Sometimes, the most rewarding paths are the ones we don’t plan for. Each new chapter brings its own set of valuable lessons and opportunities. A quiet day on vacation in South Florida took an unexpected turn while I was out surfing. An unseen sandbar caught me off guard, and in an instant, I’d broken my neck, leaving me temporarily paralyzed from the neck down. Thankfully, after surgery, and a long recovery, I regained full mobility. However, I had a mountain of medical bills. I returned to work four months later, but soon after, I was let go. Nearly 30 years into my career in commercial real estate, I suddenly found myself facing an overwhelming set of personal and professional challenges.
My career and values were shaped by a strong foundation of resilience, hard work, and the support of a close-knit family. Growing up in Independence, Missouri, we lived a great middle-class life with my father working as a State Farm agent to support us. He taught me responsibility, integrity, and putting others first. Both my parents and grandparents were a constant source of encouragement, love, and support. That strong foundation gave me the confidence to face challenges and pursue my goals.
When I started in commercial real estate in the 80’s, I relied on those lessons to navigate the often-unpredictable nature of the industry. Early roles in management, investment, and development required a flexible, problem-solving mindset, especially during economic downturns. I learned to adapt, think like an owner, and approach each project with a deep sense of responsibility. Moving through various roles and locations, from Houston to South Florida and back to Missouri, I built a wide range of skills and learned to navigate complex problems.
Moving to Atlanta with my family, I spent 15 years building my career to a senior executive role, where I oversaw a team of 130 people and managed millions of square feet of commercial real estate. Leadership, I learned, was more than just managing assets; it required building trust, fostering accountability, and recognizing each person’s strengths.
But then the neck injury and job loss hit, and suddenly, I was at a crossroads. I thought I’d finish my career at that company. Finding a new job at that level wasn’t easy. Real estate, like any industry, has its own rhythm, and the positions I was qualified for don’t come along every day. Repeatedly being told I was “overqualified” left me frustrated and, frankly, feeling adrift. Eventually, I turned my focus toward residential real estate. Though the change felt daunting, I realized that my strengths in connecting with people, managing complex situations, and understanding the real estate market could transfer well. I’d spent decades acquiring properties and working on the “ownership side” of things, advocating for clients and treating their investments like my own. Now, in residential real estate, I offer that same level of care to families looking to buy their first home or move into their dream house.
While I was very knowledgeable on real estate, I had to focus on building relationships with clients to get my career going. I’ve found these connections to be very fulfilling, helping individuals and families find homes, and walking them through what can be one of the most important decisions of their lives. My experiences moving across the country, especially with kids, help me empathize with the stress of moving. Additionally, my problem-solving skills enable me to help each person navigate any challenges to reach a successful outcome. I’ve learned that pivoting and embracing new opportunities can open doors to unexpected fulfillment and growth. In my free time, I love being near water, watching football, cooking a good meal, and spending quality time with family and friends. That sense of connection and being with the people I care about keeps me grounded.
It truly is satisfying to help people achieve their dreams or start the next chapter of their lives. Having worked in the real estate industry for over 30 years, I have a unique understanding of the market and industry trends. This gives me the insight to offer the best professional advice and ensure my clients are making decisions that align with their long-term goals.
Having managed complex portfolios and teams in corporate real estate, I know how to navigate challenging situations, negotiate effectively, and protect my clients' interests. My focus now is helping individuals and families make one of the most significant decisions of their lives—finding a home that fits their needs and dreams. I’m not just here to close deals; I genuinely care about the people I work with and am dedicated to guiding them through every step of the process. My goal is to make buying or selling a home as smooth, informed, and rewarding as possible.
Sincerely,
David Canaday
REALTOR® | LIC#390959
Call/Text 404.456.8401
Office 678.272.2576
david@shannonsellsteam.com
davidsellsatlanta.com