Episode 413 - Bill Risser's Personal Updates: Life Beyond Real Estate

In this episode, I, Bill Risser, take the opportunity to discuss several personal reflections and significant events occurring in my life. I emphasize the importance of colorectal cancer awareness, particularly the necessity of scheduling colonoscopies for those eligible, as I participated in a local awareness walk. Additionally, I share my enthusiasm for the impending baseball season and my plans to celebrate opening day in San Diego, where I will also engage in social activities with friends. Furthermore, I express my heartfelt sentiments regarding a visit to my friend John Bjorlie, who is navigating the challenges of terminal prostate cancer. Lastly, I look forward to attending the TechCon 2025 in Fort Myers, where I anticipate gaining insights from esteemed speakers, some of whom have previously shared their expertise on this platform.

A rich narrative unfolds within the confines of this episode of the Real Estate Sessions, as host Bill Risser shares an intimate glimpse into his life and the various themes that shape his experiences. The observance of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month emerges as a central motif, where Bill recounts his involvement in a local awareness walk. This event serves not merely as a backdrop but as a catalyst for a broader discussion on health awareness and the imperative of regular screenings. Bill's earnest advocacy for colonoscopies is underscored by his personal reflections, urging listeners to prioritize their health and consider the critical nature of early detection. His message resonates with urgency and sincerity, illuminating the often-overlooked importance of preventive health measures within the community.

Transitioning from health to personal enjoyment, Bill expresses his palpable excitement for the forthcoming baseball season, particularly as he prepares to celebrate opening day in San Diego. This segment of the episode is infused with nostalgia and warmth as he reminisces about past experiences shared with friends. The communal aspect of sports becomes apparent, highlighting how these shared moments foster connections and enrich personal relationships. Bill's reflections on the Tampa Bay Rays and the challenges of their current season serve as a reminder of the integral role that local sports play in community dynamics, illustrating how they can act as a unifying force amid diverse backgrounds.

Additionally, the episode poignantly addresses the theme of friendship and resilience as Bill prepares to visit his ailing friend John Bjorlie, who is navigating the complexities of terminal cancer. This narrative thread introduces a layer of vulnerability, emphasizing the importance of companionship and emotional support during life's most challenging moments. Bill's commitment to maintaining their friendship amidst adversity underscores the profound impact that relationships can have on our lives. The episode concludes with Bill anticipating his participation in TechCon 2025, signifying his dedication to continuous learning and professional development within the real estate sector. This episode serves as a multifaceted exploration of personal anecdotes, community engagement, and the importance of relationships, leaving listeners with a deep sense of connection and reflection on the themes presented.

Takeaways:

• Bill Risser reflects on his nearly 25-year journey within the real estate industry, highlighting the significance of storytelling in connecting with guests.
• The importance of colorectal cancer awareness is emphasized, particularly the necessity of regular screenings for individuals at risk.
• Risser shares his excitement for the opening day of baseball season, showcasing the personal joy and community connection it brings.
• A heartfelt acknowledgment is made regarding his friend John Bjorlie, who is battling terminal prostate cancer, illustrating the power of friendship in difficult times.
• The...

Episode Transcript

(00:03):
You're listening to the RealEstate Sessions and I'm your host,
Bill Risser. With nearly 25years in the real estate business,
I love to interview industryleaders, up and comers, and really
anyone with a story to tell.It's the stories that led my guests
to a career in the real estateworld that drives me in my 10th year
and over 400 episodes of thepodcast. And now I hope you enjoy

(00:23):
the next journey. Hi,everybody. Welcome to episode 413
of the Real Estate Sessionspodcast. As always, thank you so
much for tuning in. Thank youso much for telling a friend. And
you probably realize when Idon't have a cold open, which is
where I kind of preview asegment of my guest's conversation,
that it's just me today. Thereis no guest. So I hope that's okay.

(00:48):
I think, I think I had just acouple of things to talk about. Just
kind of catch up a little biton a couple of different things that
are happening in my life andthought and that they might be interesting
for people to hear. So lookingat the calendar and seeing that today's
March 24th, it just alwaysreminds me that March is Colorectal
Cancer Awareness Month. And asCindy and I and her friend Natalie.

(01:11):
My friend Natalie as well,Kevin and Sarah all decided to join
me on the Colorectal Cancerawareness walk over at Gadsden park,
right next to MacDill AirForce Base. It was a lot of fun.
It's called Walk Loud and it'sall about really raising our voices
and making sure peopleunderstand the power of getting screened.
And yes, this is me talkingabout the power of getting screened

(01:36):
and how important it is,especially if you meet certain parameters,
like there's a history in yourfamily or your doctor thinks you
should get tested early. I'mtelling you, the colonoscopy is not
that big a deal. We actuallyhad a doctor speak to us before we
walked who said, I knowthere's a lot of people that are
using things like cologuard,but ultimately the only thing that's

(01:59):
going to detect 100% for sureis actually getting a colonoscopy,
having polyps removed andhaving those that that tissue tested.
So please schedule yourcolonoscopies. If you're 45 and you
haven't had one, it's time.And so I just wanted to always just
alert people to that messagewhenever I have the chance to talk
about it. The second thing Iwant to talk about is it's just a

(02:22):
very exciting time of theyear. Do you know that this. Well,
Thursday and Friday is goingto be opening day for baseball season.
I can't wait. I'll becelebrating opening day in San Diego
as I'm there to visit somefriends and conduct the auction for
our rotisserie league baseballleague, the San Diego Smokey Joe

(02:43):
League, which is in its 37thseason. The league is a lot of fun.
It's also a lot of work. I'mgetting in a day early to get in
a round of golf with somefriends of mine that we played golf
together at this course 35years ago. And so that's going to
be pretty cool to get the fourof us back on the course. Hopefully
take a picture from numberthree on Canyon where we took that

(03:07):
first picture so many yearsago. So, Jeffrey, TK and Tom. It's
going to be a lot of fun.Another thing about opening day here
in St. Pete means we are notgoing to have any baseball. Roughly
a 10 minute walk from whereCindy and I live. Yeah, the Trop
is still topless. There's abunch of metal framing up there still,

(03:28):
but no roof. And the Rays aregoing to be playing their entire
season at George SteinbrennerField. Yes, the former owner of the
Yankees and where the Yankeeshave their spring training seating.
Roughly 11,000 people. Maybe afew more than that. They can throw
in for standing room. But thatis going to be the raised home this
entire year. An outdoorfacility in the heat and humidity

(03:50):
and rain and. But at leastthey're staying in the area. But
I gotta tell you, for me, Idon't know if I'll ever make it over
to a game over there. It'sgonna be relatively expensive when
you only have 11,000 each. Youneed to charge a little bit more
per ticket in order togenerate some revenue. And I, you
know, driving across thebridge and then having to drive home.

(04:10):
Now I understand what allthose Hillsboro people were talking
about when they wouldn't cometo a game in St. Pete because it
was too far away. And whowants to cross the bay and fight
traffic and all that goodstuff? So now the table's turned
on me and I'll get reallycomfortable watching the Rays on
television or listening on theradio when I. When I can't get in
front of a tv. So they've gota great team this year. I think it's

(04:33):
going to be a lot of fun.Pitching is back. McClanahan had
a little bit of a bump with atricep nerve situation last Saturday,
but still, I think the Rayshave a good shot. They're in a great.
They're in a very toughdivision, but boy, they've been playing
well in it ever since Cindyand I got here. So we're very excited.
I'm also taking advantage ofmy trip back to the west coast to

(04:53):
make another stop in Phoenixto visit John Biorly. Many of you
who listen know that John issuffering from terminal prostate
cancer. He already conductedhis John Bjorlie Die Happy Tour in
2024, part of 2023, actually,and almost all the way through 2024.
But he's at a different placenow. His doctors tell him that he's

(05:17):
in the final stages. I was outthere a few weeks ago. I played golf
with his son and his friendVernon. And John was there with us
in the cart riding along onthe Aguilar course, which is one
that John and I played many,many, many times. And I think we're
going to play the same courseon the 30th of March. So I'm excited
about that. I just love seeingJohn. I love seeing him up and about

(05:37):
and moving around and maybe,who knows, he was told he only had
about a year, over a year anda half ago. And so let's see if he
can't beat the odds onceagain. And then finally this week,
I'm going down to the RoyalPalm coast association in down in
Fort Myers and Lee county, andI get to visit, first of all, a few
of our branches down there inthe Fidelity world and the sales

(05:59):
reps down there as well. ButI'm really looking forward to the
TechCon 2025. I'm also excitedfor a few of the speakers that are
going to be there because fourof them have been guests on this
show. I've got Craig Gr Grant,you've got Sheena Reagan, who's going
to be the mc. You've got MeganFarrell Nelson from the Palm coast.
And then there's Diana Zayacoming in from Chicago, who's founder

(06:21):
and president of MaverickSystems. And I interviewed her just
a couple of weeks ago. So it'sgoing to be a lot of fun. I just
love hearing what these peoplehave to say about technology. Something
hopefully that we can bringback to our sales team so they can
share it with their agents.All right, well, that's it for me
today. Thank you so much fortuning in again. And next week we'll
be back with another liveguest. Thank you so much for all

(06:43):
of your support. Cheers.