Sometimes, life deals you cards you aren’t quite ready for. But I’ve found that facing those challenges head on can lead to unexpected strength and deeper gratitude.
It started with pain in my back, so I went to the chiropractor — and before I knew it, they were sending me to the ER. They admitted me to the hospital and found MRSA in my spine. They didn’t know how I got it. It could have been as small as a scratch that got infected. My mild concern turned into a life-threatening infection within a day. I was put on IV antibiotics and had to have surgery. From there, I was sent home to continue treatment. And a few months later, the infection came back and spread to my bones. My surgeon told me, “We don’t know how this ends.” It was unprecedented.
My wife Kim and I had just recently gotten married when all of this started. So we were putting the “in sickness and in health” part to the test right out of the gate. And she never wavered. She was there every single day, taking care of me, handling things I couldn’t, and all while running her own business as a massage and physical therapist.
My work in real estate was put on pause at the time. That was hard because I genuinely love what I do. After moving to North Carolina from upstate New York more than a decade ago, not knowing anyone, real estate gave me a way to connect with people and build a real community here. It was the basis of countless relationships that started as clients and turned into lifelong friends. Having to step away from that was tough.
But the hardest part — by far — was missing the birth of my grandson, Avery. I couldn’t be there. At the time, I couldn’t even walk. That crushed me. But it was also what motivated me to keep going. I kept telling myself, I’ve got to get better for him. I wanted to be a big part of his life, so I had to fight this.
After a second major surgery and a long stretch of rehab, I walked out of the hospital on my own two feet. My back is full of hardware now. I’ll be on antibiotics for the rest of my life. But I’m here. I’m walking. I’m living.
Going through all of that changed my perspective on time and my priorities. If something is important to me, I do it now, not later. Because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. And if something is going to cause more stress than it’s worth, I don’t bother with it. I’m really intentional about putting my time and energy toward the things that matter most: my family, my friends, my clients, and helping people when I can.
I’m incredibly close with my kids, Abbie and Aiden, and make frequent trips up north to see them. And Avery, now 2, is my whole world. He’s my little buddy, and we are constantly planning our next trip up or when they are coming down here to visit. My wife and I have really focused on having a balance between running our businesses and also making time for family, friends, and travel.
And as far as work, I’m grateful to be back doing what I love: helping people through major life changes, building relationships, and offering guidance and support. My goal has always been to connect people. Whether that’s finding the right home, introducing them to a great local business, or sharing my favorite things to do here. That’s where the name We Connect NC comes from. Because it’s about building relationships, supporting people, and helping them plug into the community here.
While getting sick came with a ton of challenges, it also gave me a deeper appreciation for the people in my life and the opportunity I have to show up for them every single day. And that is something I don’t take for granted.
When I work with clients, my goal is simple: to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. I’m here to guide you, answer your questions, and make sure you always feel informed and supported, whether you’re buying or selling. With my background in HVAC and construction management, I’m able to spot potential issues early on. Most of the time, I can predict what’s likely to show up on an inspection report, which means we can plan ahead, avoid last-minute surprises, and make smarter decisions. For buyers, that might mean steering clear of a home that could turn into a money pit, or helping you adjust your offer strategy. For sellers, it’s about addressing things proactively so you’re set up for a smoother sale. Either way, my focus is on protecting your investment and helping you make choices you feel good about.
Service really is at the heart of what I do. I stay involved every step of the way and even after closing because I genuinely care about the people I work with. I’m always here to answer questions, handle the details behind the scenes, and keep everything on track so you can focus on what matters most to you. Building lasting relationships is truly my favorite part of this business. One of my favorite things to do is put my chef background to use and give my clients homemade salsa in the summer and cookies in the winter. I love staying in touch and being here for you long after closing!
Sincerely,
Rob Brown