As a local bar owner in Las Vegas, in early March of 2020, Erica Harvey started creating a plan for the shutdown after watching other major cities and how they were pivoting during the beginning phase of the pandemic. She added online ordering to their website with delivery options which she knew would help keep some of her staff employed. She also hired some to do cleaning, landscaping and other odd jobs, taking out a loan to cover payroll for 2 weeks. At that time, she wasn’t aware that they would be getting extra unemployment and she attempted to navigate the unknown keeping the best interest of her employees on the forefront of her mind.
In late March, “since the grocery stores were empty, I ordered food for my staff from the bars vendors’ and made care packages for them with enough groceries to last them a month. I also made and delivered 50 care packages for the elderly in town so they wouldn’t have to risk their health to go grocery shopping,” said Erica.
Fast forward to June 2020: Erica hadn’t paid herself since February, and she knew that even when the bars reopened, she wouldn’t be able to continue to pay herself what she could prior to the shutdown. “So, I sold my house, and used the money to pay off some of the bars’ debt, and I moved into a small rental.” Erica’s daughter also left for the army to be a combat medic at this same time, so it was a highly challenging and emotional time for her.
In July 2020, Erica decided to get her real estate license as a second source of income.
During a camping trip in August in Utah, Erica was informed that she would have to pay some pretty significant outstanding fees, or her business license would be suspended. “I hadn’t had any revenue in months, so I ended up having to take cash out of the buildings to pay it. At this point, I had taken out 3 loans and sold my house to save the bars, so I finally admitted defeat and shut them down permanently and walked away. Telling almost 50 people that they didn’t have jobs anymore was the most heart-wrenching thing I’ve ever had to do.”
Erica started her career in real estate in September, and she quickly worked her way up as a top producing new agent in her office. By January 2021, she was tied for second place in listings as an individual agent for her entire office.
Unfortunately, right as things were finally starting to look up, Erica lost her best friend when he died unexpectedly. With grit and determination, Erica continued to work hard and rise above the challenges she faced in 2020. “Needless to say, it was a rough year, but I came out on top somehow.” Erica continued on with perseverance and remained grateful to continue to grow and excel in her new career doing something that she thoroughly enjoys and helping locals secure their American dreams as homeowners. To say that she remained strong is an understatement. Erica rose to the challenge, worked harder and harder to overcome the defeat that she and so many others experienced last year.
Erica J. Harvey
Licensed Real Estate Professional in Nevada, specializing in residential and commercial properties
Member of #NAGLPER #NAR #LVAR #GLCCNV
S.0190561
702.235.5153
10000 W. Charleston Blvd
Suite 130, Las Vegas, NV 89135
Ericajharvey.kw.com
Facebook: @EricaHarveyRealEstate
Instagram: @EricaJHarvey
Twitter: EJHarvey4LV
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