T
aking the bull by the horns – A term for taking control of your own destiny and creating
your personal story. Not letting life pass you by and embracing opportunities that come your way.
Debra Rhino, New York native and co-owner of Alan Daniels Salon, exemplifies this term and definition in her life and offers her fervor and inspiration to those she touches.
Making it Work is the Only Option Debra is no stranger to hard work, dedication and doing each task at hand at 110%. She found herself a single parent to her three children and was in a predicament where she had to make things work – There was no other option. Debra was living in New York at the time, and had to start looking for a career that could support herself and her family. She pursued real estate because she could quickly get licensed and there was no ceiling for growth and earning potential.
Once licensed, Debra faced her new profession head on.“I was so hungry and I was so new," says Debra. "I needed to provide for my family. I was energetic, dedicated and nothing was stopping me.” During her interview with the real estate company she would soon be an associate with, the broker/owner asked Debra where she saw herself in five years. Without thinking, Debra said "In your chair.' “I didn’t even comprehend what I was saying”, says Debra.
This was in 1995 and in February of 1998, Debra purchased the 22-agent company from the broker who had interviewed her just three years earlier. Debra was excited for her future opportunities, but had her work cut out for her, as real estate during this time in New York was a predominately male dominated field. Her closing attorney for the business purchase cautioned and advised her to fire all the agents and re-hire them to establish her position as the owner. Under new ownership and a new franchise name, the business was flourishing.
Debra did not heed the advice of her attorney and over time the business was reduced to eight agents. She purchased her own building just two years later, a mixed used property where she could reside and run her business, taking the eight agents with her.
Then, September 11th, 2001happened. Business and life changed dramatically. Debra lost three more agents, with the remaining agents despondent. Personally, her youngest son began acting out and getting into trouble. The writing was on the wall and Debra closed her business and looked for new opportunities to come her way.
The Trip That Changed Her Life Debra visited Raleigh, North Carolina for a conference. She loved the calmness or the area, and was attracted to its vibrancy, Her accountant and friend at the time, Tony, who had always taken interest in Debra, said to her, "If you like Raleigh, wait until you see Charlotte." Today, Debra’s former accountant, Tony, is her partner.
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