No matter how hard things get or how impossible success seems, I’ve learned that there’s always a way forward—you just have to be willing to work for it.

 

When I first came to America in 1998 from the Czech Republic, I had nothing but a bag of clothes and $700 in my pocket. I didn’t speak a word of English. I wanted to make something of myself, and I was willing to work for it.

 

My work ethic has been a defining factor in my life. Wrestling in school taught me discipline, and the Czech military reinforced it, pushing me to be resilient and adapt to any challenge. That mindset carried over into everything I’ve done—when I started selling cars at 21, I knew nothing about the business, but within six months, I became a top salesman. When I commit to something, I give it everything I have.

 

My first job in America was cleaning stores—Walmart, Kmart, Target, grocery stores, gyms—you name it, I cleaned it. It was exhausting, but I was grateful for the opportunity. As I worked, I taught myself English and slowly moved up. It wasn’t my plan to stay in America long-term, but before I knew it, I needed a car, then a house, and then had two kids. I went from being a cleaner to managing teams, overseeing 130-plus employees across 35 Walmarts and 25 Targets. From there, I built my own commercial cleaning company in Maryland, running it for over a decade—handling contracts, managing employees, and constantly problem-solving to keep the business running smoothly. 

 

But with time, I began to feel burnt out from the cleaning business. It didn’t matter that I was running a million-dollar business successfully. My clients treated me as “just a cleaner.” It was a 24/7 job balancing the needs of store managers with overseeing my employees. I put in the hours, the dedication, and everything I had, but I realized I was never going to feel true fulfillment in commercial cleaning. That’s when I knew I had to walk away.

 

In 2019, I decided to pivot and start a new career in real estate. I had no connections, no sphere of influence. I was starting from scratch all over again, but I was confident my honest approach and work ethic would get me far. And sure enough, in my first year in real estate, I sold 28 homes. And I kept going! I built my business the way I built everything else in my life: through relentless hard work, adaptability, and a commitment to honesty and integrity. I didn’t chase commissions. I focused on people. If a house isn’t right for my client, I tell them. If I can negotiate a better deal, I fight for it like it is my own money on the line.

 

Real estate is such an exciting career for me because I see the impact of what I do every day. I see families moving into their dream homes, sellers walking away with more money than they expected, and clients genuinely grateful for my help. And that, to me, is everything—the ultimate motivation. Hard work, honesty, and persistence will take you as far as you’re willing to go. As Arnold Schwarzenegger said, "YOU CAN HAVE RESULTS OR EXCUSES, not BOTH!" I choose results.

 

Now, I get to enjoy what I’ve built. I have time to spend with my wife and kids, travel, stay active, and appreciate the freedom I worked so hard to create. Looking back, I see that every challenge, every late night, and every setback was just part of the process. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success isn’t about where you start, but about how hard you’re willing to work to achieve your goals.

 

When it comes to real estate, I’m fully invested in making sure every client reaches the best outcome. I take this process seriously because I know it’s one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. That’s why I don’t rush my clients, pressure them into decisions, or sugarcoat anything just to close a deal. My approach is built on honesty, trust, integrity, and making sure you have all the right information to make the best choice for you. If I don’t know the answer to something, I’ll research, find the right solution, and get back to you with the facts.

 

I also believe in constantly learning and staying ahead of the market. Real estate is always evolving, and I make it a priority to keep up with new strategies, trends, and opportunities that could benefit my clients. Whether it’s negotiating the best deal, spotting potential issues with a property, or helping you maximize the value of your home, I bring my full attention and expertise to every transaction. My goal is simple: to make this process as smooth and rewarding for you as possible while ensuring you walk away knowing you got the best possible deal.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Paul Bittner

REALTOR® | LIC #680913