Tony Georr
SEPTEMBER 2023 COVER STORY
PHOTOS BY KENNETH BAUCUM PHOTOGRAPHY | STORY BY ZACHARY COHEN
Never Give Up
Born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, Tony first came to the US in 2000, when he traveled to Los Angeles to photograph the World Championship Of Arts sponsored by former vice president Al Gore. Tony had no intention of going back to Lebanon before obtaining his citizenship.
“It's everybody’s dream to be in the United States,” Tony says frankly. “I was born in 1974 and grew up during the civil war in Beirut. It wasn't a childhood that any parent would wish for their kids, but it was an experience that taught me how to appreciate opportunities later on in life."
After working as a dental technician for eight years in California to obtain his citizenship, Tony moved to Tulsa in 2009 amid the recession. His wife Priscilla followed him in 2010.
“I came to Tulsa to drive a taxi. I had a friend who lived in California and moved out here, and he drove a cab and knew my situation. It was a financially dramatic situation after the crash. He hooked me up, and Tulsa was affordable, so that’s what brought me here,” Tony reflects.
Tony came to Tulsa to get out of debt, but soon enough, he fell in love with the community. He found people to be kind and laid back, and soon, he decided to make Tulsa his permanent home.
Real Estate Calls
Tony drove a cab in Tulsa for the next seven years. By 2016, ride-sharing companies began taking significant market share from taxi drivers, and Tony saw the writing on the wall. He needed a different career.
“We couldn't make a living anymore. I was looking for real estate classes on Facebook because, one day, I picked up a broker from Florida early in the morning to give a ride to the airport. She is the one who encouraged me to get my license,” Tony reflects. “So I saw an ad on Facebook: Get your real estate license in ten days for $350. I applied. I went and took the course, paid the tuition, and it took me six attempts to get my license because I didn’t have any educational background. But with two little kids, I didn't have any other options but to keep trying. Finally with the amazing support of my wife Priscilla, who had tremendous faith in me, I obtained my license.”
The five years Tony spent as a photographer and the seven years he spent driving a cab has helped him significantly. Through pure grit, he closed 27 homes in 2017, building a strong reputation for his integrity and service. From then on, his business soared.
Fast forward six years and Tony is the team leader of The Tony Georr Realty Group at eXp Realty, which closed over $10 million in 2022. There are four agents on the team, including his wife, Priscilla.
Tony is now looking to take the next step in his career. He’s in the process of getting his broker’s license with the intent to open his own brokerage in the future. He also recently founded an investment company, Ray N Dav Properties, which is named after his sons.
“It’s all about helping other agents,” he says. “Traditional brokerages hire agents, provide them with the tools and education, and send them out to seek business. My vision is to do what nobody else is doing — one on one support, provide them with leads, coach them properly, hold them accountable, and teach them how to invest.”
A New Life
Tony feels tremendous gratitude for his life. Just six years ago, he couldn’t imagine the success he’s enjoying. Real estate has brought great joy and abundance into his life.
“I have a lot of passion for real estate because it changed my life. I feel like it can change anyone's life that is willing to put the work into it. I am very passionate about that,” Tony says. “From being in a difficult financial situation to becoming a businessman, an entrepreneur, and an investor making six figures, with a lot to show for… I’ve gained a reputation and respect.
“This is what advice I’d share about my journey: Take advantage of the opportunities that this country has to offer. Take action. Don’t just aim; pull the trigger! If you miss, that’s okay. Shoot again. Believe that there's a light at the end of the tunnel. If you can't see it, keep moving forward until you see it. It's that simple. Keep hammering that wall until it falls, and you'll see what’s behind it. Keep going.”
Family Legacy
Tony and Priscilla have been married since 2006. They have two boys, Raymond (11) and David (9), who enjoy boy scouts, soccer, basketball, and chess. Tony and his family enjoy traveling, especially to Lebanon and California, to visit family and friends. “We are living the dream.”
