Meet James White | Realtor/Lender

We had the good fortune of connecting with James White and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
I believe that long before I decided to become self employed I decided to instill in myself to be the very best version of myself. To develop a strong work committment and to treat people the way that I would like to be treated. I have been committed to completing the task at hand and to provide the very best customer service that I possibly could.
Growing up in the Jim Crow south and watching my dad work 3 jobs to support 6 children was the model that I have to draw upon.
At the age of 13 I began working in a segregated resturant as a busboy, (blacks were not allowed) the black staff had to enter thru the back door. I contunied to work in that enviorenment until I graduated from high school and moved to California.
I believe that I dedicated myself to be part of the solution in every position that I have ever had from the age of 13. While in the Air Force as a non-commissioned officer and on to my time in middle management with Goodyear, I felt that it was my responsibility to mentor as many young people who look like me to the best of my ability.
I felt that rather than complain about issues, get involved and try to make a difference. I have always had positive male images in my life who were patient with me and helped me along the way with words of encouragement.
So, I guess that I have always committed myself to the goal at hand and tried to remain as focused as I could possibly be.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
A little about my background: Enlisted in the U.S. Airforce in March 1969, six years active duty and 2 years active reserves. After I left the Airforce I worked as an assistant manager for a department store chane and later went to work for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as a manager trainee in their retail division. I moved through the ranks as an assistant manager, to store manager. I managed three different Goodyear retail stores in the L.A. area. The last store that I managed was the largest store within the entire corporation. It included; retail, wholesale auto tires, wholesale truck tires as well as a retread plant. After a short time managing that store I was promoted to district manager at the rip old age of 31. During that assignment I supervised retail stores from Los Angeles inner city to stores in Las Vegas, NV. My next assigment was as a Business Consultant for Goodyear Franchise Tire Dealers. I worked with Dealers in the South Bay of Los Angeles to Central California as well as the state of Arizona. I left the Goodyear Corporation to become a Goodyear Franchisee in Riverside, CA. Opened my first store in 1987 and later grew to 3 locations all in Riverside. In 1993 I sold the operation to a much larger franchisee.
Upon the sale of my business I took a job as a branch manager for Wells Fargo Bank and 4 years later I left the bank and became a mortgage lender (independant) 1997. I have been self employed in that capacity ever since.
Along the way I learned in order to be successful you have to be patient and provide the best customer service possible and to be able to with stand the ups and downs that go along with being an entrupernal. Most of all you have to be very flexible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When out of town guests visit, it depends on the season. My favorite sport is golf so, most of my friends are also golfers. We would certainly get at least two rounds of golf in at a local golf course.
Most everyone would like to visit of course Hollywood. If they have never been to Los Angeles I would be certain to show them around Watts, Compton because that is an intrical part of L.A. If it is during basketball season we would attend a Lakers or Clippers game (whichever is available).
Go to the best soulfood resturant (in my opinion) in LA, Harold & Belles.
Visit one of the beaches, Newport or Huntington

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are several persons to whom I am greatful for, they are: My parents; Joseph and Estelle White and my daughter; Nakita M. White (my parents were married for 72 years both are now decesed (dad: Mar. 6, 2020; mom: July 26, 2021) my daughter passed away Dec. 16, 2021.

Other: Sorry I don’t do too much social media. I do have a facebook page (James White)

Image Credits
Family