After 38 years in the sign industry, I craved a change. I started from scratch in a new industry that gave me a renewed purpose: to make a meaningful contribution to people’s lives.

 

Growing up in Las Vegas to a family of communication tower builders, my childhood was anything but ordinary. My grandparents owned a company that erected 350-foot microwave towers before high speed internet transformed the world of connectivity. Even as a kid, I was part of it—climbing those towers to help with maintenance. The height never bothered me, until one day it did. I was at the top of a tower, surrounded by nothing but the vast Nevada sky, when fear paralyzed me. Coming down, I realized I didn’t want to spend my life on those towers.

 

Photography and architecture captured my imagination, so I enrolled in a technical school to study architectural drafting. Freshly graduated and full of hope, I returned to Vegas eager to start my career. However, it was the middle of a recession and jobs were scarce

 

The signage industry became my unlikely refuge. Las Vegas, with its glittering casino signs, had a booming signage industry and I poured myself into the signage industry— Manufacturing, estimating sign costs, selling, managing manufacturing and eventually becoming president of a company. I’m grateful for my time there but as life often reminds us, nothing lasts forever. Business slowed and I moved my family and my interests to Washington in 2010.

 

I was hired as a general manager at a Seattle-based signage company– but the Pacific Northwest wasn’t Las Vegas. Seattle’s eco-friendly culture and aversion to light pollution meant the demand for illuminated signs was minimal. Besides, after 38 years in the industry, I craved a change. I wanted an adventure.

 

That’s when a friend in the loan industry suggested real estate. Heck, why not? The idea of helping people find their dream homes sounded appealing, so I got my license in 2020. Of course, the timing wasn’t ideal—lockdown made the opportunities to network slim, and the learning curve was difficult. Nevertheless, real estate pushed me out of my comfort zone: I was used to managing people and projects, but this job required nurturing connections and starting conversations with strangers. It wasn’t always easy, but helping clients find their dream homes made it worthwhile and exciting.

 

Around the same time, my personal life took a new direction as my marriage came to an end. While it was a challenging transition, I will always cherish the family life we built and the deep love I have for my children. In fact, I even had the incredible experience of delivering one of my sons—a moment I will treasure forever. This chapter taught me valuable lessons about the importance of nurturing relationships and how love thrives when given consistent care and attention. Through it all, I gained a deeper understanding of myself and what truly matters in life.

 

For someone who had always identified as a family man, I found myself questioning my purpose. What were my motivations now? My children had all grown up, but on occasion, still need their dad around. I wanted to connect with the community, so I joined the local Rotary Club and began organizing events. One of my favorite times of the year, is dressing up as an elf and entertaining children during holiday events. Watching their faces light up as I dance and play fills my heart. I also rediscovered my love for nature: hiking, camping, and playing pickleball in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. When I’m not working or exploring, I cherish time with my children and grandchildren.

 

Switching to real estate and rebuilding my life after divorce weren’t easy transitions, but they brought meaning back into my life. Today, I find fulfillment in helping others—whether it’s finding the perfect home, organizing a community event, or just bringing a smile to someone’s face. Life has a way of waking you up when you least expect it, and I’ve learned to embrace every twist and turn.

 

Helping people achieve homeownership is my greatest joy as a REALTOR®. I see it as my mission to guide clients through the buying or selling process with care, integrity, and a commitment to making the journey as smooth as possible. Whether it’s securing financing or arranging repairs, I’m fully invested in every step.

 

As a hands-on agent, I personally oversee every detail—from hiring tree cutters to coordinating inspections. I’m present and fully committed from start to finish. My goal is to relieve stress, ensure a positive experience, and foster lasting relationships with my clients that extend beyond the transaction. Few agents care as deeply as I do.

 

While I specialize in luxury listings, I’m equally passionate about helping anyone ready to buy or sell. Being part of such a significant decision—their home—is an honor. For me, it all comes down to helping others. That’s the main reason I’m in this industry: it’s my greatest pleasure to bring others joy through my work.

 

Take Care,

 

Bob Failing

REALTOR®

Direct 702.768.8760

Office 360.876.7600

bobfailing@johnlscott.com

www.bobfailing.com