Meet Sean Hanford

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

Hi Sean, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The decision to start my own business, The Hanford Group, stemmed from a blend of passion, ambition, and a desire to create something meaningful and impactful not only for myself but for future generations.

My passion for real estate was the primary driving force. This passion was ignited by my mentor, Justin Giles, CEO of the brokerage firm Real Estate Gurus. Through his teen mentorship program, Justin introduced me and other teens to the process of flipping distressed properties for substantial profits. Inspired by these experiences, I enrolled in my first pre-licensing course and quickly realized that real estate was more than just a career—it was my calling. I aspired to fully immerse myself in the industry, both as a realtor and an investor. This dedication drove me to diligently study, obtain my real estate license, and gain practical experience through various mentoring programs.

Ambition was another key factor that inspired me to open my own real estate company before the age of 21. I have always been driven by big dreams and the desire to achieve great things at a young age. Starting my own business was a natural extension of this ambition. I aspired to create a legacy, build generational wealth, and establish a brand that stood out in the real estate market. This ambition pushed me to take risks, step out of my comfort zone, and pursue my goals with unwavering determination. Being coached by my mentors, Pamela Chance and George Hanford, gave me the confidence that I needed to go to the next level in real estate. They both taught me how to navigate the real estate market, close deals, and provide my clients with exceptional service!

The desire for independence and control over my professional destiny also played a critical role. By starting my own business, I could implement my vision, set my own standards, and provide the level of service and integrity I believe clients deserve. It allowed me to be my own boss and make strategic decisions aligned with my long-term objectives.

Support and encouragement from my mentors and family significantly influenced my decision. Their belief in my potential and guidance gave me the confidence to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Knowing I had a strong support system made the challenges of starting a business more manageable.

Lastly, the realization that I could positively impact others was a powerful motivator, especially young adults. I wanted to inspire young people to pursue their dreams, show them that age is not a barrier to success, and demonstrate the value of hard work and perseverance. By building The Hanford Group, I aimed to create not just a successful business but also a platform for motivating and empowering others.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Hanford Group is a full-service real estate company that I founded with my business partner, George. What sets us apart from others in the industry is our dedication to personalized service and our commitment to helping clients achieve their real estate goals. We pride ourselves on our integrity, professionalism, and the deep relationships we build with our clients. Our approach goes beyond transactions; we strive to make the entire real estate experience seamless and rewarding for everyone involved.

I got to where I am today, business-wise, through a combination of hard work, perseverance, and the unwavering support of my mentors and family. The journey has been anything but easy. One of the biggest challenges I faced was passing the real estate exam. It took six attempts before I finally succeeded. Most people might have given up; however, I was determined to realize my dream of becoming a Realtor before my 18th birthday. Although I missed that goal by two weeks, receiving my real estate license and becoming a Realtor at the age of 19 was a significant milestone in my life.

Overcoming these challenges required a lot of resilience, patience, and self-belief. I had to constantly remind myself why I started my journey, keeping my eyes focused on the prize and my long-term goals. One of the key lessons I’ve learned during my entrepreneurial journey is the importance of having and maintaining a strong support system. My mentors, family, and friends played crucial roles in keeping me motivated and focused on my dreams and goals. Another valuable lesson I’ve learned is the importance of persistence. Overcoming obstacles and using every setback as an opportunity to learn and grow has been key to my success at a young age.

What I want the world to know about The Hanford Group and my story is that it’s all about dreaming big and not being afraid to pursue your dreams relentlessly. I started this real estate journey in a college dorm room, driven by a vision and a passion for real estate. Today, I’m proud to have built a company that not only serves clients but also aims to inspire young entrepreneurs to chase their dreams no matter what odds they may face.

Our goal at The Hanford Group is to grow, expand, and build generational wealth through strategic investments. From Airbnb and rental properties to acquiring both commercial property and land across the country and around the world, we’re just getting started, and I’m excited about the future! If you’re looking to buy, sell, or lease a property, I invite you to reach out to The Hanford Group. We’re here to make your real estate dreams a reality.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Atlanta, I’d make sure they had the best time ever by taking them to all my favorite spots. We’d kick things off at Atlantic Station, checking out the shops and catching a movie before devouring some hot chicken at Hattie B’s. Next, we’d head to Piedmont Park for a relaxing walk and a visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. For a food adventure, we’d hit up Krog Street Market, sampling different cuisines, and then walk or bike along the BeltLine to Ponce City Market, enjoying the rooftop amusement park and awesome city views.

A trip downtown would include the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola, followed by dinner with a skyline view at The Sun Dial Restaurant. For a taste of Atlanta’s quirky side, we’d visit Little Five Points, and for some upscale fun, we’d head to Buckhead for shopping and a fancy dinner. Stone Mountain Park would give us a taste of the outdoors, and we’d end our days with sunsets at Jackson Street Bridge.

As a realtor, I’d also show them some amazing multi-million dollar property listings that the Metro Atlanta area has to offer, highlighting the diverse neighborhoods and luxurious living options available. We’d also check out the car scene in Atlanta by going to some car meets in East Atlanta sponsored by the car group NBSG (No Brakes Straight Gas) or by going to the car meet show Caffeine and Octane, hosted in Kennesaw, GA. From unique eateries to beautiful parks and vibrant markets, Atlanta offers an endless array of fun, interesting, and exciting experiences that showcase why this city is so special.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I want to dedicate my shoutout to Justin Giles, the CEO of Real Estate Gurus. His teen mentorship program was the catalyst that ignited my passion for real estate. Justin’s guidance, wisdom, and hands-on approach taught me invaluable lessons about the industry and inspired me to pursue a career in real estate.

I owe a great deal of gratitude to my mentors: Steve Harvey, who encouraged me to create a dream book at the age of 15 at his camp for boys, which led me to dream big; Debra DeBerry, DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court, for giving me an amazing summer internship in the Real Estate division; Frank Hallum; Dr. Alex Ellis; Pamela Chance; and Ms. Chamina Curtis. Each of these individuals has played a crucial role in my development, providing me with the knowledge, support, and encouragement needed to navigate my entrepreneurial journey. Frank Hallum, in particular, has been instrumental in opening doors and putting me in rooms I never imagined being in.

My family has been my rock throughout this journey. My dad, George Hanford, has given me the tools to be financially savvy and has been a tremendous help with my business acumen. My sister, Kennede, ensures that my appearance is always up to par and is always good for some humor to keep me going. However, my mom, Lori Hanford (Instagram @GreyDimples), has been by far my biggest cheerleader, supporter, and life coach. She is constantly connecting me with people and opportunities that continually propel my success. My mom ensures that I keep God as the focus of my life and reminds me that “to whom much is given, much is required.”

Additionally, the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation has been a significant part of my story for quite some time. Being named the Steve Harvey Rising Star Award recipient in 2018 and participating in the Steve Harvey Mentoring Camp for Young Men and other community service initiatives throughout the years have been pivotal moments that have shaped me as a young man and created a pathway to my success. I would not be where I am today without the support of Ms. Sharon Page and the Foundation’s support of me and my educational journey. This organization, along with the experience and mentorship I received from the Disney Dreamers Academy in 2019, has given me lifelong tools that are still being applied to my entrepreneurial journey.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge the Kennesaw State Real Estate Society and the academic environment at Kennesaw State University, which continues to provide me with a platform to grow, learn, and connect with like-minded individuals who inspire me daily.

In summary, my journey is a tapestry woven with the threads of support, mentorship, and love from many incredible people and organizations. Their belief in my potential has been the cornerstone of my success, and I am profoundly grateful for each of them. This is my story, and I hope it inspires you to dream big!

Website: hanfordgrouprealty.com

Instagram: @iamseanofficial & @thehanfordgroup

Twitter: @seantheofficial

Facebook: @sean.hanford.50

Youtube: @theofficialsean

Other: TikTok: @seantheofficial

Image Credits
Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation, Hanford Group Realty LLC, Tanya Wideman Photography, NLE Choppa, Dr. Alex Ellis, Frank Hallum, and Pamela Chance