Hidden Gems: Meet Asa Barnes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Asa Barnes.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As a kid, I always enjoyed the music. My mother was an amazing singer and I enjoyed being in front of people. I sang and played drums through middle school and high school and I decided to attend Missouri Western State University to pursue a degree in Music Education. After receiving my degree in 2003, I returned to my school district (Hickman Mills) to teach band to kids in 5th-12th grade. During that time, I also sang professionally with several musical groups around Kansas City. I also auditioned and advanced to the “Hollywood” auditions twice for American Idol (2004 and 2008). In 2010, I relocated to San Diego, CA and taught middle school band and orchestra. While in California, I also performed professionally and was exposed to diverse styles of performance and acting. Unfortunately, I had to move back to Kansas City in 2011 and I had to change careers since there were no teaching jobs available at the time. After two years, I returned to the classroom and continued to teach vocal music fully and part-time for the Kansas City, MO school district and several charter schools.

During the course of my education career, I knew that I loved music/entertainment and I had accomplished a lot. However, my desires changed and I wanted to inspire people while making a living on my own terms. In 2018, I took a leap of faith and went into business for myself as a real estate professional. My life has totally changed and I am more successful and fulfilled now than I’ve ever been. Today I still continue to sing with some of the best performers in Kansas City. I also teach voice privately to young singers. I even make additional income as a voice-over artist for a few companies. Sometimes I never know what I’m going to do each day and I really enjoy it.

My goal is to continue building my real estate business and performing locally and nationally. I also plan to release more music and continue to build my brand. My path is unique and I’ve embraced it wholeheartedly.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No it has not been easy at all. In 2000, I lost my mother to breast cancer. It was tough for me because at the time I wanted to drop out and pursue music full time. Before she passed, my mother made me promise to complete my degree. I’m glad she did that because I needed stability in my life to get employed and establish a foundation.

I also went through a tough divorce that emotionally put my life on hold for a few years. I questioned my worth as a man and my desires to perform professionally. However, that pain forced me to write three songs and create my first original music project entitled “It’s Complicated.”

More recently, I had a major orthopedic surgery that has slowed me down somewhat. Physical ability and health are a big deal to me and I can’t run or exercise the way I used to. I’m learning that even though I’ve experienced this setback, it’s minor in the grand scheme of things. My value is not based upon how strong I am or even my physical presence. My value is based on the way I make people feel and my ability to help them wherever they are in life.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a realtor, I am responsible for helping people navigate the real estate process. I am an advocate, a consultant, a counselor, and a trusted friend. I specialize in the buying and selling of residential real estate in Kansas and Missouri. I’m known for my positive attitude, prompt response time, and knowledge of the industry.

What sets me apart are the continued follow-ups, visits, and cards for my clients after the transaction has finished. My clients know that I genuinely care about them and want them to succeed. I want people to know that real estate is one of the most profitable tools to achieving financial freedom. It takes time, but if you’re patient, you can change the course of your life and leave a legacy for others. Keller Williams is a leader in the real estate industry that provides industry disruptive technology and a community of forward-thinking professionals who relentlessly work to provide an elite experience for the people they serve.

How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is seeing others get what they want. At the end of the day people want to be happy. There are billions of people on the planet because we are put here to serve each other. I enjoyed seeing a kid play a trumpet solo for the first time and I taught him how to play. I enjoy seeing families purchase their first home and the look on their faces when they receive their keys. I enjoy hearing from individuals how my music has changed their lives. My life has been about service and I have been blessed and made a living because of this mindset. Zig Ziglar said, “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help other people get what they want.” I strongly believe that.

Contact Info:

• Email: asabarnes@kw.com
• Website: https://propertyprince.kw.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePropertyPrince/?ref=page_internal

Image Credits
Desmond McIntyre Dignified Digital