“Our major attraction is providing clients with the little and often-overlooked customer services when dealing with buying or selling a home,” said Campbell, president of Asset Realty, 8411 Olive Blvd.
Campbell, a graduate of Southwest High School in St. Louis and Columbia College in Columbia, Mo. with a business degree, worked for McDonnell Douglas, Xerox and At&T, gaining practical business knowledge to runhis real estate firm.
“After I was fired from AT&T, I started my company. I look at my firing as a blessing. I don’t think I would have had started my business if I were not fired from At&T,” Campbell said.
With each client, Campbell said, he has been able to earn the practical experience to provide expert and complete customer service.
“I work very hard to keep my clients happy, and that keeps them referring customers,” Campbell said.
The 45-year-old Campbell started his independently-owned and -operated real estate business in December 1989 inside his home.
Today, Asset Realty employs five sales associates, who perform various duties. Campbell credits attorney Charles Polk for giving his business sound advice and counsel for several years.
“Our staff buys and sells homes, handles foreclosures and performs various real estate brokerage concerns for clients,” he said.
Asset also buys old homes for cash, rebuilds them and sells them, Campbell said.
“Most of our clients and business are referrals,” said Campbell, who believes he has provided service to thousands of residents.
“Today, we are selling houses to our client’s children and grandchildren.”
Shareef Shabazz, president of Action Asset Management of St. Louis, 2304 Tower Grove, credits Campbell with helping him launch his real estate and tax service business.
“I learned a lot from Campbell when I worked for him at Asset. He inspired me to start my own company,” said Shabazz.
“David is a very highly intelligent guy and very good with clients. He works hard to get the best for everyone involved. He was very significant in getting me to the next level of this business.”
Tara Griffin, Asset Realty office manager, said Campbell is helping groom her and other young adults interested in pursuing a career in real estate.
“He inspired me to earn my real estate license and shows me how to treat clients. He is pretty good with clients,” said Griffin, who is looking to have an independent business in the future.
“(David) is a real hard worker. He works around the clock, weekends and even Sundays.”
Campbell said he loves to employ young adults as interns to teach them the real estate business.
“I make it a point to give back. I think it’s very important to give back to the community and to provide opportunities for young people to learn,” Campbell said.
Campbell also gives credit to his successful business to his late wife, Stephanie, who died Oct. 25, 2001.
Campbell said his parents, Zack and Charlene Campbell, stepped in and helped him during the three years after his wife died.
“They were there to support me during this difficult time by working around the office. Without my parents and my staff, Asset Realty would not be as successful,” Campbell said.
Campbell said he earned his real estate license while he was employed at McDonnell Douglas and began working part-time for the former Ira E. Berry now known as Coldwell Banker.
Campbell has served on the board of directors for the St. Louis Association of Realtors and served as a director for the Missouri Association of Realtors.
