Profile | On the 'Real' with Pierre Shirley
Published:Sunday | February 17, 2019 | 12:00 AM
“I’m often misunderstood,” says real estate guru, Pierre Shirley. The freehold master, wears a badge highlighting his 19-year stint in the business. If you ask around his work community, testimonies of his excellence will echo. But, there’s more than one side to the self-driven leader, still you have to wonder, what is it about real estate that has captivated him?
“I like bringing concepts to reality and that's why I love real estate development. The most fascinating aspect of it all, is the opportunity to interact and negotiate with people. I love negotiating and it’s predictable sellers want to be paid the most and buyers want to pay the least. I have been a seller, buyer, or an agent bringing the two together, but in whichever capacity, it’s about finding a common ground where everyone walks away happy. I’m thrilled to make that happen,” the Campion College graduate said.
The ambitious Shirley, back in his early 20’s, gradually developed a passion for the profession. It started when he first worked as a part-time teller at a bank in Florida, while pursuing his first degree at the Florida International University.
He had a growing desire to climb the ranks at the financial institution and as soon as he was promoted to a Personal Financial Representative and was exposed to mortgages, he quickly honed the necessary skills to cement a position in his niche. Soon after, he was recruited by the biggest home lending agency in the United States of America, then Countrywide Home Loans- now Bank of America. But that was not where he wanted to be, so he applied for a real estate license. By the time he was 24 years old, he owned three companies, a Real Estate Brokerage, Mortgage Brokerage and Real Estate Investment entity.
“What sets me apart from others in my field is my years of experience both locally and internationally. I have touched all the areas of real estate in one way or the other. In addition to my experience, the knowledge I’ve acquired, has set me a far way a head. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a major in Real Estate Finance as well as a Master’s of Science Degree in International Real Estate. Plus, I am a licensed Broker and Instructor in the State of Florida, as well as a qualified dealer in Jamaica,” Shirley confidently said.
THE OTHER SIDE
Inspired first by God, then his parents and finally his hunger to excel and forming a comfortable retirement plan, Shirley’s veins bursting with adventurous blood, keeps his dreams alive. He wants to show all who he really is and will stop at nothing to wholly express himself.
On a more personal note, Shirley declares that he is "an excellent cook".
"I can make a pretty good roast fish and conch. When my sister visits from overseas, she insists that I prepare these for her. She won’t go to any seafood restaurant,” Shirley told Outlook in a recent interview.
The energetic soul is enthusiastic about trying fun activities to keep his youthful demeanor alive. Golf and tennis are his favourites, but a little bird hunting, skeet shooting as well as deep sea fishing, are enough to set his mind at ease. Still Shirley comes alive and helplessly exude a force of zeal discussing politics and religion. The natural debater also has a knack for challenging current affairs and adores reminiscing on past pleasures, with a desire to weave future success.
He further explained, “I tend to be more concerned about being truthful than I am about how the truth makes one feel. This often comes across as being insensitive, but that’s not my intention. Those that know me well, know differently, but those who encounter me in passing or casually, usually tend to get it wrong,” 0he regrets.