An interview with Tom in 2002 by the Pikes Peak Association of Realtors for their 100 Year Anniversary

“My number one interest has always been taking care of people,” said Tom Gorab, President and Broker of Bennett-Shellenberger Realty, Inc.

Gorab began in the real estate business in 1976. “My father wanted me to come to work for him to help in the property management division at Bennett-Shellenberger. My dream was to be in law enforcement, but decided to help my father, and found out I really enjoyed the real estate business.”

Gorab discovered working in real estate doesn’t necessarily mean constant self-promotion. “I have always felt real estate agents need to be professional consultants above being salespeople. I’ve learned giving people good service, treating them with respect and knowing the business results in a good reputation in the community. A good reputation is the best advertising a business can have, especially in real estate.”

After working in real estate for about five years, Gorab still had an interest in law enforcement. In 1981, he was presented with the opportunity to be part of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Reserve Unit. “ I didn’t want to leave the real estate business so this was the perfect opportunity for me to continue my real estate career as well as pursue a part-time career in law enforcement.”

Gorab feels the skills learned in both real estate and law enforcement work well together. “You can apply the same survival mentality principles used in law enforcement to the business world.”

In Gorab’s nearly 30 years in the real estate industry, the biggest change for him professionally was the transition from salesperson to company owner. Gorab’s father owned the company before he took it over in 1984.

However, Gorab’s father was not the original owner of the company. Bennett-Shellenberger Realty has been around since 1890 and is probably the oldest real estate agency in the state. “The name has been Bennett-Shellenberger since 1890. The company has changed locations several times, but the name has remained throughout.”

Gorab will never change the name because of the high values the original owners set forth. “I have a newspaper advertisement the company owners did in May 1922 that said, “We don’t arrogate ourselves to supremacy in our vocation. Only popular verdict not self-glorification can put one on such a pedestal.” Gorab said, “Once I read it, I knew I would keep the same name. I run the company with the same principle today.”

Gorab’s advice to people looking at pursuing a career in real estate is, “to be serious – my business is based on my passion. Learn how to do the little things right, don’t skip any steps and learn the business well.” He always tells his clients, “I don’t know what you are going to buy or when you are going to buy it, but I know how to get you there.”

Above all, Gorab feels, “live the values and principles that are most important – respect, responsibility, honesty, and humility. These measure who you are.”

Tom's Philosophy

There are many qualities and skills that go into being an excellent real estate professional - integrity, in-depth community and market knowledge, marketing savvy, effective negotiation skills and a high-quality professional network. Also, being accessible, being a good listener and communicator, and responding quickly to your needs are all elements I consider essential.

That said, in my 30 years experience as a Colorado Springs real estate professional, I've also found that providing the very best service centers on one goal - to give my clients FULL EXPOSURE TO ALL OF THEIR OPTIONS SO THEY CAN MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION. This means understanding our client's needs, following a productive and progressive approach in giving them full exposure to their choices. 

We offer the complete package to get it done right. Using the latest technologies and having a full staff enable me to do everything I've always done, only much more quickly and efficiently. They also help to extend the range of services I provide to my clients.

When you decide that you'd like to buy or sell a home in the Colorado Springs area, please contact me.