On a mountain in Argentina, I realized I was done with routine—and that moment sparked my journey into becoming a passionate REALTOR®.

It’s a tough pill to swallow when you realize the job you’ve poured yourself into for 15 years is no longer sparking any growth. Construction had been my whole world since high school. My dad was a contractor, and I grew up hammering nails and building tree forts in our Florida backyard. But over time, the environment started to feel rough, the routine repetitive, and I felt burned out.

The turning point came while I was climbing a mountain in Argentina. Looking at the breathtaking view below, the thought hit me: I don’t want to go back. It was scary because construction was all I had ever known, but I couldn’t ignore the feeling anymore. 

My career as a contractor sped up here in Seattle. I moved at age 21 for a fresh start. The city’s music scene was vibrant, and I fell in love with rock climbing. Not long after arriving, I met my wife, Elizabeth, at a climbing wall at Marymoor Park, and we’ve been together ever since.  

I considered a career as a coach, since I’ve always loved sports. I even studied biology in college at the University of Washington with the goal of becoming a high school teacher and coach. By the time I graduated, Liz and I already had three children—Eli, Chloe, and Sophia. Coaching at a high school, while rewarding, just didn’t pay enough to support a growing family. 

So I pivoted back to construction. The years went by, my kids grew older, and I grew restless. The boredom set in. I craved learning something new but didn’t know what direction to take. 

That’s when the idea of real estate popped up. At 23, I bought my first house for a low cost, and when Liz and I developed it and sold it, we made a substantial profit. Alongside my work in construction, I also had firsthand experience investing and developing properties. So, in 2015, I decided to get my real estate license. I did it as a way to keep learning, challenge myself, and build something new. 

But the transition wasn’t easy. My whole identity was wrapped up in being a construction contractor—that’s how everyone knew me. For a while I tried to do both jobs, but I quickly realized that to succeed, I’d have to commit fully to one. I chose real estate. I started introducing myself as a REALTOR®, learning the business inside and out, and gradually made the switch. 

It was absolutely the right move. Real estate has given me a sense of vitality and the freedom to keep growing. I love what I do. To decompress when I’m not working…I often keep working! I genuinely enjoy it. But I also make time to drive to the coast and surf, play golf, and lift weights at home. 

Today my children are in their 20s, and it’s exciting to watch them walk their own paths. I’ve also found ways to give back to the community. I’m active with Dahlia Living, a facility that welcomes disabled adults, helping generate revenue to support their programs. We’re launching an app to sign up 1,000 people on a monthly subscription of $5 to $10 to aid in funding the facility. My kids have signed up to help such a needed cause. I also serve as facilities director for the Woodridge Swim Club, making sure the pool stays clean and welcoming for the community.

Looking back, that moment on the mountain in Argentina changed everything. I walked away from a career that no longer fit and stepped into one that challenges and fulfills me. Real estate gave me back my curiosity, my drive—and I haven’t looked back since.

With a deep background in construction, I bring my clients a unique advantage in every real estate transaction. Over the years, I’ve built a strong network of wholesale vendors who offer competitive pricing and excellent quality for repairs, upgrades, or any home-related need. This expertise allows me to evaluate properties with an experienced eye—quickly estimating repair costs, timelines, and potential issues before they arise. 

I’m a hands-on REALTOR® who isn’t afraid to roll up my sleeves. Whether it’s packing boxes, moving items, or coordinating contractors, I’m there to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. My focus is on building long-term relationships rather than making a quick sale, so clients can count on my guidance not just during the transaction but long after closing. 

I pride myself on being available and responsive by phone or text, offering sound advice, and negotiating strategically. My strong professional relationships further supports consistently successful outcomes. Above all, integrity is the cornerstone of my work: I follow through on what I promise.

Sincerely,

Joshua Friend