Our 'on the rise' story for this month is one of resilience, redemption, and professional triumph embodied by Jamar Hudson of Coldwell Banker NHS Real Estate. Jamar is a young realtor who has navigated a remarkable journey from a challenging past to becoming a top producer in Lincoln's real estate market. With the recent white Christmas and upcoming winter months on my mind, we have been thinking of snow metaphors. Jamar's exhilarating path resembles being the front runner on a cross-country ski trek. The skier in front has the most arduous task of breaking the trail so those behind can follow in the grooves. It’s getting buffeted by the wind and forging through the resistance of the untouched snow that reminds us of this young man’s humble courage.

“I grew up with my brother and sister in Grand Island, NE. Our Dad was in prison most of our childhood, so it was our Mom who raised us. Mom was working all the time, and unfortunately, I began hanging with the wrong crowd and ended up selling drugs. I was 17 years old when that became the worst kind of trouble for me and my family.” With Jamar’s permission and partnership, we will detail the event that changed his life with so much force. 

“I was heading out to the local Super Saver one evening on my motorcycle to make a deal. I saw a cop car in the distance and knew they were watching me, but somehow, I thought I would get away with it. I rode home after finishing the deal and thought that was that.” What transpired a few hours later was a 6 am bust that included the SWAT team, K-9 units, and a hoard of police with guns drawn and pointed at the apartment. They had been watching me for over a year. “My little brother came into my room and was screaming that there were police everywhere, and then they knocked down the door, arrested me, and trashed the place as they searched for the drugs and other things. It was awful for everyone, especially my mom, who was at work and notified after the fact.” Despite being only 17 years old, Jamar was charged as an adult and put on supervised probation for five years with random alcohol and drug test 2x a week. Due to it being his first offense, he did not have to serve any prison time, but he did acquire a federal drug felony, which would remain on his record as a painful test of his decision to change course and choose a new way and future. 

During my probationary time, I actively remained sober and began creating healthy new habits like working out and also attending and completing 1800 hours of Barber school. I also met Alexis, who I asked to marry me and is now my wife! She has been there with me through it all.” Tragically, 11 months before their wedding, a dear friend—slated to be Jamar's best man in the wedding—succumbed to a lethal dose of fentanyl, underscoring again the gravity of the path Jamar had managed to escape. This poignant moment became another pivotal wake-up call, fueling his fury to fight for a better future. Alexis and Jamar now have a one-year-old son, Benny, named after Jamar’s best man and friend, Benjamin. “ My wife and my son are the highlights of my life and my greatest motivation!”

Moving to Lincoln, Jamar worked at Smithfield for a couple of years, trying to figure out what he wanted to do next. “Though I went to barber school and got my license, I quickly realized cutting hair all day every day was not for me.” Loving HGTV house-flipping shows and Selling Sunset, Jamar began to imagine a career in real estate would be a perfect fit. However, the felony on his record loomed as a serious roadblock. “I was intimidated by my background, so I put getting my license off a bit, trying to figure out something else, but in the end, I knew this was what I wanted.” Jamar acquired his license in April 2022, and the more challenging aspect of his career choice ensued. Due to the felony on his record, Jamar would require special permission from the state real-estate commission to engage in his new career. “When I met with the real estate commission, the board made it clear to me that it felt risky, but they wanted to give me the benefit of the doubt and see what I would do with a second chance. It was humbling and overwhelming. I watched the two people ahead of me denied an opportunity and knew I received something rare and special.”

Fast forward to 2024, and Jamar is more than manifesting his gratitude and the fidelity of his integrity and resolve. He owns multiple rental properties, flips houses, is an entrepreneur, real estate agent, adoring husband, and super dad! He loves all things real estate and plans to purchase more properties and help clients buy and sell their homes for a long time to come. “I am excited to provide for my family and get us to a point where I can be home as often as we need me to be home and want me to be home. I have time to make up for and want to spend it with my family and doing good work.”

Jamar's remarkable journey is a testament to the ever-present opportunity to choose to rewrite the narrative. His story is a hopeful reminder and inspiration for those navigating complex pasts, illustrating that professional success and personal fulfillment are achievable with a close community and a commitment to change. As Jamar continues to thrive in the real estate arena, his story communicates the importance of recognizing individuals for their present merits and future potential. I picture Jamar standing before a proud real estate commission, glad they took a risk on him and celebrating their decision to show mercy.