About the Book
Your path to purpose begins with people.
Relationships. We know that we need them, but busy schedules, financial pursuits, and self-serving agendas often distract us from the people God has placed in our lives.
Overcoming a childhood that lacked true relationships, CEO David Hoffman successfully broke the rules of a transaction-based world by founding a real estate company focused on meeting people where they are. In Relationships over Rules, David shares his journey and seven principles you can adopt to build authentic relationships that will help you
welcome opportunities for growth and service,
reach your potential regardless of your past,
live with perspective and gratitude, and
fulfill the great plans God has for you.
Guided by true stories and application exercises, watch your life transform as you pour yourself into those around you. You can achieve lasting success when you put relationships first.
About the Author :
David is the founder of David Hoffman Realty, an Inc. 5000 company, as well as Covenant First Mortgage and Beyond Title. David Hoffman Realty also has new homes and luxury divisions. David is consistently called on by local and national media for his expertise in real estate and economics. Over the years, his clients have come from all walks of life: from first-time home buyers and renters to high-profile clients, including professional sports figures, evangelists, actors, and actresses with multimillion-dollar listings.
Growing up in Valley Stream, near Queens, away from his mother, who lived alone in Staten Island and was paralyzed due to multiple sclerosis, David did not have the benefit of many relationships during his childhood. After leaving the house for college, David focused on making one friend at a time, always being present, and becoming the expert in his craft as quickly as possible, leading to his becoming a twenty-year-old economist.
David quickly became a nationally recognized economist in Washington, DC, while still an undergrad. David's work has been published in many major media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal and New York Times, with the US House and US Senate referencing his policy papers and economic modeling when making policy decisions.
At just twenty-four, David was realizing his dream of becoming a sports agent after being labeled nationally as the jock tax expert when, after the sudden passing of his mother, he decided to skip speaking at a sports and law conference to attend a multiple sclerosis walk in memory of his mother, whom David regretted not being able to say goodbye to. His friends said that David picked the walk over the talk. After putting the memory of his mom over his career, David decided to move south to Charlotte, North Carolina, sight unseen, leaving the rat race behind and getting a fresh start in real estate.
Today, David travels the United States and Canada, speaking at real estate and mortgage conferences, churches, and Christian concerts and music festivals on the value of the relationships in our lives, reminding many that God gives us all the gifts and people that we need to achieve our goals and dreams. He also coaches and mentors leaders of all walks of life on how they can be present and their very best both at home and in the community and marketplace.
David currently lives in Marvin, North Carolina, with his wife, Jessica, and two boys, Kane and Knox.
Review :
Relationships over Rules offers an inspiring perspective on David's journey of creating a successful real estate company. The timeless wisdom shared in this book is invaluable!
Chris Manhertz, tight end, #84, Jacksonville Jaguars If the idea of purposeful friendship, the power of being present, and maximized relationships that create win-win outcomes intrigues you, then this book will blow you away. David's masterful creativity in weaving his and Jessica's inspirational story as a backdrop for developing a Christ-centered framework for decision-making makes this book a must-read. This book is so timely and will keep you turning through the wonderful pages to uncover nuggets of truths to guide you in your quest of pursuing success God's way.
Dr. Manny Ohonme, founder, president, and CEO, Samaritan's Feet International
I have known David Hoffman for years. I have always found his life story compelling and encouraging. As David shares his story in this book, he lists the principles by which he has chosen to live. I've always believed and taught that when confronted with a decision, if you can't apply one of your chosen life principles, don't make the decision. David knows well his chosen life principles. He consistently lives by them, and the subsequent success in his life is obvious. I hope the readers of this book make many of these principles their own. If so, they will be stronger and better in life as they do.
David Chadwick, founder and senior pastor, Moments of Hope Church
In Relationships over Rules, David reminds us that where you come from does not dictate who you are or where you can go. Knowing David personally, he walks the walk, helping people of all paths of life. This book will not only encourage you to reach your true potential, but it will also show you how to push past what the world says is possible.
Mark Robinson, lieutenant governor, North Carolina Our world is so focused on the next sale, the next transaction, and even the next relationship, but David's story of resilience and achievement reveals that God has already equipped us with everything we need: the people already in our lives. His real-life examples, wise principles, and practical tools will empower you to overcome adversity, invest in those around you, and fulfill God's plan for your life--your true potential.
David and Jason Benham, best-selling authors, TV and podcast hosts, and entrepreneurs
David's book, Relationships over Rules, is a great reminder that putting value in relationships will carry you much further than our society tends to indicate. His personal story is a shining example of this, and as a friend of David's for many years, I can confidently say that his success is directly tied to his relational equity.
Landon Cassill, NASCAR driver
There is no better time than now to highlight the significance of putting relationships above all else. In Relationships over Rules, David demonstrates how intentionally serving others both personally and professionally will set you on a path filled with purpose. The principles that have guided David throughout his life can be modeled and put into action by every person who is fortunate enough to read this book. David's words will inspire us to focus on adding value to those around us on a consistent basis. I hope the wisdom in this book encourages all of us to make relationships the leading rule.
Michael Brennan, president, Movement Mortgage
Why do so many people feel more alone than ever before? Fear, social media, and the instant-gratification culture have made it easy to devalue personal connections, patience, and focus. Relationships over Rules shows how these very concepts are the antidote for the modern condition, offering a framework that's easy to understand, implement, and maintain in your everyday life. David's journey to find his place in family, business, and community is a wonderful story of adversity, self-discovery, passion, and perspective. Relationships over Rules is a joy to read!
Rick Oppedisano, founder and CEO, Delta Bravo Not all of you reading this book have had the privilege of knowing David personally, but by the time you turn the last page, you will want to, and to some extent, due to his great storytelling ability, you might think you do know him. As I read Relationships over Rules, I felt like we were grabbing a cup of coffee, catching up on life and business like we try to do every few months. David beautifully weaves his personal journey of life with timeless life principles and a few original tricks of the trade that have made him into the successful kingdom-minded man, husband, and father he is today.
Josh Blackson, COO and pastor, Elevation Church
I've seen David Hoffman's words in practice. He was my friend for eight years before I became his real estate client. As a well-served client and a well-nurtured friend, I have witnessed David living out the principles for relational success he explains in Relationships over Rules. You don't want to miss the compelling story of his difficult youth or the intensity of purpose and insight that grew out of it and into the light of Jesus Christ.
Dan Bishop, congressman, North Carolina
