Jack “Mike” Saba, Jr. did not stumble into real estate by accident. He arrived with intention, curiosity and a clear sense of responsibility, both to the people he loves and the values that guide him. More than three decades later, that mindset has helped him build a 33-year career at Watson Realty, with approximately $100 million in career volume and $22 million in sales last year alone.

Saba, known to most simply as Mike, began his real estate journey during a pivotal season of life. “In 1990 I was in a transitional time of my life,” he said. He was working in a retail business selling men’s clothing, an industry he sensed was headed toward significant change. “In my mind, I saw the change leading to a business closure. If closed, I would receive no real compensation or goodwill from the closure.”

At the same time, life was getting serious in the best possible way. “I was also in love with my girlfriend,” Saba said. “I wanted to get married and knew that I needed to do something that would provide for her.” That realization set him on a new path. He researched real estate in 1991 and earned his sales license in 1992, stepping fully into a profession that combined stability, service and long-term opportunity.

Real estate had always been tugging at him. Born and raised in Bakersfield, California, Saba was fascinated by the built world from a young age. “All of my life, I have been fascinated with stadiums, buildings and houses,” he said. “When I would go to a Dodger game, I spent the whole time staring at the stadium.” That curiosity followed him into college, where an unexpected classroom conversation helped shape his future. Sitting next to two football players headed for the NFL, he learned they were already investing in real estate. “They were basic, simple guys yet were preparing for their second career after football,” Saba said. “This fascinated me so I said goodbye to an accounting major and hello to a real estate and finance major.”

Saba’s education includes HHS, BC and ultimately the University of Southern California, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He also holds the Graduate Realtor Institute designation and is an active member of the National Association of REALTORS®. In 2021, he was named Realtor of the Year by the Bakersfield Association of Realtors, an honor he does not take lightly. “Remembering that this award obligates you to working in a courteous, helpful, supportive way with all colleagues and clients,” he said.

That sense of obligation runs deeper than accolades. Asked what has most shaped him, Saba points to faith, family and perspective. “Establishing a relationship with Jesus, succeeding in some things in life and failing in other areas of life,” he said, have all helped define his path. Before making decisions, he asks a simple but powerful question: “Would what I am doing honor Jesus?”

In practice, that means focusing on service and solutions. “Problem solving, helping people solve their housing problems,” is what excites him most right now, along with “learning new tools to assist me in my sales job.” He does not work with a team, preferring a hands-on, personal approach. His favorite part of the business is also its simplest. “Solving peoples problems!” he said.

Time, like for many seasoned professionals, remains his biggest challenge. “There is never enough time,” Saba said, laughing, before adding that better planning has been key. His advice to newer agents reflects that lesson. “Carefully plan your day,” he said. “Carefully think of 3-5 priority items each day and work to get rid of them and remember; it’s all about conversations with others and solving problems.”

Saba’s philosophy is neatly summed up in his favorite quote: “Show up, pay attention, tell the truth and don’t be attached to the outcome.” He said it “encompasses everything I aim to do daily,” and it shows in both business and life.

Family is central to that life. Mike has been married for 34 years to “the love of my life, Dana.” They have two adult children, a daughter, Ellie, 30, and a son, Mason, 28, plus a son-in-law, Greg Montejo. Their household also includes a pup daughter, Bailee, a Brittany Spaniel, and a pup granddaughter, Snoh, a golden retriever. Together, they enjoy hiking, long walks, working out and coffee shop hopping.

When he is not working, Saba can often be found reading. “I always have 3-6 books going at one time,” he said. His current list ranges from Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss to 70 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know. Jazz fills his playlists, along with a recent Bruce Springsteen kick.

Giving back is another constant. Saba supports his church, FCA, Influencers.org, Church Without Walls, Lift Ministries and CRU Ministries. “I don’t own my money, God does and I am called to share it,” he said.

As for how he wants to be remembered, Saba keeps it straightforward. “He worked with good character,” he said. More specifically, he hopes people will say “he never ran from a problem. He handled problems fairly, accurately and transparently.”

After 33 years in real estate, that reputation may be his most valuable asset of all.