Danielson began investing in distressed real estate at age 21. In 2001 he decided to make real estate his career, partly for the flexibility it gave him to spend time with his newborn daughter Peyton. Three years ago, he opened a branch of USA 4 percent Realty, a small Minneapolis-based company that charges 4 percent commissions. “I saw it as a way to gain an edge,” he says. Competitors warned him he’d fail, but he knew he’d prove them wrong after he secured eight listings within the first four months. Last year, he personally closed 84 transactions and more than $13 million in sales. When he’s not working, he enjoys golf and spending time with Peyton, now 4, whom he’s raising as a single parent.
Getting bigger: Danielson owns his own office building and has three administrative assistants and four salespeople.
Marketing strategy: He gets results— usually about one transaction per placement—by placing a $475 full-page ad in his local newspaper twice a month. Each ad includes his promise of understanding, service, and accountability.