We had the good fortune of connecting with T. Todd Simon and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi T. Todd, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
I decided that I was not going to be defined by past decisions and that failure is a part of the process that should be embraced!
That is the single shift in my mindset that took away worries. Once you are not worried about what tomorrow will bring, then you can seek to be present in every other aspect of your business & personal life.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a 20-year vet of the finance industry. Holding various positions with JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Guild Mortgage, PRMG Mortgage, just to name a few!
The “WHY” behind my journey is simply to Be the Change I Want to See in My Community! It’s historically documented about the disparities and socio-economic issues we face as a whole. Instead of complaining or being upset about it, I decided to be a part of the solution for change in Black and Brown communities.
What set me apart is the level of dedication i have for helping my clients get to the closing table and realize the dream of homeownership!
No, it has NEVER been a smooth road! To be respected in the finance industry as a young black professional is a Challenge all by itself! You have doors slammed in your face, management trying to box you in, and most of all people that you are dedicated to help, devaluing your knowledge and/or reminding you of your past.
The one thing I always kept in my heart was a saying that my grandmother & Mother repeated “NOTHING worth having comes EASY”
My assignment is the help close the Wealth Gap in America and change the narrative on what it means to be a Black Real Estate professional… I never expected it to be easy!
I am a proud US Navy veteran! That training has helped me identify in business & personal interactions that character, honor, respect, confidence, and a solid work ethic always gets the job done.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many great things to do in this city. 1- World of Coca-Cola
2_ Black History and Civil Rights Tour
3 – Take a nice stroll in Piedmont Park
4- Catch a Hawks game!! Let’s GO Trey Young!!!!!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a major thanks to my family (my wife -Aaliyah, daughters – Imani, Morgan & Peyton) they are the reason that i push through daily adversity to leave a Legacy for them.
My mentors – Bishop Eric Davis, CEO – Ben Slayton & Sr VP – Nick Gouche: All three of these gentlemen have helped me to become the best version of myself. Most importantly, they loved me enough to tell me the truth! That has aided in my development as a Father/Husband, Leader & Visionary
Website: www.simplehomeapp.com
Instagram: @t.toddsimon
Linkedin: @t.toddsimon
Twitter: @ttoddsimon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tarik.t.simon
Image Credits
Ben Slayton Aaliyah Simon Imani Simon Morgan Simon Peyton Simon Kings Training – Tuck Project