Ashraf Memon, formerly of ReMax and Prospect Equities® founder and CEO Richard Killian have signed the contract to establish the first real estate franchise of Prospect Equities® (PE). Killian received PE’s national franchise license in August.
While currently negotiating terms for a Lincolnwood office lease, the new franchisee Ashraf has set his goal: to hire thirty real estate agents in 2011—which he pegs “doable”. The office will open this January.
“I just do whatever’s in front of me to get the job done. I set a goal and know I have to hit it. There’s no option. That’s my mentality,” said the clear-skinned go-getter who joined ReMax in 2007 when he needed money. His first child was one month old, and Ashraf had promised his wife he’d buy her a house—and privately promised himself he’d quit his corporate job within four months.
With the recession shaking the ground, Ashraf ended four years as an Account Executive for CVS Caremark in 2008. He quit and told his wife and parents he’d been laid off. He wanted freedom to work hard at real estate and he wanted neither challenges nor criticism. How’s that for bold and confident?
“If you burn your bridges, you have to keep going,” said Ashraf who started selling real estate to pay off his $3500 honeymoon credit card debt. Then after a few deals he found he really enjoyed the work. Since every person needs a place to live, whether bull or bear, there’s always a good market in real estate, figured Ashraf.
Ashraf had followed every realty company solicitation but would return to his office saying he had a better deal there—until he met with Prospect Equities® CEO Richard Killian. At that interview, Ashraf found a new home with an opportunity he relished. No other broker had offered both the sound structure and flexibility he sought. Especially in these hard times, the PE design and franchise opportunity clinched the deal for Ashraf who has wanted his own business for a long time. While thirty years old, Ashraf figures, why wait?
Given this recession, he knows all agents want and need to save money. Prospect Equities’ broad agent services, reasonable agent fees, and 100% commission to agents, and PE’s in-house title and mortgage companies comprised what Ashraf sought. That day, Ashraf proclaimed to himself, “I’d be better off with my own franchise business with Prospect Equities®.”
With his solid real estate background including auction, foreclosure, and short sale experience plus the National Association of Realtors FSSR certification (foreclosure and short sales), Ashraf can’t wait to dig in. While keenly committed to the best of good times with family and friends, he works hard first.
The Lincolnwood location opens a north side/north suburban territory yet unclaimed by Prospect Equities®. Ashraf’s Lincolnwood location will provide close access for Chicago’s north side while the Edens Expressway accommodates close north and northwest connections. Ashraf plans a grand opening celebration this January to welcome and introduce Chicago’s northern business community to all that the Prospect Equities® real estate design offers.
