A 100% blocked artery didn’t just stop my heart—it forced me to completely rebuild my life.

In 2021, I couldn't recognize myself. I'd gone from being a lover of life to someone who had lost his passion and self-esteem. I'd gained a significant amount of weight, felt frustrated with my career, and fell into a deep depression. I had to get myself out of that hole—no one else could do it for me. Getting my real estate license became that ray of motivation.

You may wonder how I ended up in such depression. When I was 32, I discovered I had a genetic predisposition that led to a 100% blockage in my main heart artery. At the time, I was living in Atlanta with an ex-partner, managing about 40 stores and handling everything from training and merchandising to relocations and new store openings. The job was stressful, but I enjoyed it.

One day, I was home alone when I began to feel cold and sweaty, with a strange sensation in my chest, as if a vacuum cleaner were pulling through my veins. I called my mom and sister, but they didn't answer. Finally, I called an ambulance. Paramedics carried me down the stairs from my second-floor apartment, and by the time I reached the hospital, the staff erupted in urgency as they realized I was having a massive heart attack. My heart indeed stopped and I had to be resuscitated. The doctor hit me with paddles three times, I was told, and it didn't work. The doctor then injected adrenaline directly into my chest. I woke up gasping for air, with someone straddling me, and pulling the needle out of my chest. The room buzzed with relief that I had survived.

 Life was never the same after that. My ex left me, unable to handle my health condition, and I found myself only able to take very low-stress jobs. I was working at a bakery when my former boss called to offer me my old job as a divisional merchandiser at a furniture store. I jumped at the chance, but after a year, the stress caught up with me again. I landed back in the hospital, where doctors discovered my heart wasn't functioning properly. They implanted a pacemaker-defibrillator combination in my chest to regulate my heart rhythm and protect me from sudden cardiac events. Once again, I had to leave my job and focus on recovery.

 Throughout my 30s and 40s, I underwent several heart surgeries, including a quadruple bypass and multiple procedures to replace broken leads in my pacemaker. Things spiraled downward: I was unable to work and was placed on disability. What people don't realize is that disability income is capped at $1,700 per month. There I was, labeled as "disabled" and mounting medical bills I couldn't pay. It all messed with my psyche and my self-esteem hit an all-time low.

Despite my depression and frustration, I had an important realization: I may be physically disabled, but not mentally. I still had value to offer. I wanted to prove to myself that I could work again, do good in the world, and make a good living. That became my main motivation to get my real estate license—to invite vitality and purpose back into my life.

I'm incredibly grateful to have found exactly what I was looking for in real estate. This journey has taught me not to take life for granted. It's short and can change in an instant. I value my friends and family deeply, and I don't tolerate negativity or dishonesty. Having faced death several times, I've become really good at enjoying what I have now.

 Part of that enjoyment includes spending time with my spouse, hosting parties, rollerblading, being outside, and hanging out with dogs. I'm thankful every day for the chance to work, serve clients meaningfully, and love life.

I’m known for creating transactions that feel calm and stress-free from beginning to end. My clients often tell me how supported they feel. I take pride in managing every detail so the situation is non-stressful for all parties involved. I believe in going above and beyond—not just as a professional, but as a person—leading with heart so that clients often become lasting relationships.

I run a referral-based business grounded in genuine connection, trust, and positive energy. I’m honest, transparent, and straightforward, guiding my clients with clarity and professionalism. I stay humble, approachable, and fully available. My clients know they can reach me whenever they need guidance or reassurance.

With strong marketing expertise, I make sure every property receives maximum exposure and attention. Most importantly, I am fully committed to the people I serve. My goal is not just to close a deal, but to create an experience that feels supportive and truly stress-free from start to finish.

 

With gratitude,

  

 

 

Ralph Verna