When people hear the word “investing,” they usually think of the stock market, retirement accounts, or maybe even flipping houses. But for me, investing has always meant something deeper. It’s not just about money—it’s about people, purpose, and creating something that will last beyond my time here. That’s why my two biggest passions, healthcare and real estate, go hand in hand. Both are tools I’ve used to invest in my community in ways that make a real, lasting difference.
The Foundation: Caring for People
My journey started in healthcare. As a nurse, and later a family nurse practitioner, I learned very quickly that when people are healthy, they thrive in every other part of life. Health isn’t just about treating symptoms—it’s about helping people feel seen, heard, and supported. That kind of care builds trust. It builds relationships. And when it’s done right, it builds stronger communities.
Opening my own practice, Holistic Medical Services, was never just about being my own boss. It was about creating a space where people could come for more than just prescriptions. I wanted them to feel like partners in their own care. I wanted them to be empowered. Over the years, that vision has shaped every decision I’ve made—how we run the office, who we hire, how we follow up with patients. We focus on the whole person, not just the chart in front of us.
The more I invested in providing better care, the more I saw how that ripple effect extended far beyond the clinic walls. Patients who feel well cared for are more present for their families. They work harder, contribute more, and feel more confident. That’s not just good medicine—it’s good community building.
Real Estate as a Different Kind of Medicine
Not many people think of real estate as a form of healthcare, but I see a strong connection. If you ask someone where they feel safest, most of them will say “home.” Safe, stable housing is just as important as access to medicine. Without it, people struggle with stress, sleep, nutrition, and a long list of other health issues. That’s why I started getting involved in real estate—not just as an investor, but as someone who wanted to create spaces where people could thrive.
Buying and renovating properties gave me a new kind of purpose. I wasn’t just improving buildings—I was improving lives. I’ve seen neighborhoods turn around because someone cared enough to invest in them. I’ve watched families move into homes that were once abandoned, and I’ve felt the pride of knowing I had a hand in that transformation.
Like in medicine, real estate requires vision and patience. You have to look past the damage, the broken pieces, and imagine what could be. Then you roll up your sleeves and get to work. And when it’s all done, you don’t just have a house—you have a place someone can build their life around.
Blending Passions for a Greater Purpose
Some people might think that medicine and real estate are two totally different worlds, but to me, they’ve always worked together. Both allow me to serve people in meaningful ways. Both give me the chance to invest in long-term well-being—just through different tools.
Over time, I’ve found ways to bridge the gap between them. We’ve used our clinic space not just for appointments, but for community health workshops. I’ve looked into using my properties to support transitional housing and recovery efforts. These aren’t just business ideas—they’re community solutions. They’re ways of addressing needs that aren’t being met elsewhere.
What’s special about combining these two paths is that each one strengthens the other. The trust I build with patients helps me understand the housing challenges many of them face. The work I do in real estate keeps me connected to what’s happening on the ground in the neighborhoods I serve. When you live and work in the same community, everything starts to overlap—and that’s a good thing.
The Long-Term View
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that real impact takes time. Whether you’re starting a clinic or fixing up a run-down property, it doesn’t happen overnight. There are setbacks. There are surprises. But if you keep showing up, keep making thoughtful decisions, and keep your values at the center of it all, you start to see change.
I didn’t grow up with a silver spoon. I was raised by a single mom and learned early on that hard work is the only way forward. I’ve carried that grit into everything I do. But I’ve also learned that investing—real investing—isn’t just about working hard for yourself. It’s about creating opportunities for others. It’s about leaving something better than you found it.
That’s what drives me now. Every patient I help, every property I renovate, every conversation I have with someone trying to make a better life—those are the investments that matter most. They don’t just build wealth. They build community. They build a legacy.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re in healthcare, or in real estate, or even just thinking about how to give back to your community, I want to encourage you—look for ways to blend your passion with purpose. Don’t be afraid to think beyond your job title or your industry. You have skills, knowledge, and heart that can make a real difference, especially when you’re willing to take a long-term view.
To me, investing isn’t about numbers—it’s about impact. And when you care deeply about the people around you, every step you take in business becomes a step toward building something that lasts. That’s what I’m trying to do, one patient and one property at a time.