First off, let’s talk about Ronin. In the days of feudal Japan, The Samurai were the highest level of warrior class and one of the highest in the social order of Japan. However, the Samurai were effectively owned by a retainer. Usually a lord, or a member of the Shogunate. They were similar to European knights in many ways. So while they were at the top of society in one regard, they were also not fully in control of their own destiny. When a Samurai’s retainer dies, or their Samurai were disbanded for what ever reason, those Samurai became Ronin. A highly trained and dedicated warrior with no master but still governed by the Bushido (Way of the Warrior) code. Interestingly that code has nothing to do with combat and is all about interacting with society and living a life of honor. For instance, the Bushido virtue of Makoto states that a Samurai never makes a promise, because what they say they will do, is going to be done and a promise implies not doing what they said is an option.
So, why Ronin? We aren’t even Japanese. The Samurai and Ronin were committed to a life of honor and the punishment for dishonor was worse than death. If they wanted to regain there honor they had to commit seppuku. Pretty hardcore stuff, but we have become too accustom in modern times making excuses for weak principled people and even celebrating people that have no honor at all. As a REALTOR we are required to uphold a code of ethics that aligns pretty well with the Bushido code, but Bushido is much more strict and a non-negotiable way of life. When creating RONIN Real Estate Professionals ERA Powered the Bushido code was at the fore front of my thought process. RONIN was built around the concept that none of us are owned (which I felt very owned in my previous position), that doing the right thing is never negotiable regardless of how it may impact you personally, that I could bring together a group of highly trained professionals that are unwilling to compromise on ethics or honor, that we must do more for our community to improve things for everyone. We truly put our clients first, not just because it’s the job, but anything less would be dishonorable.
We created the RONIN Rally to be the primary charitable arm of the business and we’ve raised a lot of money for Mesa County Partners over the years. The idea being that if we can help disadvantaged youth, they will become more compassionate and better members of society, improving life for us all.
We are very lucky to live in such a beautiful place that offers some incredible lifestyle options for those that crave adventure. Weather you’re an investor, first time homebuyer, luxury buyer or seller, etc. It’s our honor to be a part of the journey with our clients. If you’d like to see what we are all about, just reach out to any of the agents at RONIN.
Who’s going to battle for you?
-Mark Wingerter Broker/Owner of RONIN Real Estate Professionals ERA Powered.
