Dopper Huckel is part of our Manuel Antonio office. Before becoming a real estate agent, Dopper had been in the service industry for many years. As a former restaurant owner and tour guide, he found it only natural to continue creating other positive experiences, but this time, he’s helping people make their dreams of living and investing in Costa Rica come true. After visiting many coastal towns both in the Pacific and Caribbean, Dopper found his true match in Manuel Antonio! Read more about Dopper’s story and his strength as a real estate professional in the following interview:
1. What Was Your Dream Job as a Child?
As a child, I always thought I’d be doing something in sports, but then as life went on, I moved into the restaurant business and did a lot of work there. I thought that would be what I wanted to do for a long time until I had kids, and then I was like, wait, this is burning me out! So I got into the tour business, which I love, but as we know, when the pandemic came, the tour business went to zero. Now I've got into my favorite job, which is being a real estate agent with 2CRRE. It has been life-changing for me.
2. Why Did You Decide to Become a Real Estate Agent?
Well, if the opportunity knocks, you have to open the door. I was sitting around and wondering what I was going to do, and then I actually thought about coming down to the office and asking Scott if they needed someone to be their errand boy. And then just one day, I got a text from Scott saying they had an opening and to call him back. I thought that could be an opportunity, I better open that door! I came down and had lunch with him and talked to Todd Cutter as well... A couple of weeks later, they called me back. I certainly was visualizing it, and it came through!
3. What Do You Love Most About Being a Real Estate Agent?
I’ve always been a people person and have always been involved with restaurants and tour guides here... So, being able to impart the knowledge that I’ve gained, not necessarily real estate knowledge, but just Costa Rica in general, and the things I enjoy doing. Showing people how beautiful the place and the lifestyle are. If it’s for you, it can’t get better than this... I also like just going out in the field and seeing different properties since the country is so beautiful...
4. What is the Biggest Challenge?
The tech side, definitely, and getting used to being an office guy. I’ve never had any job that is similar to an office job. Getting used to using the tech to my advantage, which I can see that it works. I’m trying to be diligent and learn it to a point where I’m working at its level... I am not a tech guy, but I think that I can adapt and make it work for me.
5. What is the Most Rewarding Aspect of Your Work?
People put their trust in you to help them make life-changing decisions. I’ve served some good food and given good tours, but those are things that are temporary as far as the satisfaction and memories go... Helping people make that change in their lives they have been waiting to do; being able to assist in that is an honor.
6. What Do You Do in Your Free Time?
Most of my free time revolves around my two kids; they are still young, so I have a lot of dad responsibilities, but I certainly enjoy taking advantage of what Costa Rica has to offer. I was a tour guide here, so I love getting out to the natural areas, hiking, checking out waterfalls and new swimming holes, taking my kids to really cool spots, and just enjoying the day when I have the chance to do it. It really is a special place, and I think over the last year and a half of quarantine, it has made me realize even more how lucky I am to live here.
7. If You Did Not Live in Costa Rica, Where Would You Want to Be?
I grew up in South Florida, and I was fortunate enough to travel some when I was young. I always thought that if I had the chance, I would live in someplace like Spain simply because I had traveled and moved there for a little bit between high school and college; I really liked the culture and have always been fascinated with Europe and Spain. But Costa Rica came my way, fortunately! And I wouldn’t change a thing at all.
8. What is Your Most Ambitious Goal in Life?
To me, it feels like life is starting all over again. But really, I just want to continue to be a good person and set a good example for my kids and leave them something they’re proud of.
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Read More | Get to Know Your Agent: Rachel Candib