Resilience, adaptability and focusing on what truly matters can transform the darkest moments into opportunities for greatness. No matter what life brings my way, I know there is always a way forward with the right mindset.
It was around 2009 when I made one of the biggest decisions of my life. Fed up with the cold winters of Alberta, I decided to make a change. I vividly remember the day when I declared, "I'm going to Phoenix, Arizona." It was a spontaneous decision, and I found myself on the road, towing my RV for three days, headed towards a city where I knew no one.
It was around 2009 when I made one of the biggest decisions of my life. Fed up with the cold winters of Alberta, I decided to make a change. I vividly remember the day when I declared, "I'm going to Phoenix, Arizona." It was a spontaneous decision, and I found myself on the road, towing my RV for three days, headed towards a city where I knew no one. Arriving in Phoenix, I found myself in a real estate landscape that was deeply affected by a national recession. The market was in turmoil, but I saw potential. As a newcomer, I enjoyed exploring the area and quickly recognized why so many people loved it here.
Weeks turned into months, and I began buying properties to fix and flip. In Canada, I was a real estate agent for several years, giving me the expertise to continue my career in Phoenix. 
I not only liked the area but saw an opportunity to build a new life here.
I not only liked the area but saw an opportunity to build a new life here. By 2010, I had bought my first home, and in 2013, I met my wife, Elaine. I began establishing myself as a REALTOR® in the area while making friends and developing community ties. With a background working for an airline negotiating high-stakes contracts across the world, I transitioned to real estate in 2000 to have more control of my life. By 2014, I had bought my own commercial RE/MAX office and merged with a residential division.
Everything was going perfectly in this new chapter of my life until 2018 when I encountered an unexpected and life-altering event: a stroke. I couldn't read, write or perform simple math equations. It was a devastating setback that could have easily defined the rest of my life.
But instead, I drew upon the very principles and strengths I had developed throughout my lifetime to push through. I refused to let this stroke define me or my future. My wonderful wife was my rock through this difficult time. She would come home from the dollar store with books meant to teach children how to write. I would practice repeatedly, pushing myself to continue even when it seemed impossible. I believe my determination to recover made me a stronger person inside and out.
As I regained my physical and mental abilities, I learned that adaptability and problem-solving, skills I gained in my professional life, aren't just essential in business; they are qualities that can help us conquer adversity in our personal lives as well. While the progress may have been slow at times, each small step forward gave me the motivation needed to continue until I was fully recovered.
The stroke was a turning point that prompted me to make some strategic decisions regarding my career. It led me to pivot from my focus on commercial real estate to residential, wanting a better work-life balance.
It also spurred me to set in place the building blocks necessary to create a business that can thrive even when I'm away, enjoying life and experiencing the world through travel and spending time with loved ones. My journey has taught me to prioritize the things that matter most, cherishing each precious moment in life. Whether I am with my wife, children, friends or clients, I want to make every moment count, striving to make a lasting positive impact. Challenges are a part of life, but our response to them is what defines us. Choosing to see the stroke as a catalyst for positive change and personal growth allowed me to create the future I want.
In my nearly 25 years in the real estate industry, I've had the privilege of witnessing the ebb and flow of this dynamic field. My favorite part of real estate? It's understanding people — where they are, what they aim to achieve and whether I can be the one to guide them on that journey.
This understanding has always been at the core of what I do. It's about being honest with clients, even when the truth might be hard to swallow. I firmly believe in setting realistic expectations and building strong relationships for a successful collaboration.
Every meeting, whether it's a listing appointment or working with buyers, is an opportunity for self-reflection. What did I do well, where could I have improved, and what can I do differently next time? Even with my years of experience, I never stop evaluating and learning, wanting to be the very best for my clients. My commitment to real estate isn't transactional — it's about creating lasting impacts and helping clients achieve their goals.
Every meeting, whether it's a listing appointment or working with buyers, is an opportunity for self-reflection. What did I do well, where could I have improved, and what can I do differently next time? Even with my years of experience, I never stop evaluating and learning, wanting to be the very best for my clients. My commitment to real estate isn't transactional — it's about creating lasting impacts and helping clients achieve their goals.
Sinecerely,
Arnold Hickey
Broker-Owner
Lic# BR164382000
Cell 602-777-1020
Arnold.PHXRealty@gmail.com
www.ArnoldHickey.com
Broker-Owner
Lic# BR164382000
Cell 602-777-1020
Arnold.PHXRealty@gmail.com
www.ArnoldHickey.com