I picked up the phone and clicked the name on the screen, Kevin. As the line started ringing, I heard the words echoing in my head—everything I wanted to say to him. “I quit. I’m dropping out of school. I can’t do this anymore.”

Weeks earlier, I suffered a major knee injury in an accident. Since then, I’d been hobbling around in a cast on crutches. It was my sophomore year in college and navigating around campus was a lot harder than I imagined. I lived on the second floor and constantly fell narrowly avoiding further injury by tossing my crutches aside. I’d always been an active, resilient person; moreover, it was part of my identity. Even in high school, a hockey injury, resulting in a broken back, didn’t stop me from attending class… I walked around in an upper body cast for three months. This time was different. I lost all the sports I’d been playing, and I couldn’t get to class without a struggle and disorientation.

I was frustrated by these new limitations, and it kept getting worse. The pain medication clouded my thoughts and every day I grappled with the confusion of where and when I was supposed to be somewhere. Repeatedly, I would find myself in the wrong classroom at the wrong time and even accidentally crutched into the women’s restroom. I was completely out of it. All my life I was a top student, I worked hard, and my studies came easily. I couldn’t get past the confusion, my grades slipped, and I struggled to keep up. I knew others had endured more difficult times, yet the thought of future days of frustration was overwhelming.

That’s when my stepdad (Kevin) answered the phone and listened to my plea, he calmly suggested, “Alright, you can quit. But why don’t you give it two weeks to make the decision.” Sure, whatever… soon I’d be home, done with school societal pressures for good. A few days later, I quit taking the medication. The familiar pain was bearable, and I was regaining clarity.

Life, and Kevin, taught me a lesson directing the course of the rest of my life. PERSPECTIVE. I came from humble beginnings, I hadn’t appreciated the handmade costumes my mom spent hours crafting, the bargain clothes or the cable TV we couldn’t afford. Today, I see loving parents who worked tirelessly and sacrificed to give my brothers and me a great education. I realized their boundless love and support, which had always been there, and it was a reminder of the importance of patience, hard work, and the support of family, mentors, and friends in overcoming life's obstacles. Parents who had the wisdom to know activities, memories, and opportunities are what power through life’s obstacles.

Following my passion and learning from life’s experiences I found a deep passion in the profession of real estate. I love spending my time with my wife Melanie and my beautiful daughter Maxwell Olivia, hiking, skiing, hockey, and enjoying everything there is here in the Pacific Northwest. As a REALTOR®, I thrive on helping people break through their limitations and achieve their dreams through real estate.

Every home is distinct, every one of us is different and each real estate transaction is unique. I take the time to explain the facts, giving you the information to make the best decision. Ultimately the choice is yours, and you should never be pressured. I want to be your advisor, helping to ensure the achievement of your future goals. With my background in wealth management and real estate investing, I have the credentials necessary to protect your interests every step of the way. I appreciate the importance of having a solid foundation and proper support. After years of being ranked #1 in my corporate real estate office, I founded the brokerage Upside Properties, a cutting-edge brokerage of Top Agents with local expertise and a global reach focused on true connections with clients. I operate and leverage a team of qualified professionals to transform the process of real estate into a white-glove experience.

Once we get started, my goal is to help your success both in real estate and your future… that is why I'll be here as your REALTOR for life.


Sincerely, 

Brian Side
Managing Broker – Owner | Realtor