EARLY LIFE

I do not have a “rags to riches story”. Our middle-class upbringing was grounded in the value of love, resilience and a great work ethic. Middle class does not mean perfect. We had our own set of dysfunctions and imperfections that were an inherent part of our journey. My dad was a remarkable man who served in the military, suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite the challenges, he remained a pillar of strength for us and was a real estate “investor”, before the word became cliché'. 

My sister was born with an enlarged heart, but I was born with pneumonia and an undetected hearing deficiency that was not discovered until third grade. It could have hindered my development and success, but I believe that instead it was a gift of inheriting the ability to tune out negative noise from an early age. 

My mother’s unwavering love for family, strength in character and perseverance was the glue and healing force that kept our family vibrant. She was also a trailblazer in her own right by putting her small town in Ga on the map for Women’s basketball as well as being one of the 1st black “print” models during that time. 

My valuable lessons from my upbringing, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of love, support, and resilience and being a trailblazer. These experiences instilled in me a profound appreciation for the importance of family bonds, courage to march to my own beat and the belief in the strength of the human spirit.

THE MILLIONAIRE RISE

I purchased my 1st home at the age of 19, while attending Georgia State University, to this day that was the most exciting closing of my life. I still own it! Can you imagine? You should...Imagine! Determined to pursue higher heights in real estate. I made the bold decision to leave Georgia State University, embarking on a path that involved purchasing more homes and immersing myself in the world of real estate. Recognizing the value of knowledge and education, I later returned to school to obtain a degree in marketing, with a minor in psychology. 

Three weeks after graduating, I embarked upon a new exciting life, became a flight attendant, met my superman, became a wife and relocated from Georgia to North Carolina. It was during this time that my real estate career truly blossomed. 

I became a realtor at a well-known local real estate firm, I committed to excellence and earned numerous accolades and recognition such as Rookie of the Year. I continued to rank in the top 10% of the company, became the first black consistent certified luxury home marketing specialists, achieved milestones, such as The Chairman's Circle and an impressive $50 million in closed production in my highest producing year there. 

I was on the rise and gaining a reputation as a trusted and accomplished real estate professional. However, being subjected but not intimidated by many acts of microaggression within that firm, gave me hunger for growth and the desire to redefine success within my own rules and non-limitations. I knew that I needed someone that had walked my path to help me. I left that company and joined a company that was 50% woman owned that promised to guide me, and she did.  (Thank you Cindy Sirkowski)

My business exploded to higher heights.

THE RAPID FALL

Remember the year 2007? 

The month was October, and the day was the 7th...that pivotal moment when the ringing of my office phone abruptly ceased. The real estate industry was in the throes of a severe downturn, and I found myself among the casualties. 

The crash not only impacted her professionally but also tested her entire being, challenging her sanity, physical strength, and spiritual fortitude. 

The repercussions of the crisis were far-reaching, extending beyond the market downturn. My personal life was dealt a series of devastating blows. A once-thriving 15-year marriage came crashing down in a horrific divorce, shattering the foundations of her emotional well-being. As I struggled with the pain of my broken relationship, tragedy struck again with the untimely loss of my beloved father. To add to my despair, my own health took a drastic turn, leading to a prolonged hospital stay where I fought for my life for 38 harrowing days. 

I went from Million Dollar Broker to BROKE! 

The impact of these events was profound, leaving Valarie in a state of ruin both financially and emotionally. The life she had known was shattered, and she found herself at rock-bottom. It was in this moment of despair that Valarie summoned every ounce of strength within her to rebuild her life and her business. 

THE COMEBACK STORY

After hitting rock-bottom, I had to rebuild my life and business. I made a vow that if a crisis every hit again, my business would be sustainable. So, I began learning the secrets to building a real estate empire to exceed all I had prior to and in 2007. My pursuit of knowledge became relentless. I dedicated countless hours, time and effort into acquiring the wisdom and strategies needed to rebuild my business from the ground up. It was an arduous process, with countless setbacks and challenges along the way. However, I remained undeterred, knowing that each ounce of results I achieved was a step closer to my goal of building and then coaching real life results.

I took a leap of faith and opened my brokerage, Valarie R. Brooks Real Estate. This bold move allowed me to shape my own destiny that God created for me.

The journey to rebuild her life and business tested every aspect of Valarie's character. Through the trials and tribulations, I grew stronger, not only as a professional but also as an individual. renewed sense of purpose. She now stood ready to share my insights, wisdom, and strategies with other successful women who faced similar challenges.

INTERRUPTERS DON'T STOP

My mother passed away in late 2021. Her transition left me reeling, and I was trying to process my grief when I was involved in a car accident three weeks later. I suffered from a traumatic brain injury that wiped out much of my memory and forced me to relearn many fundamental skills. Losing my mother taught me to let go of many assumptions and preconceptions about myself and the world around me and to approach each day with a sense of curiosity and openness. As a result of the brain injury, I am going through cognitive therapy, and I have been gifted with a new brain and a fresh way of thinking.

Building my team and growing my companies has set the stage for me to step into the coaching industry. Valarie R. Brooks Real Estate and Coaching Academy has been designed to: 

• Help woman realtors and other woman business professionals who are stuck, tired of being the smartest in the room and need help to break that next ceiling of desire. 

• Help woman who experienced many challenges and setbacks, have the desire to get back on the road to an extraordinary life but need that “right” coach to help them.

LET'S INTERRUPT THE INTERRUPTERS 

My commitment to transformation has grown and blossomed over time. I have continued to invest in personal and Business change, but life changes that tried to derail me allowed me to begin to deeply appreciate the power of transformation. Through many life experiences, I learned that transformation is not about making surface-level changes, but shifting our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. I also participated in extensive level training and development programs that further refined my understanding of transformation and how to facilitate helping others like me. I have added to my list of credentials: 

• Certified and Proven Real Estate 
  
• Certified Transformation Coach 
  
• Certified Behavioral Specialist 
  
• Certified Business Coach

As your Disrupter, I will show you how to Interrupt the Interrupters in...

• Your personal life: Achieve your potential and live an uninterrupted, fulfilling life.
• Your business life: Increase productivity, and achieve remarkable measurable success.
• Your belief system: Overcome self-limiting beliefs and unleash their highest potential. 

Lets DISRUPT together!