Every week we share a story with you from someone who’s found their freedom with United Country. From buyers to sellers, from brokers to managers – everyone in the United Country family has a story. Today’s post comes from Jason Draheim, marketing and sales consultant with our affiliate in Stevens Point, Wis.
I enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 1999. It was peacetime, but I soon found myself in the mountains of Afghanistan the following September. I served a grueling first tour there and returned quietly aboard the USS Constellation to a locked down port (San Diego/Coronado Harbor).
We had a 6-month break before returning to the Middle East. This time we were inserted into Iraq. I was wounded eight months into this tour and returned home to rehabilitate.
After a full recovery, I rejoined my unit to lead my reconnaissance squad to our third tour. Only five of the original eight members remained.
I would go on to receive combat wounds once again . . . only 14 days from our return date.
This time after recovery, I was given the option to train Marines or end my active service to return home to Wisconsin. It was a difficult decision to make.
Since I would no longer be allowed to fight next to my Marines, I returned to Wisconsin to pursue my goals in the natural resources field by earning my degree in Resource Management – Land Use Planning with an emphasis in Soil Science.
The job market being poor due to economic conditions made finding a specialized position in natural resources difficult.
Through a mutual friend I met Mike Wittry, broker and owner of United Country – Central Wisconsin Realty. Mike presented United Country’s unique position among other real estate franchises, and I was blown away.
It wasn’t only the marketing approaches that impressed me, but also the sense of belonging United Country provides. This is very appealing to me as a Marine. As a bonus, I was still working with land and resources!
Today I live on Lake DuBay in central Wisconsin, and have had some early successes selling lake property and gaining lake listings in the area due to my knowledge of this body of water and its amenities.
I’m enjoying every minute and look forward to my future here working with Mike and with all the United family!
Thank you, Jason, for serving our country and protecting our freedom. We’re glad you’re finding YOUR freedom with United Country!
If you’ve found your freedom with United Country, please send us your story to be featured in a future blog post!
