08/06/2026
Today marks 18 years since we lost my grandfather - Sal Monte of Monte's Real Estate in Brooklyn, NY.
It's been a while since my last post here. The first half of 2026 has been a busy blur, but I'm finally carving out time to reflect on real estate today. What better day to do that than on the anniversary of remembering Grandpa and a life well lived.
Tools change. The standard should not.
Looking back at his real estate office - from updating MLS binders by hand to mastering the thermal fax, dial-up, email, and new tax software every year - reminds me why we do what we do. Today, research can happen from a cell phone in seconds, with AI assisting along the way. But the purpose remains the same: show up for people, tell them the truth, and treat them like partners - not transactions.
Let's unpack the lesson that has stayed with me for 18 years: technology can improve the process, but trust is still earned one conversation at a time.
Florida Fun Fact: According to NAR Research (2026), more than 70% of home buyers interview only one real estate professional before making a hiring decision. That makes personal standards and trust more than ideals. They are central to the client relationship.
Read the full blog post: https://www.johngillen.com/2026/08/07/18-years-on-still-learning-from-the-legend