Ray Bethke became a Realtor in 1999 after retiring from a 34-year career in public education, and he has been a RE/MAX Agent from the start. “I was encouraged into the industry by my first mentor, Dave Davidson (Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Hear of Texas). At that time, Dave owned a RE/MAX Franchise in the Georgetown area and was well known here,” says Ray. “We knew Dave both through a church connection and because we were among the first 75 people to buy a home in Sun City. When Dave opened up his Georgetown franchise, he encouraged me to become licensed and work with him.”

The career suited Ray, who has always been people-oriented and active. He took Dave up on his offer, but embarking on a new career was not without its challenges as Ray remembers. “After over 30 years in school administration, teaching and coaching, it was a little tough going back to school for training. But I took my time and studied hard,” Ray relates. “Dave told me the first year would be tough since I would have to go out and seek my business for the first time. In education, people come to you for your services.”

Ray excelled under Dave’s support and has since reached both RE/MAX Executive Club and 100% Club production status. Now with a firm referral base, Ray enjoys a solid reputation for services. Today, his challenges are different, such as keeping up with the ever-changing world of technology. “I do my best to stay on top of current trends, but I still keep my blue spiral notebook,” he says. Ray has been keeping track of his listings this way since he began and has found that when it comes to technology it is better to use the methods that work best for him as opposed to those that are popular.

When Dave Davidson moved his RE/MAX Franchise to Austin in 2004, Ray made the difficult but rewarding transition to Wally Wilson’s RE/MAX Centx Associates in Georgetown. “It was hard parting from my first mentor,” says Ray. “But Wally quickly filled that role and it has been wonderful working with him. Agents can’t help be successful working with Wally.”

Outside of the office, Ray is heavily involved in his community and church. He spent many years coaching and officiating for youth football and continues to partake in youth programs in Sun City. He plays golf weekly, and regularly attends Round Rock Express games and school functions.

Contact Ray Bethke at RE/MAX Centx Associates by calling 512-930-4663 or emailing raybethke@suddenlink.com