I never imagined that knee surgery and a love for disc golf would lead me to real estate—but every step brought me closer to helping clients, and especially veterans, in a whole new way.

 

A huge part of my life was, and continues to be, the military. I’m passionate about helping veterans as a retired army member myself. 

 

In the Army, I worked as both a physical therapist and a heavy machine operator. Those years shaped me in countless ways. The Army wasn’t just about the physical demands—it was about the mental and emotional strain too. Following orders, meeting deadlines, getting yelled at, pushing through stress—it all forced me to grow, to become more outgoing, and to prove to myself that I could handle challenges. But it also took a toll on my health.

 

Eventually, I developed chronic pain that led to knee surgery, and after seven years, I was medically retired. Walking away from the Army wasn’t easy. My identity had been tied to it, and suddenly I was faced with the daunting question: what now? Finding your path after the military is never simple, and when you have kids depending on you, the urgency is even greater.

 

My wife, Danielle, and I welcomed our daughter, Layla, and later our son, Landon. With a young family to support, I first went into construction, but my body couldn’t keep up with the physical demands anymore. That’s when I transitioned to sales. I found that I genuinely enjoyed talking with business owners, understanding their needs, and offering something of value. That lesson led me to a powerful realization: what could be more valuable than helping someone find a home?

 

That mindset is what drew me into real estate. I wanted the flexibility of schedule, the ability to build a business, and—most importantly—the opportunity to help others own a home, including veterans like me. I started out with Coldwell Banker, where I learned the ropes, not just about the real estate process but about building a business from scratch. Because that’s what becoming a REALTOR® really is—it’s not just a job, it’s starting a business. The early days weren’t easy, but I made it through. Now I’m beginning a new chapter as an independent agent, carrying forward everything I’ve learned.

 

My kids, Layla and Landon, are now six and two, and as a family, we love camping, hiking, and pretty much anything outdoors. One of my biggest hobbies is disc golf. I’d even say I’m a semi-professional—I compete in tournaments and run a veterans disc golf tournament in Colorado Springs. It’s one of the ways I stay connected to the military community, which will always be close to my heart.

 

Another way I stay connected is through mental health advocacy. I started a chapter here in Colorado that brings veterans together with experts to openly discuss mental health. It’s been incredibly impactful, and word has spread so much that others are interested in starting chapters in different states. Seeing such an impact is inspiring.

 

For me, real estate isn’t just about buying or selling homes. It’s about service, about making sure people have someone they can trust to guide them through such an important decision. The military taught me resilience, discipline, and the value of camaraderie. Real estate has given me a way to channel those lessons into helping people build stability, find community, and create a home.

 

As a veteran and V.A. loan expert, I educate veterans on how to maximize the benefits of the V.A. loan. I also ensure that every client, veteran or not, secures a fair interest rate. My approach is built on advocacy: I fight for my clients to get the best deal possible. I also work tirelessly to help families, including those who may have been overlooked or dismissed by other agents, find a home they can afford.

 

I pride myself on being incredibly accessible. I adapt to my clients’ schedules and time zones, answer my phone at all hours, and drive wherever needed to show a home. My focus is not only finding a house my clients love but also ensuring it’s a sound financial choice. I never push people outside their budget, and through skilled negotiation, I help them secure the right home at the right price. That commitment to advocacy and integrity is what sets me apart.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Dillon Lanzl