovation potential and costs.

 

Clients often describe me as easy to work with thanks to my clear, honest communication. I’m committed to being accessible—always answering or returning calls. I also bring a calm, solution-focused approach to every transaction.

 

More than just closing deals, I care about creating a positive, stress-free experience. My goal is to build lasting relationships and be your trusted real estate advisor—and friend—for life.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Blake Bergesen

REALTOR® | DRE# 02176435

(925) 899-0665

blake@luxegroup.com
BlakeBergesen.com