David Williams: From Physical Therapy to Real Estate Excellence

David Williams never set out to be in real estate. His path started in a completely different direction, one that was structured, reputable, and, on the surface, secure. A Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Northern Arizona University led him to Duke University, where he earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2011. For years, he followed that traditional career trajectory, working as a physical therapist alongside his wife, Shahn. Stability, but not freedom.

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Like many professionals, David reached a moment of clarity: the career he had built wouldn’t deliver the life he envisioned. The income ceiling was rigid, the career path predetermined. He wanted something different. The ability to wake up every day and design his life, not just react to it.

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That realization led to a deep dive into financial independence and wealth-building strategies. Books, podcasts, research, anything that could help him understand what was possible. That’s when real estate entered the picture. David and his wife started small, renting out their basement to traveling physical therapy students. The cash flow was undeniable. They doubled down. Every extra shift, every saved dollar went into acquiring more properties. House hacking, Nomad strategies, strategic renovations, they built a portfolio one deal at a time while still working full-time jobs.

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By 2020, David knew he was on the wrong side of the equation. Physical therapy was no longer the vehicle; real estate was. In 2021, he earned his real estate license and went all in. His first year confirmed everything: Rookie of the Year at Keller Williams Downtown and a Top 5 Keller Williams rookie in the state of Colorado. That was the proof he needed to fully transition. He left physical therapy behind, fully committing to building a business around his passion.

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Since then, David has scaled aggressively. Year after year, he’s increased production, expanded his network, and honed his approach. In 2024, he co-founded the Eminence Group with Kim Johnson, a partnership built on shared principles of relationship-driven business and long-term impact. Within that structure, David runs the retail side, ensuring clients get the best buying and selling experience while simultaneously refining the systems that will allow the business to scale beyond him.

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As the founder of The Eminence Group, David leads a client-focused, investment-savvy team that empowers buyers and sellers with expert guidance and proven strategies. His background in healthcare and investing allows him to take a relational, big-picture approach to real estate, ensuring every client reaches their unique goals. Real estate is more than just transactions, it’s about helping clients make informed, confident decisions that align with their financial and lifestyle aspirations. That’s why David has been recognized as Keller Williams Downtown Denver’s #3 independent agent in an office of 300+ agents in 2024 and a top 100 Keller Williams agent in Colorado.

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Reflecting on his journey, David shares: “For me, just realizing it’s okay to let go of something you’ve invested years in and take a completely different path was a game changer. People get caught in the sunk cost fallacy, but the reality is, you have to be willing to pivot when you see a better opportunity. That’s what led me to real estate, and it’s been the best decision I’ve made.”

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The biggest challenge in real estate isn’t opportunity; it’s distraction. Instead of chasing every avenue, David has doubled down on what works, building a real estate team that operates at the highest level.

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The most valuable investment he’s made? Relationships. His wife, Shahn, who has been his unwavering support system. The mentor who guided him through his early real estate career. Kim, his business partner, who helped him expand the vision. Every major inflection point in his journey has been driven by the right people at the right time.

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Now, the focus is on growth. Not just in transactions, but in building a sustainable operation. Systems, leverage, scale. He’s moving from operator to architect, ensuring the Eminence Group thrives beyond his personal capacity. That’s the next frontier.

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David Williams didn’t just switch careers, he rewrote his trajectory. From structured employment to full autonomy, from fixed ceilings to limitless upside. The same skills that made him a great physical therapist, empathy, problem-solving, guiding clients through major life decisions, now make him a world-class real estate professional. And he’s just getting started.

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