When one door closed, another opened. A deeper calling led me down a path that not only changed my life but gave me purpose in serving others, helping them create stability, opportunity, and a foundation for their future.
From six years old on, football was my life. Everything I did revolved around the game. I learned how to keep giving my all, no matter what the scoreboard said, to show up every day with a purpose, and how to work as a team toward a shared goal with a plan in place. My discipline earned me a football scholarship to the University of St. Mary’s in Kansas, and I loved every minute of playing at the college level. But as graduation got closer and my last football season ended, it hit me that this chapter was over. I needed to find a new path—something I could pour that same energy and mindset into.
At St. Mary's I worked hard to earn my degree, a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in management. As long as I can remember, I had the desire to build something of my own, something that provided a service and helped people do something that would actually change their lives. Near the end of my college career, I had the chance to intern with a local real estate brokerage, and I jumped at the chance because I'd always been curious about real estate. The internship took me from curious to incredibly interested: I was able to see the opportunities, and I was exposed to the fact that this is an industry where you can truly build something that makes a difference. After the internship, I knew exactly what I was going to do, so I returned home to Southern California and got my broker's license.
I got into the industry in 2007, right as the market was crashing. Agents were leaving, deals were falling apart, and foreclosures and short sales were everywhere—but I wasn’t fazed. I was focused on the excitement of starting something new. Since I hadn’t seen easier times, I wasn’t discouraged like others were. That worked in my favor. I had to learn how to handle complex transactions from day one, and that forced me to work harder, be more resourceful, and adapt quickly. That foundation taught me how to find opportunity in any market.
My focus from day one was to be a reliable, knowledgeable resource for my clients. That approach earned trust quickly, and it built a strong referral base early on. By the end of my first year, I was named Rookie of the Year.
Over the next few years, I kept growing and eventually put my broker’s license to use, opening Don Realty. And from there, I only continued to grow, starting Nationwide Lending Group and Don Realty Property Management. Additionally, through the years of property management, I have developed relationships with outstanding construction service providers, I'm proud to be able to support my clients’ renovation and flip projects. My goal was to create real value for our clients, offering everything they need to purchase, finance, manage, and even renovate their properties.
Stepping into leadership brought new challenges. I spent time building systems, hiring the right people, and setting a standard for how we operated. As the company grew, so did my ability to create opportunities for the people around me. My parents came out of retirement and now work with me. My in-laws are involved on the construction side, handling renovation and flip projects. My wife, Nancy, helps support everything behind the scenes while raising our three daughters. Bringing my family into the business and building something that provides for all of us is what I’m most proud of.
Today, I’ve closed over $300 million in transactions. I’ve worked every part of this business to learn it and to bring more value to my clients. Because of real estate, my wife has been able to retire and work part time, so she can focus on our three daughters as well as help with the business.
When I think back to that internship, I didn’t know exactly where real estate would take me, but I saw the possibilities. After years of work and exploring different avenues, I’ve not only built a career I’m passionate about—I’ve shaped a life around what matters most to me, taking care of my family, my clients, and my team.
My businesses run on three core values: Service, Integrity, and Results. Those values guide how I operate, how I lead, and how every client is treated. Service means showing up with care, respect, and follow-through—every client deserves to be taken seriously, no matter the size of the deal. Integrity means doing things the right way, even when no one’s watching. I don’t cut corners, and I don’t let anyone on my team do it either. Results speak for themselves. If we commit to something, we deliver. I treat people’s goals like my own, whether they’re buying, selling, or building generational wealth.
Over time, I’ve expanded the business to include lending, property management, and construction, so we can support clients beyond just the sale. My commitment is to the people we serve. I don’t just want transactions—I want relationships that last, and trust that makes people confident to refer us to friends and family. I’m proud of the business I’ve built and enjoy every opportunity to share our services with people who need guidance, advocacy, and a true partnership on their real estate journey.
Sincerely,
Donovan Palmer
