In this can’t miss episode, Arizona Mortgage Broker Tom Mancuso shares probably the most inspiring story this podcast has ever heard.

Tom Mancuso thought his life was over. As the result of a serious motorcycle accident, Tom shattered his hand, broke his right foot, fractured three vertebrae, had to have his left leg amputated, and even lost his memory. Even after relearning how to walk and eventually remembering his name, Tom was understandably depressed. He was told he would never be able to walk up stairs again, but Tom wasn’t going to live his life by limitations other people set for him. He learned to see the bright side, focusing on the miracle of his survival, and decided to take charge of his own life. But as Tom repeatedly shares with us, he didn’t do it alone. 

Citing a community of fellow amputees, physical therapists, and even some direct inspiration from one of the most famous people in the world, Tom was able to overcome his ultimate obstacle. Also inspired by Author and Inspirational Speaker Simon Sinek, Tom decided to “find his why.” This “why” was helping others, just as others had helped him. This started out by mentoring fellow amputees, but now, this mindset and approach has followed Tom all the way to the Wholesale Channel.

Tom’s biggest piece of advice? Be authentic. Be a real person. You’re better than any machine or computer, or corporate conglomerate. Tom is upfront with his clients, he doesn’t have 30 years of experience in this business, but he does have a community behind him that does. They’ve seen it all and are more than willing to help in any way they can. Tom reminds the listeners that the entire AIME & Brokers Are Better community are only a message away, you just have to be willing to reach out. Feeling down and out at his previous brokerage, after his Broker Owner told him he was better off as an LOA, Tom opened up Facebook and saw that multiple exemplary AIME members had accepted his friend requests. Now, these members are not just his mentors, but his friends. The likes of Todd Bitter, Jamie Cavanaugh, and Lisa Lund, titans of the industry, were more than willing to offer their expertise to Tom, for no other reason than that he was genuinely passionate about helping the American consumer. 

Tom Mancuso leaned on others and they helped him soar to new heights. And now he does the same for fellow Brokers. Active in the BAB community, Tom is always willing to share his experience and teach any Brokers out there the tips and tricks he’s used to grow and lead his own team. 

Life can throw a lot of things your way, Tom shares. “It might get harder, it might be different, but you can absolutely do it.”

Show Notes: 

* Overcoming Adversity (1:50)* Adapting & Learning (27:35)* Broker Advice (43:30)

This episode is sponsored by Longbridge Financial.