When I retired from the military, I knew my mission to serve was far from over.
After 20 years and 19 days in the Marine Corps, it was time for a new chapter. I wanted to build something of my own while still making a positive impact on those around me. More than anything, I wanted to prioritize my family. All of these factors led me to real estate.
My parents instilled in me the values of hard work, faith, and perseverance. My father, a truck driver, led by example—sacrificing for our family, putting others first, and never making excuses. My mother pursued her education later in life and became a teacher, and together they encouraged us to do the same, knowing it was the key to a better future. But out of high school, I wasn’t sure I was ready for college. Competitive by nature, I needed something that would challenge me, push me forward, and give me a real sense of purpose.
In December of 1994, I joined the Marine Corps on a delayed entry program. It was a commitment to do something productive, to make something of myself. I remember coming home and casually telling my parents, "Guess what? I joined the Marine Corps today." It took them a while to warm up to the idea, but they always supported me, no matter what I chose to do.
That decision took me across the world. I deployed multiple times, spent nine months in Iraq, and was even sent to the USS Cole after it was bombed to help restore communications. There were many positive experiences, from getting paid to play basketball for a base team to having my family live abroad with me. While I was serving as a detachment commander at U.S. embassies, my kids attended an international school alongside the children of diplomats and high-ranking officials, had personal drivers, and were exposed to different cultures in a way most military families never get to experience.
Through all the deployments, training, and opportunities, my body eventually started telling me it was time to move on. So, I made the leap to real estate. Initially, I was focused on networking and investments, working with investors who assured me a license wasn’t necessary. But when COVID-19 hit, hard money lenders froze their funds, and everything came to a halt—except for those who had their real estate licenses. While I was stuck on the sidelines, they were still able to operate. That was my wake-up call. I dedicated two months to a crash-course study program, passed my exams, and in 2020, officially became a real estate agent, opening the door to so much more.
One of my mentors once told me a Zig Ziglar quote, "If you help enough people get what they want, you’ll get everything you want." I took that to heart, focusing on serving others, mastering my craft, and providing real value to my clients. As a result, my business has steadily grown into a people-first service I’m proud of.
Through it all, my wife, Davida, has been my rock. We’ve been married for 29 years, and she has supported every new venture of mine with patience and faith. She’s currently in school pursuing her BSN but is also training to become a transaction coordinator to join me in the business. Real estate has become a vehicle for financial independence, building a legacy, and making a meaningful impact on others. I want to build something sustainable, something that allows me to spend time with my family, give back to my community, and help others succeed.
In real estate, I see my role as more than just helping clients buy or sell a home—I’m guiding them on a long-term journey to build wealth and security. Whether it’s a first-time buyer, a homeowner looking to invest, or a business owner transitioning from leasing to owning, I approach every transaction as a partnership. My focus is on education, ensuring clients understand not just the buying and selling process but how to use real estate to create financial stability. I’m here to support you on your journey, providing value that extends far beyond a single transaction.
Ultimately, I prioritize people over profit. I always serve my clients’ best interests, providing total transparency and giving honest advice. That integrity has built lasting relationships, which has been the foundation of my business. The greatest compliment a client can give me is referring me to their friends and family, trusting me to provide the same level of care and guidance they received. My goal isn’t just to close deals—it’s to build trust, provide knowledge, and help people create a stronger financial future through real estate.
Sincerely,
Gabriel McKnight
REALTOR® | LIC# 02112207
Direct 619.988.7998
Office 951.816.6565