College: University of Mississippi

Major: Finance

He sits at a school desk, anticipating when it will be his time for success and achievement. Danny O’Leary, senior, said he originally wanted to work towards a job with unlimited income and for him, that is real estate. He said participating in the STL CAPS program junior and senior year has set him up for success in this profession. 

“I was really passionate about houses and real estate in general,” O’Leary said. “So I thought ‘what better field [is there] to get into?’” 

Hailey Hobbs, senior, said O’Leary is the best candidate to be an agent because he is still in high school, working hard for not only his diploma, but also his real estate license. She said he ventured out of his comfort zone to work toward his future. Some high schoolers struggle with keeping grades up but O’Leary said he pushed himself to learn about new and different things. 

“He is setting himself up for a good position,” Hobbs said. “Especially since he is [still] enrolled at Kirkwood.” 

O’Leary said being a real estate agent requires marketing, social and negotiation skills. Although it can be a high income job, the salary can vary every year. 

“You get paid [based] on your sales,” O’Leary said. “If you sell no houses, you get no money. But at the same time, one house can make all the money you need.” 

Anna McGinnis, senior, said she has been O’Leary’s best friend since freshman year. McGinnis said seeing O’Leary work towards his goals was inspiring and that he will be welcoming and perfect for persuading a client. 

“I can’t think of anyone better to do this,” McGinnis said. “He can talk to anyone about anything for any amount of time.” 

O’Leary plans to major in finance with a goal to go into wealth management.  He also plans to invest in housing rentals in a popular vacation town, 30A, Florida.

“The knowledge that I gained from my real estate work will be essential to the work I do going forward,” O’Leary said. “It will help me with financial planning especially.”