Written by Elizabeth McCabe
There are no shortcuts to success. AJ Maloney, Broker-Associate at Daniel Team Realty, knows that truth firsthand. As a rising star in the real estate industry, AJ has made significant strides and earned accolades that highlight her dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence. With a passion for real estate deeply rooted in her family history and a genuine desire to make a difference, AJ's journey is nothing short of inspiring.
From receiving prestigious awards such as the Young Professional of the Year Award by the North San Diego County Association of REALTORS® in 2021 to being recognized as one of ten state recipients of the Rising Star Award by the California Association of REALTORS® in 2022, AJ's achievements speak volumes about her outstanding contributions to the field.
Following in Her Father's Footsteps
AJ's journey in real estate is closely intertwined with her family, particularly her father, Daniel Maloney, who serves as both a mentor and a source of inspiration. Daniel's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to serve others and to the real estate industry paved the way for AJ's own career path.
“My Dad joined the Marine Corps in 1970 and served for 11 years,” she recalls. “He enlisted for 5 years and was an officer for 6 years, leaving as a Captain.” To progress to the next ranking, he had to get a degree. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate from National University and was licensed in 1979.
“My Dad always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” says AJ. “I really admired that.” He even started his own video store in Oceanside called Video Biz. “That’s before Blockbuster was a thing,” she says. After Blockbuster grew in popularity, Daniel decided to get back into real estate, which he’s done since 1994. His career that spans three decades is impressive.
“He does so much,” says AJ. “I love my Dad so much. Any way that I can pay homage to him and what he does is an opportunity that I will take.”
In 2001, Daniel started his own brokerage, Daniel Team Realty, and AJ watched as he expanded his team. “When the market crashed, he became a one-man show,” she recalls. “I would help in any way that I could.” AJ has even been a transaction coordinator since she was a teenager. “However, I didn’t anticipate going into real estate,” she comments.
After completing her undergraduate studies at UCLA, where she initially explored the possibility of pursuing a law degree, AJ made the pivotal decision to join her father in real estate. Recognizing the value of gaining real-world experience before pursuing further education, AJ embarked on a journey that would ultimately shape her professional trajectory.
In 2018, AJ obtained her real estate license while still a student at UCLA, from which she later graduated a year early with summa cum laude honors, demonstrating her dedication and determination to succeed in the industry. AJ initially planned to take a year off before attending law school before having a change of heart.
“You think you know everything when you are 19 years old,” she jokes. She started thinking about what was important to her. “The most important thing was my family,” she says. Her father, who turns 74 this year, was on her heart. “Every day is precious with the ones that you love,” she shares.
After some serious soul searching, AJ dove headfirst into real estate, leveraging her knowledge, skills, and passion to make a meaningful impact. “I wanted to have this time with my father and I thought it would be super special to be my Dad’s business partner. It would be something I could look back on forever. Little did I know that I would fall in love with real estate.”
Innovation
What sets AJ apart is that she has embraced innovative approaches to adapt to changing times. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, AJ leveraged digital tools and platforms, such as Facebook Live, to connect with clients and showcase properties.
One of AJ's notable contributions to her clients is her emphasis on personalized service and thoughtful gestures. As a firm believer in the power of gifting, AJ goes above and beyond to show appreciation for her clients by providing them with meaningful closing gifts tailored to their interests. As she says, “Gifting is my love language.” Whether it's custom bookends for two librarians purchasing their first home or a personalized puzzle for a client moving out of state, AJ's thoughtful gestures leave a lasting impression on her clients.
Connection
Outside of her professional endeavors, AJ remains deeply connected to her community and values the importance of maintaining strong friendships. As a proud alumna of UCLA, AJ cherishes the bonds formed during her college years through Bruin Belles, an on-campus nonprofit organization founded in 1946, and continues to nurture those relationships.
Making An Impact
Looking ahead, AJ is poised to continue making a positive impact in the real estate industry, fueled by her passion for helping others and her unwavering commitment to excellence. With her father by her side as a trusted advisor and mentor, AJ is well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
“Real estate has been an incredible journey,” concludes AJ. “When I first started, Dad was in the driver’s seat and I was in the passenger’s side. Now I am in the driver’s seat and he’s on his motorcycle in the fast lane next to me, asking me, ‘You got this? Good!’” Her father is enjoying semi-retirement and AJ’s just getting started. As she continues to rise in real estate, there's no doubt that AJ's future is as bright as her remarkable journey thus far.
