Imagine the worst day of your life becoming the catalyst for your greatest achievements. That’s exactly what happened to Nick Prefontaine, a real estate expert, motivational speaker, and creator of the transformative STEP system. In a recent episode of the Small Business Finance podcast, hosted by Tiffany, Nick Prefontaine shared his incredible story of surviving a life-threatening snowboarding accident and turning trauma into triumph. His journey is not only inspiring but also packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs and anyone facing challenges. Let’s dive into Nick’s story, his rise in real estate, and the system that’s helping others overcome obstacles.

A Life-Changing Accident

Nick’s story begins in eighth grade during a ski club outing. Excited to hit the slopes with friends, he decided to tackle the biggest jump in the terrain park despite icy conditions. What followed was a catastrophic accident that changed his life. Nick caught the edge of his snowboard, resulting in a severe crash that left him unconscious. Due to high winds, a helicopter couldn’t transport him, but fate intervened. One of the few paramedics in the area capable of intubating on the spot arrived, saving his life. Nick credits three key factors for his survival:

• The right paramedic arriving at the scene.
• His snowboarding goggles, which miraculously cushioned each blow as he tumbled down the mountain.
• His mother’s insistence that doctors share grim prognoses outside his room, protecting his subconscious from negative expectations.

Nick was in a coma for three weeks, with doctors warning he might never walk, talk, or eat independently again. Yet, against all odds, he not only woke up but began a remarkable recovery, unknowingly developing what would later become the STEP system.

The STEP System: A Blueprint for Overcoming Challenges

Nick’s recovery wasn’t just a miracle—it was a process. At a rehab hospital in Boston, he began relearning basic skills like walking, talking, and eating. During this time, he instinctively applied a system that he later formalized as STEP, an acronym standing for Support, Trust, Energy, and Persistence. Here’s how it works:

• Support: Surround yourself with a strong network of family and friends from the start. Nick’s family rallied around him, setting a collective goal for him to “run out of the hospital.”
• Trust: Believe that each step forward will lead to the next. Nick trusted the process, even when progress felt slow.
• Energy: Maintain your body’s natural healing ability by managing energy levels and minimizing reliance on medications where possible.
• Persistence: Keep moving forward, no matter how small the steps. Nick’s daily commitment to progress built unstoppable momentum.

Less than 60 days after entering rehab, Nick achieved his goal of running out of the hospital. His journey didn’t end there—he continued outpatient therapy for six months and was tutored to stay on track with high school. Today, Nick shares the STEP system through his company, Common Goal, in one-on-one coaching and keynote speeches for organizations like Brain Injury Association Minnesota. His system empowers others to navigate trauma, life challenges, or business hurdles with confidence.

From Recovery to Real Estate Success

Just 18 months after his accident, Nick Prefontaine entered the world of real estate, initially door-knocking for pre-foreclosure homeowners to set up meetings for investors. This role was more than a job—it was part of his recovery, helping others in tough situations while rebuilding his own confidence. After graduating high school, Nick became a licensed realtor, assisting buyers and sellers from 2008 to 2016.

In 2014, Nick’s father approached him to help market properties acquired through creative real estate strategies, such as lease purchases, owner financing, and subject-to deals. These methods allowed them to buy properties without personal loans or large investor payments. Nick shifted his focus to the rent-to-own market, where 80% of buyers can’t qualify for traditional bank loans but have strong incomes and down payments. By guiding these buyers through a structured process, Nick Prefontaine and his team achieved an impressive 80-90% success rate, helping renters become homeowners.

Nick’s real estate expertise is shared through Smart Real Estate Coach, where he and his team teach others how to buy and sell properties creatively. Interested entrepreneurs can explore these strategies through a free master’s class at smartrealestatecoach.com.

Finding His True Calling

Despite his success in real estate, Nick felt a persistent inner voice urging him to share his story and help others overcome trauma. In 2019, a pivotal moment came when a woman at one of his events suggested he refine his message with professional coaching. In 2021, Nick connected with mentor Tricia Brook, who helped him develop his speaker platform and uncover the STEP system. This collaboration led to the launch of Common Goal, where Nick now delivers powerful 50-60 minute keynotes and coaches clients to transform challenges into opportunities.

One client’s testimonial highlights the impact of Nick’s work: after a pancreas transplant and medication-related complications, she faced memory loss and tremors. With Nick’s guidance through the STEP system, she regained control, reduced symptoms, and found confidence to move forward. Stories like hers fuel Nick’s mission to make a profound difference.

Take the First Step Today

Nick’s journey from a coma to a thriving career as a speaker and real estate mentor is a testament to resilience and purpose. His STEP system offers a practical framework for anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed, whether in business or personal life. As Nick Prefontaine says, “Once you take your first step, your next step is always going to be possible.”

Ready to learn more? Download the STEP system for free at nickprefontaine.com/step to start your journey. For entrepreneurs interested in creative real estate strategies, visit smartrealestatecoach.com to register for a free master’s class. Nick’s story reminds us that even the darkest moments can lead to a brighter future with the right mindset and system.

Listen to the Full Episode

Want to hear Nick’s story in his own words? Check out the full Small Business Finance podcast episode for more inspiration and actionable insights. Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes that empower entrepreneurs with financial clarity and confidence.

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