Throughout my life, I’ve jumped into a lot of different ventures—some out of necessity, others out of curiosity, and many just because I believed I could figure it out. Those experiences helped me connect with people from all walks of life and, over time, shaped a clear sense of who I am and what brings me purpose.
As a teenager, I started in restaurant kitchens and worked my way up to chef, then owned multiple restaurants. I built a $20 million travel company, bought an organic orange ranch in California, helped open a flower shop, and eventually found my way into real estate, first by flipping and building homes, then starting a full-fledged career coaching agents, leading teams, and guiding thousands of transactions. I’ve always had a knack for learning a little about a lot, and when you combine that with hard work and effort, it’s taken me pretty far.
My father taught me what it meant to work hard. He was a WWII veteran, and when I was growing up, all he did was work. We didn’t talk about emotions, and we definitely didn’t complain—you just did what needed to be done. That mentality played a big role in how I was able to start from square one in different industries and work my way up.
In my early twenties, my father passed away from a heart attack while we were together. I tried to revive him, but there was nothing I could do. There were many years of trying to push those feelings down, escape them. But over time, I realized that only made things worse.
That started a very different kind of journey. I began reading, trying to understand my own mind and how to process what I was feeling. That’s how I found hypnotherapy. To my surprise, it actually helped me. So, I kept digging in, got certified, and went on to create a system for people that is now used through an insurance-based platform, where it’s helped a lot of people.
Learning more about mental health and how we process emotions fundamentally changed how I connect with people. I’ve learned the value of being open. Vulnerability makes way for deeper, more authentic connections. And that shift has made me a better advisor, a stronger leader, and a more present person in every part of my life.
In real estate, that mindset has been instrumental to how I lead and mentor—both as the Broker of Record for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Maturo, and as President of the NEXUS Association of REALTORS®, representing 5,500 members. And beyond being a leader, it’s crucial to how I work with clients: really learning about them, understanding their lives and needs, and figuring out how I can help them navigate that change and start the next chapter.
And becoming a parent later in life has changed how I look at everything—especially how I spend my time. I learned the value of hard work from my father, but I also learned what it feels like when a parent isn’t able to be there for the games, school events, and milestones. I’ve vowed to do things differently with our three kids, Hank (13), Julia (11), and Claire (9). I’m there for school drop-offs, dinner every night, games, and even practices as a basketball coach at Christ the King Regional School, where I get to mentor on and off the court.
My goal is to have the greatest impact with my time. And when I’m not with my family, that means making a tangible difference in people’s lives. And for me, that is best done by working directly with clients in real estate. I love forming those relationships that often lead to lifelong friends. That’s what I value and where I want to invest my time.
I’ve done a lot of different things in my life and faced my fair share of challenges—but I’ve also learned some incredible lessons along the way. Now, as a husband, a father, an active member of my community, and a committed REALTOR®, I know what my purpose is, how I want to serve others, and the kind of impact I want to have.
One of my favorite things to do outside of work is write. I’ve written Brand Your Brain and The Signal, both focused on using mindset and neurological patterns for personal change. I’m also working on FUNDAD with my close friend Bruce Carson and have written several middle-grade books called Rita Buuk and the Magic of Words, a children’s series that’s been especially fun to write for my kids. As a family, we love going on outdoor adventures and helping my kids explore their fullest potential.
I’ve lived in South Jersey for most of my life and enjoy helping people find their place here. I’ve got a good grasp on the market and how it moves, and I know what actions people need to take to be successful, whether buying or selling. For sellers, that means honest pricing advice, smart prep plans, and marketing that highlights what really matters to buyers. For buyers, I help them understand timing, writing strong offers, and what to look for in a property to ensure it is a good investment. I’m involved from start to finish, answer the questions people don’t always know to ask, and keep the entire process on track. More than anything, I want people to feel supported, understood, and confident in the choices they’re making.
Sincerely,
Robert Hanson