Finding work I care about has given me more than just a career. It’s given me a sense of purpose, real fulfillment in helping others, and genuine excitement for the work I do every day.

Out of college, I started out as an Accountant but after a couple of years realized I wanted to do something different. That change came through a role at Maritz Travel, a business travel company based in St. Louis. I helped operate corporate incentive and meeting programs around the world, traveling often and managing program logistics. It was fast-paced and demanding, but it taught me how to stay organized, solve problems quickly, and manage a lot of moving parts at once. It also reminded me that it’s possible to enjoy your work. 

While I was there, I started flipping homes. A friend introduced me to the idea in the late ’90s and helped me find my first deal. That one project turned into five to ten flips a year with a partner. Each property taught me something new, and I started to see how much I enjoyed the process—from evaluating the numbers to seeing the finished result. 

In 2005, I left the corporate world to pursue real estate full time. I had one child, another on the way, and we had just built a home. It wasn’t a decision I made quickly, but after three years of steady part-time work and a growing client base, I was confident I could take the leap. The timing felt right, and I was ready for more independence. 

Those experiences all came together when I made the move into real estate full time. I already knew the investment side, and I had a solid understanding of what goes into a renovation. That gave me an edge when helping clients make smart decisions. Whether it’s understanding what updates are worth doing before selling or helping buyers see what’s possible in a home that needs work, I can offer advice that’s grounded in experience. 

Managing a real estate transaction has a lot in common with the work I did at Merits and through house flips. Managing timelines, budgets, unexpected issues, and people depending on you to get it right—it all shows up here too. My background helped me stay calm under pressure and handle every step with care. 

I built my business during the housing crash, which pushed me to stay sharp and flexible. Since then, I’ve worked through all kinds of market shifts, from the rise of online search platforms to the unique challenges of the COVID market. Those changes made me double down on what matters: staying connected to clients, staying honest, and staying prepared. 

That’s still how I run my business. I show up for every inspection, walkthrough, and appraisal. I focus on the problems, not just the selling points. If something’s off, I’ll say so. Clients trust me to be upfront and to guide them through the process with their best interests in mind. 

Over the years, this career has also given me something I didn’t expect: the time to be there for my kids. I made it to their games, volunteered at their school, and stayed involved through the years. These days, when I get free time, I’m usually out golfing, fishing, or working around my house. 

Even after all this time, I still love what I do. Helping people make good decisions in one of the biggest moments of their lives is something I take seriously. That’s what keeps me in it. 

Many of my clients are navigating major life transitions—upsizing, downsizing, relocating, or investing with long-term goals in mind. I’ve gone through many of those same changes myself, and that perspective helps me guide people with a clear understanding of both the financial and emotional sides of a move. My role is to make the process less overwhelming by providing straightforward advice and staying focused on what matters most to each client. 

I stay fully involved from start to finish, whether it’s reviewing contracts, walking through inspections, flagging potential issues in a property, or helping clients weigh their options clearly. I connect buyers and sellers with trusted local lenders, inspectors, and contractors so they have reliable support every step of the way. No matter the situation, I’m here to protect their investment, simplify the process, and offer steady guidance. If you ever need help, answers, or just someone to talk things through with, I’m here to help!

Sincerely,

  

 

  

Brendan McCarthy, 

Broker-Associate

Call/Text 314.239.0179

Bmccarthy33@gmail.com

Brendan-McCarthy.com