We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin McClafferty and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

I’ve always felt drawn to entrepreneurship . I wanted to create something that truly reflected my passions and values. Seeing my parents as successful entrepreneurs inspired me and showed me the possibilities. I find I thrive when I’m the one I have to answer to. The pressure of knowing that success or failure rests on my own decisions is exhilarating. Working for myself gives me a sense of control and fulfillment that I never found in traditional employment. It’s about more than just financial gain; it’s about the freedom to pursue my vision and the satisfaction of building something from the ground up.

What should our readers know about your business?
My journey into entrepreneurship began in college when I seized an opportunity to run my own exterior house painting business. Despite some people calling this a “scam”, because in order to build a client base, I had to door knock 8 hours a day on weekends as a 19 year old college kid, I understood the big picture. Despite feeling like I wanted to quit several times, I pushed through and I turned it into a six-figure venture, learning valuable lessons along the way. After this, I knew I could do whatever I set my mind to. My competitive spirit, honed in sports, led me to excel in various sales roles, including selling cars. However, the rigid office hours didn’t align with my vision.

One day, a customer casually mentioned that I should be selling homes instead of cars… and that sparked an interest which turned into a calling. I wanted to be in real estate, not just selling homes, but owning my business and setting my schedule. Despite well meant warnings about the challenges of a fully commission-based role with no job security or benefits in a very competitive space, I saw it as a challenge worth taking. Easy isn’t worth having, after all. Now after only 3 years in business, I have sold over $40,000,000 in volume and have been awarded as one of the “Top 40 under 40” in San Diego real estate. This year I took a risk, going out on my own in the business and joined The Oppenheim Group, from Netflix “Selling Sunset”.

Today, my pride lies in breaking norms, challenging myself, and building a brand that’s not just about selling homes but creating a business that reflects my determination and passion to help people. The journey wasn’t easy, but overcoming challenges became a testament to my commitment. I’ve learned that resilience and a willingness to embrace challenges are key. My story is about turning skepticism into success and proving that with determination, unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For a weeklong adventure in San Diego with my best friend, here’s the ultimate itinerary:

Day 1: Coastal Exploration
Morning Hike: Start the day with a scenic hike at Ho Chi Minh Trail.
Brunch: Head to The Cottage in La Jolla for a delicious brunch.
Beach Time: Spend the afternoon relaxing at La Jolla Cove.
Dinner: Enjoy fresh seafood at George’s at the Cove with stunning ocean views.

Day 2: Old Town Vibes
Breakfast: Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at Café 21.
Explore Old Town: Immerse ourselves in San Diego’s history with a visit to Old Town State Historic Park.
Lunch: Grab lunch at Cafe Coyote for some authentic Mexican cuisine.
Afternoon Siesta: Take a break at Balboa Park, exploring the beautiful gardens.
Dinner and Drinks: Head to Born and Raised for a classy steak dinner and craft cocktails.

Day 3: Urban Adventure in Gaslamp Quarter
Brunch: Start the day with brunch at The Mission.
Gaslamp Quarter: Spend the afternoon exploring the shops and vibrant atmosphere of Gaslamp Quarter.
Rooftop Drinks: Enjoy sunset cocktails at Altitude Sky Lounge.
Dinner: Dine at Searsucker for a modern American dining experience.
Party: Night out at the Tin Roof for some live music.

Day 4: Beach Day
Morning Yoga: Kick off the day with beachfront yoga in Pacific Beach.
Brunch: Indulge in a brunch feast at Crushed.
Beach Activities: Spend the day at Pacific Beach for sunbathing, surfing, and beach volleyball.
Dinner and Sunset: Head to World Famous for seafood and catch the sunset on the beach.

Day 5: Nature
Morning at Balboa Park: Explore the San Diego Zoo and botanical gardens.
Lunch: Grab a quick lunch at Panama 66.
Afternoon Chill: Relax in the park or visit the museums.
Dinner: Grab dinner at my favorite little Italian spot, Enoteca Adriano in Pacific Beach.

Day 6: Coastal Drive and Seafood
Scenic Drive: Take a scenic drive along the coastline, stopping at viewpoints like Sunset Cliffs.
Lunch: Enjoy fish tacos at Oscar’s Mexican Seafood.
Afternoon Beach Time: Spend the afternoon at Ocean Beach.
Dinner: Dine at Hodad’s for a classic San Diego burger.

Day 7: Farewell Sunset
Brunch at Breakfast Republic: Relish brunch at Breakfast Republic.
Explore Seaport Village:
Walk around Seaport Village for shopping and a laid-back atmosphere.
Afternoon Sail: Take a harbor cruise for breathtaking views.
Sunset Dinner: Conclude the trip with a sunset dinner at Coasterra.

This itinerary combines the best of San Diego’s natural beauty, cultural richness, culinary delights, and vibrant nightlife for an unforgettable week with your best friend!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In my story, a special shoutout goes to my dad. Many see me as his mini-me, and I wear that badge with pride. His seemingly “crazy decisions” are lessons in embracing risk to forge something extraordinary. He’s shown me that playing it safe won’t lead to success, and his mentorship is woven into every bold step I take.

Website: https://ogroup.com/agents/erin-mcclafferty/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinsellssocal/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-mcclafferty-075129a7?trk=people-guest_people_search-card

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100053111001722

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@erinmcclafferty?lang=en

Image Credits
Jen Brown

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