I get asked just about every week, “Wayne, where are you from?” And I always say, “London, England.” Nobody believes me.
It’s funny—my friends back in South Carolina don’t think I have an accent at all. But here in Oklahoma? Folks are convinced I’ve got a thick southern drawl.
Truth is, I lean into it. That southern accent is just part of who I am, and I bring it with me into my business every single day.
People have told me that the way I talk makes me sound trustworthy. And I take that to heart—because it’s not a gimmick or some kind of act. I genuinely want people to know they can trust me.
In real estate, trust is everything. It’s a big decision for folks—buying or selling a home—and I never take that lightly. My goal is always to treat people with integrity and to earn their trust every step of the way.
Now, I’m 53 years old, and I still say “yes ma’am” and “no ma’am.” I’m not sure when—or if—I’m ever supposed to stop doing that. But until someone tells me otherwise, I’m going to keep on doing it. That’s just how I was raised. My parents taught me to show respect, especially to people older than me.
Sometimes I’ll say “yes ma’am” to someone who’s 60 years old, and then it hits me—they’re only seven years older than I am! Makes me feel a little old myself. But even still, out of respect, I’ll keep on saying it.
And hey—if I ever say “yes ma’am” or “no ma’am” to you and you’re my age, please don’t take it the wrong way. I’m not trying to be disrespectful. I’m just doing what I was taught—showing respect, plain and simple.
That kind of respect and trust is how I try to do business every day. It’s just part of who I am.
