Josh LaWarre is the Sales Manager for Kelsey Glen in Mt Juliet, TN
Number of years working in new home industry: 12 years
How long have you been with Jones? 2 years
Why did you choose this business? After I left the military, I worked a mall job to pay the bills and was recruited by another builder. I took the job with uncertain expectations and ended up being pretty good at it. Since then I have learned that I am a house junkie and I like people and problem solving, so it seems like a natural fit.
How did you end up in this industry? I was recruited by a builder after the military.
Where are you originally from? Cincinnati, OH/Northern KY
Name of College: Bradley University
City and state where college is located: Peoria, IL
Degree Received: BA I also have an MBA Major: International Studies
Describe your past work experiences. Please include what you were doing before The Jones Company. I started my working life at 12 by carrying a sandwich board in downtown Cincinnati for a friend’s restaurant. Since then, I have worked at a bakery, an ice cream shop, as a teaching tennis pro, as a translator, as a mover, as a copywriter intern at an ad agency. More professionally, I enlisted in the Army right after college and trained and worked as a counterintelligence special agent. I spent 5 years in the army, 3 of those at Ft. Campbell as a member of the 101st Airborne Division which included a deployment to Saudi Arabia in 1997. I started in the new homes business almost a year after leaving the service in 1998 and, with the exception of 2 years out of the business, have been in it ever since. I started as a sales assistant, made it to Neighborhood Sales Manager, changed over to Division Sales Manager for a semi-custom builder, and now am back on-site.
Describe what you do for The Jones Company. I create an atmosphere where people want to buy a home from me.
Why did you want to work for Jones? I was impressed with the quality of the homes, the commitment to green building, the home designs, and the willingness/capability of management to adapt to the market. Also, it was recommended to me by a friend whom I respect .
Describe your best experience or nicest compliment received from a homeowner/co-worker. Without a doubt, the nicest thing I have had happen is when families decide to buy from me a second (or third) time. That’s the highest compliment I think a salesperson can receive.
What is your personal philosophy that guides your work? My personal integrity is the only currency I have. Don’t waste it.
What motivates you or what personal fulfillment do you get out of your job? I am motivated by my commitment to my family.
Hobbies and Interests: Playing guitar, singing, playing tennis, spending time with my family, playing any sport or doing anything athletic, playing trivia, exploring spiritual philosophies, trivia, languages, politics.
What’s the craziest adventurous thing you’ve ever done? How long do you have? I have backpacked through Europe alone, rappelled from helicopters, had an AK 47 pulled on me on the highway in Saudi Arabia, competed in several triathlons, got married (twice) and had kids=0).
Which is the best vacation you’ve ever had in your life? San Diego 2006 with Kaila, who was then my girlfriend. No responsibilities, nothing to stress over, gorgeous weather, in love, beach, ocean, great hotel – perfect in every way.
If you could have a luncheon with any three people (real of fictitious/ from any time period, dead or alive) , which three people would you choose and why?
I’ll take The Buddha, Mohammed, and Jesus and we’ll get this whole mess sorted out once and for all.
What’s the one thing, you can’t live without? A guitar
Favorite Coffee Drink: (or other beverage) Starbucks Morning Joe or Pike Place roast
Favorite TV Show: The Daily Show
If you won the lottery, what would your DREAM CAR be? Porsche Cayenne Turbo in Meteor Grey metallic with two-tone natural leather interior.
Any volunteer work or community involvement? None at the moment
Tell us about your family:
Kaila (Wife)
Ella (Daughter 4yrs old)
Henry (Son 10 months old)