Do You Feel Like You Are Not Enough?
In the early days of Desert Star, our story was one of humble beginnings—much like my own. As I stepped into the world of general contracting, I had the privilege of learning from a renowned architect who forever changed the way I approached client relationships. His wisdom was simple yet profound: prioritize the needs and desires of your clients above all else. This advice became the foundation of my career and a turning point that gave me a seat at the table with our clients, leading to doors opening that I never imagined possible.
I came from a world far removed from the luxury and opulence of our clients. To say I was out of my depth is an understatement. I am a man who had grown up in a trailer, with insecurities born from a childhood of bullying and feeling less than. Yet, there I was, sharing a table with some of the most affluent people in the world. It was a season of transition, filled with uncertainty and a sense of inadequacy.
That sense could have gone two ways. I could have let the feeling of insufficiency hold me back or let a puffed-up pride build up. Either persona would have been a weak shield to hide behind. But instead of allowing those feelings to breed either, I leaned into the guidance of my mentor.
Rather than dwelling on my own shortcomings or the challenges facing our young company, I chose to focus on serving our clients with everything we had. We started small—bringing lunch to meetings, ensuring our clients were comfortable and productive. We aimed to create an atmosphere that was warm, welcoming, and memorable.
We took it a step further by building detailed mockups to help our clients visualize the finishes of their new homes. The intricate layouts, using white chalk, might have looked like crime scenes to some, but they were crucial in helping clients see the future. Major window and door frames were built to size so the client could see specific views. We thought ahead, installing conduits for fiber optic lines, setting up homes for easy holiday lighting, and even breaking ground on projects with child-sized shovels so that entire families could participate. We even buried a time capsule, symbolizing the dreams and adventures that these homes would one day hold for the families who lived in them.
“Prioritize the needs and desires of your clients above all else”
– GWC
In short, we served our clients! Our teams poured our hearts into interacting with them as if they were family. We went above and beyond, committed to selflessness, service, and excellence. Looking back now, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. Desert Star has grown from those humble beginnings to building some of the largest Personal Resorts® in the country for CEOs, Professional Athletes, and other high-profile clients. And the most rewarding part? The relationships continue for business and personal.
It’s been an extraordinary journey, and I’m deeply grateful for the lessons learned and the opportunities that have come our way. When I think about it all, I can’t help but marvel at what has been accomplished—it’s truly a testament to the power of service and dedication.
As you reflect on your own journey, I challenge you to consider: How can you serve others with the same level of dedication and humility? What doors could open for you if you prioritize the needs of those around you? The possibilities are limitless when you choose to lead with a heart of service.
It’s clear that our journey has been defined by a simple truth: when we serve others with genuine care and excellence, the possibilities are boundless. I hope you reflect to see if this truth can lead to the same results for you.
Jerry
