🎢 Two-Minute Compliance Story: The Matterhorn

By Summer Goralik

Did you know Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds was not only the first tubular steel coaster in the world, but also one of the first to use a “powered climb, gravity drop” design? The motors haul you up the mountain, and then suddenly you’re released, flying down on nothing but your own weight.

If you’re a Disneyland regular (which I proudly claim in my social circles), you know it’s a classic. But I’ll admit, I’ve grown more cautious about riding it over the years. Maybe it’s just age catching up with me, which feels a little lame. Every trip is different depending on the weight in your sled. And I’ve been in those sleds that really flew down that mountain.

Real estate feels a lot like that ride. You study, pass the test, earn your license; your climb is powered. Then suddenly, you’re dropped from the top, relying on momentum, hoping your brokerage provides enough coaching, mentoring, and supervision to keep you on the track and moving at the right pace.

The ride is thrilling. But without guidance and a commitment to compliance, it can also feel like a freefall. And just like the Matterhorn, two different agents at two different brokerages can have completely different rides through this industry.

So don’t journey solo. Build your safety net early and surround yourself with a dream team of advisors and mentors. Ask questions, embrace training, follow your broker’s policies, and let education and compliance be your guardrails on this coaster. That’s what keeps a successful career from becoming a dangerous ride—or worse, a cautionary tale.

I’ll be here if you need compliance guidance… or a partner for the Matterhorn.

About Summer

Summer Goralik is a Real Estate Compliance Consultant and licensed Real Estate Broker (#02022805). Summer offers real estate brokers a variety of consulting services including assistance with California Department of Real Estate investigations and audit preparation, mock audits, brokerage compliance guidance, advertising review, and training. She helps licensees evaluate their regulatory compliance and correct any non-compliant activities. Summer has an extensive background in real estate which includes private sector, regulatory and law enforcement experience. Prior to opening her consulting business in 2016, she worked for the Orange County District Attorney's Office as a Civilian Economic Crimes Investigator in their Real Estate Fraud Unit. Before that, Summer was employed as a Special Investigator for the DRE for six years. Among many achievements, she wrote several articles for the DRE which still live on their website today. Prior to her career in government and law enforcement, Summer also worked in the escrow industry for nearly five years. For more information about Summer's background and services, please visit her website.