A Promise Can Change Everything (Scott’s Story)
By Scott Morris
Scott and Ryan at spring training
I don’t think it is far-fetched to say that most of us want a job that is fulfilling and challenging and goes beyond just paying the bills. That’s why I initially pursued real estate. I was drawn to the entrepreneurial aspect of the industry and the fact that every day looked different. I liked the opportunities available and enjoyed meeting new people. But it was only after my son’s, Ryan, type 1 diabetes diagnosis that I discovered a deeper purpose for my company and my leadership role.
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone we need to survive. While people with T1D rely on insulin therapy to control their blood sugar, insulin is not a cure nor does it prevent the possibility of the disease's serious side effects. Even with intensive disease management, a significant portion of a type 1 diabetic’s day is often spent with high or low blood-sugar levels, placing them at risk for devastating complications.
A Promise Turns Into A Passion
JDRF Death Valley Ride 2015
On the day Ryan was diagnosed I made a promise to do whatever I could to help him get better. I decided that T1D advocacy and the efforts to find a cure would become part of my life’s work. So, I got involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), the global leader in funding T1D research. Partnering with JDRF was a no-brainer for me.
I discovered and began participating in JDRF’s Ride-to-Cure program, a series of 100-mile cycling events to raise funds for T1D research. JDRF’s ride program changed my life. I had never experienced anything like it. A community of hundreds coming together to be part of the solution. One shared goal and one shared passion: cure T1D. It was the human spirit in action. I always return from a JDRF ride inspired to find new ways to do more. To play bigger.
The SRM Team volunteers with Union Rescue Mission
Passion Becomes Purpose
Upon returning from one of my JDRF rides I decided to explore ways my company could make an impact. I decided that my company would place people and purpose above profit. I created a giving model wherein each client we serve generates a donation to JDRF and to our client’s preferred charity. My team also supports a cause that is close to our client’s hearts, as they often have similar passions around causes that have impacted their families.
What began as one person, 100-mile bike rides, and a father’s love for his son is turning into a growing team committed to changing lives for a better future. In addition to our charitable giving model, our team has partnered with the Thrive in Joy Nick Fagnano Foundation to provide character development workshops to young athletes across the valley (set to launch this summer). We’ve developed an employee volunteer program to scale our impact, enhance team culture through service to others, and support the mission of community non-profits such as the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry and Union Rescue Mission. And, we’re just getting started.
When you lead with people and purpose everything changes. Every home we tour, every listing we take, and every mortgage we write serves a greater goal: How can we make a difference in the lives of others?
We Go Above And Beyond
We invite you to watch our impact video so you can get a better picture of the why and how behind everything we do and get to know us better.
Then, feel free to reach out to us at (818) 262-3695 or connect@srmrealestategroup.com or you can schedule a no-obligation introductory call online. We can’t wait to connect with you!
About Scott
Scott is the Founder and CEO of SRM Real Estate Group, a Los Angeles real estate and mortgage company that does things differently. With over 30 years of experience, Scott’s passion and innovative approach to real estate is found in the promise he makes to every client: when you partner with the SRM team, you’ll save money, time, and together we’ll change lives. After his son’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis, Scott’s life took on new meaning. He created a purpose-driven business model to put people before profits. With each successful closing, he donates a portion of his earnings to his client’s preferred charity and to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Scott delivers deep knowledge of the local market, exceptional negotiating skills, and marketing savvy, all while helping his clients avoid high commissions and unnecessary fees.
Scott has served on the board of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF) Los Angeles chapter and is an active participant in their Ride-to-Cure program. When he’s not working, Scott enjoys spending time with his wife, Kelly, and his children, Ryan and Katie. He also enjoys cycling, baseball, and writing. To learn more about Scott, connect with him on LinkedIn.