Becoming a father shifted my priorities overnight. In search of something meaningful, my brother’s unexpected idea set me on a wild and unpredictable path––a real estate career I never saw coming.
My life hasn’t been without challenges, and each one has shaped who I am today, leaving me no choice but to succeed.
I went to college with the goal of becoming a civil engineer. School came easy—I was often ahead of the class—so I took a break to serve a Mormon mission in Alaska, selling the most difficult thing imaginable: religion. That experience introduced me to the world of sales, and I quickly discovered that not only did I enjoy it, but I excelled at it.
After spending 2 years in the frigid temperatures of Alaska, I returned to Utah to finish my degree.
But everything changed when my girlfriend became pregnant. I dropped out to become a father and provide for my new family. My brother, who owned a bookstore, offered me a managerial position. It was stable, but the income was humble at best. He was also an author and motivational speaker, and one day, he pitched an idea: I should become a REALTOR®. I had never considered it, but he made a good point—I had a natural way with people, and I enjoyed sales.
Determined to launch my new career, I took the graveyard shift at a gas station, working from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. so I could attend real estate school during the day and somehow keep moving forward. I got my license in 1992 and sold my first home shortly thereafter. Within a year, I had earned my first six-figure income.
For the next 32 years, real estate became my world. I earned my license in multiple states, including Utah, California, Florida, and Montana, and built a thriving career. At one point, I even opened a brokerage in Mexico, helping American and Canadian snowbirds find homes in warmer climates.
While living in Mexico, I trained timeshare salespeople in the art of selling—the second most difficult sale in the world, after religion. But my relentless drive came at a steep cost. My personal life suffered, leading to multiple divorces and custody battles. I represented myself in court and fought for my children—battles I won. Just when I thought I had it all, living the dream in Mexico, my life took an even darker turn. I was abducted. Kidnapped. Held hostage for four days. I barely escaped with my life—but I lost so much more. That experience changed everything, forcing me to reevaluate my goals, my priorities, and what truly mattered.
I returned to the U.S. with less than pennies to my name—my life savings were gone. Everything I had worked for, lost! With nowhere else to turn, I moved back in with my parents to regroup. During that time, I reflected on everything I had been through. I realized that holding onto resentment was keeping me stuck. A former partner once told me that forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves—a way to break free from pain. So I made a choice: I forgave, let go of the past, and committed to rebuilding. I returned to real estate in Utah and slowly regained everything I had lost. Within my first 10 months back, I became one of the top REALTORS® in the state. More importantly, I found balance. Today, I run a small, boutique brokerage in Utah—a true family business, where my children work alongside me, learning the trade firsthand. My 3 children—Taylor, Cody, and Brooklyn—are my greatest motivation, and one day, they will take over the businesses I’ve built. When I retire—again—I know everything will be in good hands.
Looking back, I’ve learned that life is about moving forward. The past doesn’t define us—but how we respond to its challenges does. With over 32 years of experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every transaction. I’ve negotiated thousands of deals—including over 200 homes in a single year—and have seen it all. My clients know me for making miracles happen, thinking outside the box, and finding creative solutions to complex transactions. I specialize in turning the impossible into possible. One of my greatest strengths is negotiation. I relentlessly advocate for my clients, ensuring they get the best possible deal and maximizing their financial outcomes. My approach is confident, strategic, and backed by years of experience—not only from my own journey but also by learning from the mistakes of others. Availability is a core value in my business. I answer my phone, and if I ever miss a call, I return it promptly. My clients never have to chase me down. When you work with me, you can expect strong representation, expert guidance, and a commitment to getting you the best results possible. Sincerely,
Roger William Berg Broker-Owner (385) 283-2499 roger@realestatewithroger.us www.realestatewithroger.us
