From the Locker Room to the Closing Table: A Life Built on Grit, Growth, and Gratitude

From the Locker Room to the Closing Table: A Life Built on Grit, Growth, and Gratitude
By Vince Devall
Licensed Real Estate Agent | Coldwell Banker Realty
Serving Wisconsin & Illinois

Before I ever negotiated a deal or mentored an agent, I was learning how to tie knots, build fires, and lead with integrity. I spent eight years in scouting, and earning my Eagle Scout rank wasn’t just a milestone—it was a mindset. It taught me that leadership starts with service, and that the most meaningful wins come from helping others succeed.
That foundation carried me through high school, where I poured myself into athletics—football under Friday night lights, two years of basketball, and four years of volleyball. Volleyball stuck with me. I played club volleyball for four more years in college, balancing practices and tournaments with a full-time job. It wasn’t easy—but it taught me how to grind, how to prioritize, and how to show up when it counts. After college, I continued playing club volleyball at a highly competitive level until my early 30s. The game kept me sharp, focused, and connected to the discipline and teamwork that had shaped me since my teenage years.
That athlete mindset never left. It shaped how I coach youth sports today—especially softball, where I get to cheer on my daughters from the dugout on the 8U and 10U fields. Before that, in my late 20s through my early 30s, I spent eight incredible years coaching travel volleyball for young women who aspired to play at the collegiate level. Coaching wasn’t just about the game—it was about building confidence, character, and leadership. It taught me how to inspire others, how to stay calm under pressure, and how to lead with heart. Those lessons show up every day in how I run my business and support my team.
I didn’t get remarried until my mid-30s, and that changed everything. Suddenly, success wasn’t just about me—it was about us. My wife has been my anchor through the chaos of entrepreneurship, the unpredictability of the market, and the late nights spent writing offers or troubleshooting tech. She’s the reason I push harder, and the reason I know when to slow down.

Fatherhood added another layer. There’s nothing like the feeling of coming home after a long day, dropping your phone, and being tackled by your kids. They don’t care how many deals you closed—they care that you’re present. That realization changed everything. I started blocking out family time like I block out showings. I built systems that let me step away without losing momentum. I stopped chasing every lead and started chasing the right ones.
Over the last three years, my business has doubled—year after year. Not because I worked more hours, but because I worked smarter. I leaned into automation, brought on a VA/ISA team, and integrated ModAI to handle follow-ups while I was coaching or grilling burgers in the backyard. I built a custom ROI tracker to make sure every marketing dollar was pulling its weight. I chose the right CRM to keep my pipeline organized and my follow-ups timely—because in this business, consistency builds trust. And as I look ahead, integrating AI more deeply with ModAI isn’t just about staying connected—it’s about building relationships that last. Because post-closing success is about knowing my clients, checking in when it matters, and every once in a while, grabbing a drink and catching up—not to talk real estate, but to stay human. I focused on authentic outreach—connecting with my network the same way I connect with my family: with empathy, humor, and realness.
There were struggles, of course. Deals that fell apart. Agents who needed more support. Nights when I questioned if I could keep all the plates spinning. But every time I felt stretched thin, I remembered the Scout motto: Be Prepared. The locker room huddles. The coaching sidelines. The promise that if you show up for your team, they’ll show up for you.
That’s what I’ve built—a team, a business, a life rooted in purpose. I’m not just selling homes. I’m building legacies. For my clients. For my agents. For my kids.
So, if you’re an agent trying to balance ambition and family, or a parent wondering if you can chase your dreams without losing your footing—know this: you can. It won’t be easy. But it will be worth it.
And if you ever need someone in your corner—on the field, in the office, or at the closing table—I’m here.

Want to connect or learn more about how I help families and agents thrive?
📧 vince@fly2eaglehomes.com