By Beck Erholtz | Goldmark Commercial Real Estate | Junior Agent
When I look back at my time as a Division I golfer, I realize the biggest takeaways weren’t about the numbers on my scorecard; they were about who I became through the game. Golf taught me discipline, resilience, focus, and the importance of being part of a team. Those lessons show up in my work every single day as a commercial real estate agent here in the Fargo-Moorhead market.
Discipline and Consistency
On the course, improvement never came overnight. It was about showing up, putting in the hours, and trusting that the little things would add up over time. In commercial real estate, it’s the same. Deals don’t close instantly, and sometimes they fall apart at the last minute. But by staying disciplined, following up with Clients, digging into market data, and paying attention to the details, I’ve found that consistency creates results.
Teamwork and Communication
Even though golf is often seen as an individual sport, being part of a Division I team showed me the value of collaboration. We pushed each other, leaned on each other, and celebrated each other’s wins. Real estate works the same way. I’ve learned that no deal is ever just mine; it’s the product of strong communication with Clients, colleagues, and mentors. The best outcomes always come when everyone feels like they’re working toward the same goal.
Competitiveness and Drive
Athletics gave me a competitive fire that hasn’t gone away. I like to push myself, dig deeper, and aim higher. In this business, that drive helps me find opportunities for my Clients that others might miss. Whether it’s negotiating lease terms, analyzing comps, or searching for the perfect property, I don’t settle for “good enough.” That competitive edge keeps me motivated to deliver more value every time.
Handling Pressure and Adaptability
Teeing off in a tournament with everything on the line taught me how to stay calm and make smart decisions under pressure. Real estate is full of those moments too; deadlines shift, negotiations take unexpected turns, and deals can change quickly. My background in golf prepared me to adapt, keep my composure, and find solutions when challenges pop up.
The Big Picture
Golf gave me more than a few trophies or highlight moments; it gave me a mindset. Discipline to put in the work, teamwork to collaborate effectively, competitiveness to keep raising the bar, and confidence to handle pressure with a level head. For me, those lessons turned out to be the perfect preparation for a career in commercial real estate.
At the end of the day, golf wasn’t just a sport I played in college, rather, it was a training ground for life. And today, it shapes the way I approach every Client, every property, and every opportunity in this market.