It wasn’t until everything fell apart that I realized what it would take to fix it. On the road to rebuilding, I found a new purpose in helping people.

 

I woke up in my brother’s extra bedroom, staring at the ceiling, realizing I had nothing left. Everything I had built—my business, my sense of purpose... all of it was gone. All I had left were a few possessions and the weight of knowing exactly what had gotten me here: alcohol. It had started as just part of the job, part of the bar-and-grill life, the social scene. But at some point, it stopped being something I controlled and became something that controlled me.

 

For years, I was a successful entrepreneur. I opened my own bar at 22 with my aunt, turned it into a thriving business and ran it for nearly a decade. When I moved to Austin, I opened another one. But I was drinking too much, losing my grip and making choices that led me straight to rock bottom. I eventually had to shut the doors and just like that, everything unraveled.

 

That’s how I ended up back at my family’s ranch. I had lost everything, but somehow, I hadn’t lost them—that was what saved me. I didn’t check into a program or go to rehab; instead, I leaned on my faith and my family, and I made the decision then and there that I was done drinking. Cold turkey. No excuses. No second chances. Just done.

 

The road back wasn’t easy—I had to start from scratch, taking a job managing a restaurant again. Within six months, I was back on my feet, and within a year, I earned my real estate license. I never imagined I’d get into real estate but once I got into it, I realized something—I had spent years in the bar business watching people use their last dollar for just one more drink, thinking it would help them escape. But real estate was the exact opposite. I was helping people build something real—helping them create a future, a home, a foundation. 

 

Over the years, I helped build and manage an office of 180 agents, gaining invaluable expertise in leadership, operations, and guiding agents toward success. My journey led me to start my own brokerage: UCAN Realty Group. Because if I could come back from losing everything and build something even better, then You Can too. That’s what I tell my clients, my agents and anyone who feels like they’re stuck. You Can take the next step. You Can change your life. You Can buy a house. I’m living proof anything is possible when you believe in yourself and have the support.

 

I’ve transformed my life, and now my mission is to help others change their lives for the better! I have  a career I love and the best part is that I get to be there for my family—my partner Kody and our son, Jonas. Every choice I make now is with them in mind. I ultimately want Jonas to see that no matter how hard life knocks you down, no matter how lost you might feel, that there’s always a way back.

 

Most of my free time is spent with my family. My partner and I make it a priority to be with Jonas. Whether it's heading to the ranch for the weekend or taking a quick trip to the coast, we make the most of our time together. 

 

UCAN Realty Group is built on the belief that anyone can achieve their goals with the right support. I work with a wide range of

 clients—from first-time homebuyers to those upgrading, downsizing or relocating—and I cover a broad area from North Austin to San Antonio. No matter your situation, my priority is making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, always putting your needs first. I also own a Caring Transitions franchise, helping seniors move into assisted living while handling the sale of their homes with care and respect. I’m always finding new ways to improve and expand the resources and services I offer my clients.

 

Real estate is more than just transactional to me—it’s about helping you build a future, create stability and find a place to truly call home. My work doesn’t end at closing either—I will always be here as a resource, advocate and guide, ready to support you whenever you need it. From recommending trusted service providers to answering questions about the area/market, I’m here. Your success is my success, and I’m honored to be part of your journey.

 

Thank you,

 
 
 
 

 

 

Chad Hardin

Broker-Owner

Primary (325) 642-1218

chad@ucanrealtygroup.com

ucanrealtygroup.com