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By David Altenor

Known for a people-first philosophy, David is passionate about finding individuals who are hungry, humble, hardworking, and people-smart—the kind of professionals who elevate teams and inspire excellence. Leveraging a strong network, data-informed strategies, and a finely tuned sense of character, David partners closely with leadership to ensure talent attraction efforts directly support growth goals. Through vision, consistency, and authentic relationship-building, David continues to raise the bar for what it means to lead in real estate recruitment at the highest level. With a strategic mind and a deep understanding of what motivates today’s real estate professionals, David excels at crafting compelling value propositions that resonate with high-caliber talent.

Earn The Income You Want. Sell more homes in less time. Join Our Team

Is there ever a perfect time to switch careers, or do you just have to go for it? While talking with Chris Powles, our star agent and Director of Sales at the Hvizda Realty Group, we got to hear about his journey from working as a soil conservationist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to becoming part of the top-performing real estate teams in Concord, New Hampshire.

He started out helping local farmers and landowners create practical conservation plans, but over time, the size and bureaucracy of the federal system left him feeling stuck and wanting more control over his future. That realization is what first pushed him to explore a career in Concord, NH, real estate.

Chris went from managing soil and land conservation plans to leading a top real estate team, and the lessons he learned along the way are worth hearing.

From USDA to Concord, NH Real Estate: Chris’s Bold Career Move

Through his work at the USDA, Chris saw that New Hampshire landowners struggled with property decisions that didn’t match their goals. He wanted to help people make the right real estate choices ** ** from the start, similar to how he guided them in land conservation. Chris initially tried to pursue this niche in Concord, but quickly realized the farm market in New Hampshire was very small. On top of that, juggling a day job with nights and weekends in real estate led to burnout and feeling like he was failing at both.

“ Being part of a real estate team gives structure, support, and systems.”

How Mentors Shaped His Concord, NH Real Estate Journey

Chris connected with Mike and Ryan from Hvizda Realty Group. They started having conversations about agriculture and their neighborhood, and eventually, they invited him to join their team.

At first, Chris wasn’t sure what it meant to be part of a team—he only knew he needed guidance. Seeing their success and real estate expertise encouraged him to make the switch. In June 2017, he left his salaried job for a 100% commission real estate career, a decision that required careful conversations with his wife and a lot of self-belief.

Lessons From the First Year in Concord, NH Real Estate

Starting out in real estate is not as easy as other people think. For Chris, the first six to twelve months were challenging. His savings decreased, debt increased, and income was limited. After about six months, he began to gain traction. That momentum built slowly, and by the end of his first full year, he knew he could sustain a real estate career in Concord, NH. Chris emphasizes that success comes from betting on yourself, taking risks, and consistently showing up even when the outcome is uncertain.

Balancing a Real Estate Career With Life and Family

Chris made the career switch in his early 30s, with a mortgage, bills, and a growing family. His son was born in 2018, highlighting that there is never a perfect time to make a major career change. These obligations fueled his motivation rather than holding him back. Chris wasn’t chasing luxury. He needed to make Concord, NH, real estate work for his family and life goals.

Why Joining a Concord, NH Real Estate Team Makes a Difference

Even now, Chris could work independently, but being part of a Concord, NH real estate team gives him structure, support, and systems while allowing him to focus on family. He can be home for school pick-ups, dinners, weekend trips, and vacations without sacrificing business growth. Recreating all of that on his own would take enormous effort and risk missing out on moments that matter. The team allows him to grow both professionally and personally.

Chris’s Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Agents in New Hampshire

For anyone entering real estate in Concord, NH, believe in yourself. Take a chance, show up every day, and accept that setbacks and mistakes are part of the journey. Avoid overthinking, commit, learn from experience, and keep moving forward. Success takes time, but it will come if you persist.

Taking a Risk For Professional Growth and Personal Freedom

Joining a team is not giving up. It’s about l]

ever aging support systems to elevate both your business and lifestyle. Chris’s story shows that taking a risk on yourself can lead to professional success and the ability to design a life that works for you.

If you’re curious about exploring a career in Concord real estate or joining a team like Hvizda Realty Group, it’s worth having that conversation. Just reach out to us at (603) 557-6661 or send an email to training@hvizdateam.com. You never know where it might lead.

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