Thriving as a VA Through Steady Strides and Lasting Growth
Transitioning from the corporate grind to the digital world isn’t always easy, but for Pope Salvador, it was a life-changing decision that brought both professional growth and personal balance. As one of Summit VA Solutions’ standout Virtual Assistants, Pope’s story is proof that adaptability, persistence, and the right mindset can turn challenges into long-term success.
A Practical Leap into Virtual Assistance
For Pope, becoming a VA wasn’t about chasing trends, it was about making a smart life decision. He weighed the realities of commuting, corporate hours, and salary, and found that working virtually offered more stability and better rewards.
He recognized that this path would allow him to set his own pace and go the distance.
“It was more of a sensible decision to leave the corporate world and become a virtual assistant. Working the same hours but at the comfort of your home without having to worry about transportation and the like. On top of that, it pays better.”
Overcoming the Overwhelm
Starting out wasn’t smooth sailing. Pope was expecting to support one real estate agent but was instead introduced to an entire team without any prior real estate experience. Instead of backing down, he leaned into learning and persistence.
That willingness to keep moving forward set the pace for his long-term success.
“I didn’t expect to be helping out an entire team… I asked all the questions I could, I utilized all my available resources to make sure I can deliver. Well, I’m still with them 4 years later.”
Pope’s work is fast-paced and high-stakes. From managing ratified contracts to ensuring smooth communication between parties, his role demands both precision and multitasking.
He balances priorities and ensures no detail is missed while keeping momentum.
“The moment a contract gets ratified, I handle the communication amongst all parties involved until it gets to settlement. In between that, I help write offers for the team while making sure their individual CRMs are updated.”
The Power of Prioritization
Handling multiple projects requires more than just hard work, it requires smart work. Pope’s strategy is simple but effective: triage. By distinguishing what’s urgent from what can wait, he’s able to manage a heavy workload efficiently.
It’s much like knowing when to sprint and when to hold pace, a discipline that ensures he can endure the busiest stretches without losing stride.
“Triage—I have to know which is urgent and important from the tasks at hand so I would know how to approach them and knock them off one by one.”
Recognition and Proud Moments
One of Pope’s proudest milestones was being named Summit’s first Co-Virtual Assistant of the Year in 2023. But what truly fuels him are the moments when clients make him feel indispensable.
Those acknowledgments are like mile markers, reminders that the effort is paying off and that he’s moving in the right direction.
“Small things like recognition will always be memorable. Times when they say out loud during team meetings that the team won’t be complete without me, and even getting me added to their website—this somehow validates my being part of their team.”
Tackling the Toughest Workloads
When asked about his toughest challenge, Pope recalled the time he managed 42 ratified contracts simultaneously. Instead of drowning in tasks, he relied on discipline and communication.
“Triage is key—knowing what to prioritize, getting ahead of things helped a lot. Also, communication—letting the agents know that you’re working other contracts as well so they will know what to expect.”
Creating Balance and Better Health
Beyond professional success, being a VA has given Pope something equally valuable: the ability to prioritize his health. With a structured work schedule, he’s been able to build routines that support both his career and his well-being.
Pope is deliberate about keeping fitness and consistency part of his daily rhythm—ensuring he can go the distance in both work and life.
“Being a virtual assistant has given me the structure and flexibility I needed to really take charge of my health… Working as a VA has actually helped me create a routine where I can grow professionally while still taking care of my body and overall well-being.”
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Through years of experience, Pope has sharpened his attention to detail, knowing that even the smallest mistake can have big consequences in real estate contracts.
“Paying attention to detail—a simple mistake can cause a contract to fall out. As they say, ‘the devil is in the details."
And for aspiring VAs, his advice is straightforward but powerful:
“Don’t be scared to ask questions and to make mistakes. These are the only ways for us to learn.”
Pope Salvador’s journey reflects what makes Summit VA Solutions stand out: dedicated professionals who turn challenges into opportunities. His story is not only about building a career from home but also about resilience, adaptability, and the steady strides that lead to thriving in the long run.
At Summit, we’re proud to celebrate VAs like Pope, proof that with the right mindset, the virtual world can open doors to both professional excellence and personal fulfillment.
