Name: James Kane
School: Walsh Jesuit High School.
Class: 1969 (first graduating class).
Occupation: Realtor/Managing Broker/Owner, Landmark Brokers Realty Southwest.
What was your career path leading up to your current job?
I have always been an entrepreneur and found it difficult to work for someone else. I moved to Colorado in 1975 and found work as a bartender was appealing to me. I enjoyed the restaurant business so much, I continued to advance as a manager and finally as a restaurant owner. That lasted for eight years and I learned a lot about self-employment. After selling the restaurant, I began my career as a realtor working for a small real estate company for two years and then opening my own company. I have owned and managed my company now for the last 13 years.
What does your job entail, and what is your career goal?
My job entails recruiting, training, monitoring and managing over 35 real estate agents at the present time. I manage the day-to-day business of real estate as well as representing my own clients as their trusted realtor. I have reached my goal by owning my company, but I do continue to expand my business and change with the ups and downs of the real estate market.
What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment has been opening and successfully running my own businesses.
What’s your favorite high school memory?
I enjoyed establishing the new traditions at Walsh being in the first graduating class. At the time the education I received by attending Walsh seemed over the top, but after graduating and working in the business world I found that education to be very helpful. The fondest memory has to be playing football and the camaraderie of the team.
What advice would you give to future graduates?
Be sure to find something that you really believe in and enjoy when starting your career. It is so much better to work in a field that you enjoy. When you have disappointments in life, work harder to improve your situation, don't get down on yourself.
