Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Gonzalez.
Hi Monica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I graduated from college with a degree in Criminal Justice, fully intending to build my career in public service. From 2006 to 2008, I worked as a federal warrant officer — a demanding but fulfilling role. In 2007, during that chapter of my life, I met my husband, who was actively serving in the U.S. Army. We hit it off immediately — maybe it was the mutual respect for service… or maybe it was our fun (and ongoing!) debate over who had the bigger gun. Let’s just say, I let him win that one.
As we talked about our future together and starting a family, we knew that both of us staying in high-intensity roles wasn’t the best plan — especially with the long hours and the emotional weight of the work. So, I decided to step away from law enforcement in 2008, even though I wasn’t exactly sure what path to take next.
Then one day, while driving to visit my mom, I spotted a huge sign: “Portrait Homes Hiring Now – No Experience Needed!” I took it as a literal sign — and it truly was. I applied and got the job, entering the world of new home sales. From 2008 to 2015, I worked with several builders and loved everything about it — except for the weekends. I had my daughters in 2010 and 2012, and being away from them so much on weekends was hard.
Looking for more flexibility, I moved into the auto sales industry in 2015. I worked for several dealerships and quickly worked my way up to lead service advisor, earning a strong income. But the hours soon ballooned — 12-hour days, six days a week. After having my son in 2016, I found the work-life balance impossible to manage.
In 2019, I knew it was time for a change. I remember sitting down with my husband, and he asked me: “When were you happiest?” I answered immediately: “Selling homes — just not loving the schedule.” He looked at me and said, “I support you. Go get your real estate license.”
So I did — and I’ve never looked back. Getting licensed gave me the freedom to build my business on my own terms and be present for my family, while doing what I love — helping people find their homes.
Today, I not only run my own real estate business, but I also proudly serve as Vice President of BPK Housing, a company I partner with a close friend. BPK provides temporary and workforce housing solutions for industries ranging from disaster recovery to oilfield operations — helping people and companies with quality housing when they need it most.
Looking back, every step of my journey — from law enforcement to housing to auto sales and back to homes — has given me something valuable. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, follow the signs, and never be afraid to pivot when life calls for it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey definitely wasn’t without its challenges — and honestly, each new chapter brought a different set.
When I left law enforcement, it was hard to step away from a field I had worked so hard to be a part of — and even harder not knowing what was next. At that point, I didn’t have a clear plan and felt a little lost, trying to figure out what kind of career I could be passionate about while also supporting my growing family.
In new home sales, one of the biggest challenges was work-life balance. I loved what I did, but working weekends while raising two small children felt like a constant tug-of-war between career and family. I struggled with guilt over missing milestones and special moments with my girls.
When I switched to the auto industry, I thought I’d gain more flexibility — but instead found myself stuck in even longer hours (12-hour days, six days a week). That phase came with its own stress, especially after having my son in 2016. Managing a full-time demanding job, raising three young kids, and trying to be fully present at home was incredibly tough. I was running on empty and starting to feel burnt out.
And when I finally decided to make a major career change into real estate, that brought its own set of challenges. The risk of starting over. The fear of failing. The self-doubt — wondering if I could really make it in such a competitive industry. But I was lucky to have the full support of my husband, and that gave me the push I needed.
Balancing family, entrepreneurship, and leadership is still a challenge today. I wear many hats — as a mom, a business owner, and VP of BPK Housing — and juggling everything isn’t always easy. But through it all, I’ve learned the value of prioritization, self-care, and surrounding myself with people who believe in me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I wear a couple of hats in my professional life! First, I run my own real estate business, where I specialize in helping families, individuals, and investors find the perfect home or property. What sets me apart is my personal, relationship-driven approach — I really take the time to understand my clients’ needs and guide them through every step of the process. It’s not just about closing deals; it’s about helping people make life-changing moves with confidence.
In addition to my real estate business, I’m also the Vice President and a partner at BPK Housing, which provides temporary and workforce housing solutions. We specialize in supplying high-quality modular and mobile housing for industries like disaster recovery, oilfield operations, construction projects, and emergency response. Whether it’s temporary housing for workers or rapidly deployable units after a natural disaster, our team is committed to providing fast, reliable solutions.
What sets BPK Housing apart is our responsiveness and flexibility. We tailor each project to meet our clients’ specific needs — whether that’s for one unit or an entire housing camp. Our experience and partnerships allow us to move quickly and deliver exceptional service, even on tight timelines.
Brand-wise, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built at BPK Housing. We’ve helped communities in crisis, supported first responders, and provided safe, comfortable spaces for workers who often spend months away from home. I want readers to know that both in my real estate business and at BPK, our mission is always centered on service, integrity, and relationships.
At the end of the day, whether I’m helping someone buy their dream home or providing critical housing after a disaster, my goal is simple: to make a positive impact — one home at a time.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If there’s one thing I’d love to share with anyone thinking about starting their own business, it’s this: don’t be afraid to take the leap — even if the path isn’t perfectly clear.
When I first left law enforcement, I had no idea what my future career would look like. Over the years, I made several pivots — some by choice, some by necessity — and every step taught me something valuable. What I’ve learned is that success doesn’t come from waiting for the “perfect time” or having everything figured out. It comes from taking action, learning as you go, and staying open to opportunities.
Also — don’t underestimate the power of support. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, who will cheer you on when it’s hard, and who will remind you why you started. For me, having a supportive spouse and business partners made all the difference.
And most importantly — give yourself grace. Building a business takes time, effort, and plenty of patience. There will be highs and lows, but if you stay true to your values and keep pushing forward, the reward of building something you’re proud of is absolutely worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bpkhousing.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicagonzaleztherealtor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/196TFp1KFZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-gonzalez-594b76314/
Image Credits
Mely Navarro with M.Navarro Photography
