Update:
Charges dropped against Realtor Daniel LaFranca
Realtor® Daniel LaFranca Destroys Realtor Art Mullen’s For Sale Signs
Art Mullen, a real estate agent with Wilkinson & Associates Real Estate in Charlotte, North Carolina caught his former boss and fellow Realtor® Daniel LaFranca on video destroying his property For Sale signs. Art had numerous custom for sale sign made for his 500downproperties.com website. When he found most of them damaged or destroyed, he gathered some friends to help him set up video surveillance to help catch the perpetrator. Together, they did.
Video Courtesy of KSL.com
Real estate can be a very competitive business and some would even go as far to call it a bloodsport, but in today’s economy, some people are going overboard. Rather than badmouthing a competing agent or damaging their property, the best thing you can do is focus on you. Make yourself better first. Market smarter. Be social. Engage your community. Keep learning. Share your knowledge. The more you take control of your own personal and professional sitiuation the better results you’ll get.
“I think it’s a sign of the times,” said Mullen.
This case is a perfect example of what not to do in business and in life. Sadly, Daniel went a little too far because of his past bumpy relationship with Art and was trying to smear him and his business. In the end, Daniel is the one that got smeared. If you Google his name, Daniel LaFranca Jr. , the entire first page, last time I checked, shows all the negative news media stories about his thoughtless act of vengeance. What’s worse is that when reporters asked Daniel if he did it he said, “Not that I know of.” How do you think this will affect his real estate business today and in the future? Not good at all.
Remember, the internet never forgets. Virtually everything you say or do can be seen by millions with one simple search. This is something to think about for those who publicly chastize their competitors whether blatantly or subtly. Looking back at his actions, it’s something Daniel LaFranca might be thinking about.
Popularity: 5% [?]
`
March 11th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
He had nothing better to do than destroy a fellow Realtor’s signs? Looks like he needs to find a new profession!
March 11th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Great blog post. If you check his name on Twitter search his name is coming up in regards to your twitter post: http://search.twitter.com/search?q=Daniel+LaFranca
March 11th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
interesting conversations surrounding competition out there - perhaps if he could have read teresa boardmans post today or the post I wrote on the diverse solutions blog he would have taken a different tact - or not. I prefer the kinder - gentler approach to things - it’s tough out there but man, if my spring ever gets wound that tight - I’m seeking help.
March 12th, 2009 at 5:47 am
I guess when times are tough it’s hard on everybody. Hopefully things get better soon.
March 12th, 2009 at 11:36 am
@Tony - I don’t consumers would like to work with someone like that
@Josh - I see it, not much there though….
@Mike - Stress and anger can make people do some crazy things….
@Kevin - Hopefully, things will improve all around for all….
March 13th, 2009 at 11:17 am
“Remember, the internet never forgets.”
Man. Truer words were never spoken! Add the WayBackMachine into the mix… for example.
March 16th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
It is interesting that the fact that the news story leaves out the fact that many of the signs LaFranca was destroying were one’s that Art Mullen (yes, the accusor) stole from LaFranca’s firm and placed his “new phone” number on there. Classic two wrongs dont make a right but I would appreciate the sensational media providing both sides of the story. I mean, the guy was getting HIS OWN signs off the street with the contraband on them.
January 1st, 2010 at 12:58 pm
artmullens dot com is where you can go to get the facts and hear the truth abouth this matter. CHECK IT OUT
January 3rd, 2010 at 12:11 pm
Now i see the whole story. Two sides to every story
I know a guy like Mr.Mullen He always tries to make himself look like a good guy in public only to do the complete opposite when you are not looking!
The guy i know does not have any real friends because people see right through him.
Mr. Mullen you should take a look at yourself and stop putting wasteful non-sense on the news!