Never Too Late for a Fresh Start

Mike Ingram succeeds in a second career
By Sarah Vammen

photo by shane darby.

Mike Ingram can say something many people in their 60s cannot: “I love coming to work every day, and I have no plans for retirement,” he said. At 64 years old, Mike is happy, excelling professionally, and making the most out of life. 

Mike is a lifelong Texarkana resident and a 1977 graduate of Texas High School. “My parents even taught at Texas High,” he said. “My dad, Bob, was the band director, and my mom, Wanda, was the art teacher.” After high school, Mike attended The University of Texas at Arlington. He is married to Sylvia and has two daughters, Catherine Lawrence (married to Lawson Lawrence) and Megan Harrison. 

In their spare time, Mike and Sylvia enjoy seeing the world and experiencing other cultures through their taste buds. “Sylvia and I love to travel,” Mike said. “We were in Italy and France last year and are heading off to Greece in September. We love to find those special fancy restaurants when we’re traveling.” 

Mike is also thriving in a successful second career as a real estate agent. “My previous career was with the E-Z Mart Corporation,” he said. “I began my career with E-Z Mart in 1999 and filled the role of director for a few different departments. Then, I was the real estate director for 20 years, until the company was sold in 2017.” 

Mike with his wife, Sylvia, on a trip to Key West. submitted photo.

After leaving E-Z Mart, Mike took some time to determine what he should do next. “I knew I wasn’t ready for retirement,” he said. After prayers, consideration, and encouragement from Sylvia, Mike decided it wasn’t too late for a new start. “I decided to enroll in the Champions Real Estate School in Dallas to earn my commercial real estate license. It was much like going back to college except that I was the oldest—or most seasoned—student there,” he joked. 

Mike’s new career and passion for real estate began immediately after obtaining his license. He started work for Yulin and Jerry Brewer with NAI/American Realty. “Since I previously dealt with commercial real estate matters, this was a very smooth transition and has been very successful for me due to great clients and support from the Texarkana community,” he said. 

Many people would feel daunted at the idea of changing careers at this stage of life, but Mike is a testament to taking a leap of faith. “I feel like you’re never too old to make a professional change in your life,” he said. “The saying is so true that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Mike’s new career has taken off more than he could have imagined. “I sold my first hotel recently, which was very exciting,” he said. While transitioning from a corporate environment of nearly 3,000 employees to an office of six was a big adjustment, Mike loves having the ability to focus on each of his client’s individual needs. “I work hard every day and will always answer the phone at night or on weekends,” he said. Mike even makes sales while on vacation. “I always sell something when I’m on vacation. I even made a sale while sitting in a beach chair in Sandestin, Florida, and another in Cabo, Mexico.” 

Mike enjoys fishing on the White River where he caught this trout. submitted photo.

When he is not traveling or selling real estate (or doing both simultaneously), Mike devotes his time to improving the community. He currently serves on the boards of directors for the CHRISTUS St. Michael Foundation, Harvest Regional Food Bank, City of Texarkana Texas Zoning Adjustments, and Four States Fair and Rodeo. He is also a proud member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 

“I’m really enjoying this phase of my life,” Mike said. “I think my family and friends would say I love being happy and keeping a positive attitude. I know there will always be issues, but it’s how you handle those issues that will make you successful.”