Sitting on the couch one day, evaluating my life, I asked through prayer: “What else can I do with my life?”

 

My life has been devoted to serving others, but it got to the point where I was struggling to support myself and my family. It doesn’t have to be one or the other, I remember thinking. I can do both, right? I prayed about it—and that prayer ultimately led me here. It led me to you.

 

The journey to real estate has been long and even winding, especially since I had envisioned myself as a minister. That calling began in my early 20s—which might surprise people who knew me in high school. Back then, I was a party boy. The partying escalated until things spun out of control and I found myself unable to stop drinking or using drugs. I was 20 years old, feeling broken and desperate to feel like myself again.

 

That’s when I found a recovery program called True Purpose and enrolled. But healing didn’t come overnight. I carried a heavy sense of guilt and worthlessness. One day, as I was standing in the back of a thrift store, I prayed like I never had before. I got real with Jesus—really honest—about my life and how I felt about myself. At that moment, I heard: “You’re my beloved son.” That phrase changed everything. I felt love at a time when I believed I was unworthy of it.

 

From there, life shifted. I graduated from the program, became a staff member and counselor, and I met Anna—my wife. When our first child, Caleb, was born, something new awakened in me; My insecurities towards becoming a father fell away. “God gave me this son,” I said to myself, “so I can do this.” I felt protective. Brave. Ready to do whatever it took to care for my family.

 

I continued counseling and became a pastor at my church—preaching, guiding, and organizing group meetings. As the years passed, Anna and I welcomed 4 more children: Catherine, Anna Elise, Liberty, and Abigail. However, as the family grew, there was an awareness––a need to financially provide more for my family. I loved serving people—and I still do—but it became frustrating not being able to fully support my family financially. I didn’t want to choose between community and family. There had to be a way to show up for both. 

 

The idea of real estate came through prayer. I sat with the idea for a long time—years, in fact––and finally got my license in 2021. The first 6 months were tough. I was working hard to learn the business as fast as I could, but the results were slow to come. Still, I stuck with it. Over time, I learned the ropes, gained confidence, and became the team lead of Cantwell Property Group.

 

Today, I’m still an ordained minister, and I continue to serve on the board of True Purpose, the place where everything changed for me. When I’m not working, I spend time with my family—my greatest joy—or head to the gym for a good workout to clear my head.

 

And real estate? It’s turned out to be a beautiful way to serve people—helping them find a home, a safe space, and a starting point to launch their dreams. It’s an honor to walk with my clients through big transitions and to provide the support they need along the way.

 

When I say I have a heart for service, I truly mean it. I take my role as a fiduciary seriously, always putting my clients’ best interests first. Integrity guides everything I do, and my deep local knowledge is one of my greatest strengths. As a longtime member of this community, I know the neighborhoods, the people, and the market. 

 

My clients benefit not only from that knowledge but also from my trusted network of vendors—whether they need a roofer, landscaper, or anything real estate-related, I know just the right person. Because of my connections, I often have access to off-market properties that other agents don’t, giving my clients a valuable edge.

I believe in full transparency and take the time to clearly explain the entire process. Nothing is hidden; there are no surprises. Whether you're buying or selling, residential or commercial, you can count on my honest, expert advice to help you make confident decisions.

 

Sincerely,

Ben Cantwell

REALTOR®

Cell (423) 438-7077

Office (423) 586-0376

ben@greaterimpactrealty.com

cantwellpropertygroup.com