sible careers in real estate, RE/MAX International, in cooperation with the Department of Defense, has created “Operation RE/MAX.” Interested individuals are directed to RE/MAX offices in their local community, where volunteer brokers provide specific information about licensing requirements, as well as the prospects for unlicensedpositions. Dave Liniger, co-founder and (NAPSA)—Like so many veter. ans, DeWayne Gamble wasn’t sure what to do with his life after serving his country. Discharged from the Marine Corps with a medical disability, being a Marine was all he knew for 13 years. He never finished college and didn’t knowif any civilian job could utilize his military skills. After many conversations with another former Marine whois a real estate broker, DeWayne decided to get his real estate license. chairman of RE/MAX Interna- After two months of classes, he was a licensed agent. Just over a year later, with a six-figure income, he says it was the best decision he ever made. DeWayne says his success is due to a huge referral base, consisting of all active-duty and former military personnel from nearby Camp Lejeune. The work ethic and organizational skills he learned in the military finally paid off. Now, he strongly believes real estate is the perfect career for ex-military personnel. He also believes any veteran can do what he’s done and “not only be successful in real estate but be very successful.” Working in the same RE/MAX Real Estate Solutions office with DeWayne is Deana Bowen, the wife of a Marine who just returned from Iraq. She’s also convinced that she’s found the perfect career. Two years ago, she took a nineweek course, got her license and now brings home significantly more incomethan her previousjob provided. For a military wife, real estate is a natural choice. “Who knows more about moving than we do?” she asks confidently, while stating that she sold 10 homes last year to individuals in her husband’s unit. She’s also certain that her skills are portable. “If my husband is stationed elsewhere, I won’t have to give up my profession.” Deana says she could be relicensed and back on the job very quickly in a new community. In two years, her husband, Master Sergeant Norman Bowen, will retire with 0 years of service in the Marine Corps. His retirement plan? He wants to make her business a husband-and-wife team. Many military spouses and retirees recognize that real estate is ideal. A real estate career does not require a college degree. A license can be earned in a convenient time frame and job experiences can be taken with you if you’re relocated. Most importantly, real estate agents depend on referrals and valued personal relationships. Anyone in the military knows many people whorelocate frequently. To assist military personnel and their spouses learn about pos- tional, Inc., is also a Vietnam veteran who knows how to be successful in both business and military service. He believes that “a career in real estate is ideal for many in the military,” and proudly adds, “RE/MAX is honored to be working with the Department of Defense to develop second career opportunities for those who serve our country.” The Department of Defenseis delighted that spouses are responding to Operation RE/MAX’s career outreach. “The kind of career opportunity that RE/MAX hasoffered represents a model for other employers,” says Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Leslye Arsht. “Military spouses are a key em- ployee resource. RE/MAX already understandsthis. For spouses, this program offers a range of opportunities to work in real estate— thousands of spouses are ready to put their life’s experience to work.” Anyone involved with the U.S. Armed Forces can obtain further information about Operation RE/MAX by visiting www.military.com/spouses or www.operationremax.com. Spe- cific inquiries can also be directed to (800) 86-770 or operationremax@remax.net.
