Hi, I'm Portia Voss
There’s an old saying in The Bahamas where I grew up, “Every tub has to stand on its own bottom.”
I quickly learned that, and by the time I reached age 18, I had my apartment and a job paying the bills. Before I got my “real” first job as a cashier at KFC, I remember meeting a lady by the name of Mrs. Davenport.
She owned a company in Freeport called Columbus Realty. I went in to ask for a job, but she explained that her company was small and not hiring at that time.
To this day, I cannot remember everything we talked about, but I remembered leaving her office feeling inspired to become a real estate agent. Mrs. Davenport took the time to speak to me and made a positive impact that will be with me for the rest of my life.
It took years to get there. After being in the banking industry and taking on other customer service positions, I finally got the chance to focus on my dream.
I became a real estate agent in 1999, and while it was scary at first, I loved the fulfillment it gave me! My desire to help others sell and or find their homes felt like I was enjoying a hobby.
By 2005 I had seen enough to know that I wanted to have a real estate company of my own. Campbell Investment Realty Inc. was established in May 2005.
I wanted my company to have my last name for sentimental reasons. My father passed away when I was 17; he was the wind beneath my wings. He only had three daughters – no son to carry on his name, so his character needed to live on through me.
I have faced many challenges, sometimes feeling the need to give up. However, through the market falling and rising, I held on.
Looking back, I see the ability I had through the hard times to be flexible and adjust to the challenges brought. I learned that I must fight not only for myself but also for others. It is a good feeling. I am not afraid to stand up for my beliefs, and I encourage my clients not to settle for just anything either.
To me, everyone is unique in their own way, and for that reason, I believe that everyone should be treated with kindness and respect. I must answer to God in the end regarding how I treat others.
While it’s good to be independent, I think it’s ok to take time to encourage others to reach their goal in life. For this reason, I take time out to listen to people’s needs, and since they chose me to represent them, it is essential to put them first. I think it makes a world of difference.
Today, with a Master’s Degree in International real estate (MSIRE) from Florida International University (FIU), my personal goal in real estate is to make my customers’ dreams come true. I also want to fulfill the scripture found in Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. “
In the same way that I will never forget the positive impact that Mrs. Davenport had on me, I hope always to have that positive impact on people I meet. They will know that I will be there for them, I am loyal, and I can be trusted. I am forever grateful!