Chasing the American Dream: Julien Buduri's Path from Immigrant to Real Estate Agent
Julien Buduri’s life reflects determination, service, and the pursuit of opportunity. Arriving from Rwanda in 2007, he embraced San Antonio as home and built a career helping families find theirs.
By 2019, he had become a trusted real estate agent, known for his communication skills and commitment to veterans and military families. In 2025, Buduri expanded his path by enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserves, a decision inspired by his mentor, retired Green Beret Levi Rodgers.
His journey illustrates how immigrants not only chase the American Dream but also strengthen communities and serve the nation along the way.
Success in San Antonio’s Real Estate Market
Since earning his real estate license in 2019, Buduri has excelled at Levi Rodgers Group in San Antonio, specializing in serving veterans and military families. His multilingual skills and deep understanding of the local market have earned him praise for clear communication and client-focused service.
- Buduri expertly guides clients through San Antonio’s complex housing market, supporting them from early searches through contract negotiations and closing.
- Clients consistently praise his thorough, client-first approach, which helps ensure smoother transactions, reduced stress, and far more confident purchase decisions.
- He regularly shares practical real estate advice online, including guidance on mortgage rates, home features, and common first-time buyer challenges.
- Buduri proudly supports Veterans through Homes for Heroes, offering service-member discounts that ease costs and encourage sustainable homeownership opportunities.
Real Estate vs. Army Reserves: Key Differences
| Aspect | Real Estate | Army Reserves |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Duties | Client meetings, property sales, market analysis | Monthly drills, annual training, potential deployments |
| Skills Developed | Negotiation, communication, market expertise | Leadership, discipline, strategic thinking |
| Community Impact | Helping families find homes | Serving the nation, supporting Veterans |
| Challenges | Market fluctuations, competition | Balancing civilian life, physical demands |
Enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserves
In July 2025, Buduri enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves, inspired by his boss, Levi Rodgers, a retired Green Beret. The oath ceremony at his workplace symbolized his commitment to serve while continuing his real estate career. He plans to start officer training in October 2025.
- Buduri points to Rodgers’ distinguished military service as the driving motivation behind his enlistment and planned officer career.
- The Army Reserves’ flexible structure enables Buduri to maintain real estate commitments while honoring his new military responsibilities.
- He is using the months before formal training to complete real estate deals and ensure a seamless client transition.
- His choice reflects a growing immigrant trend of embracing military service as a way to give back to America.
Explore Army Reserves opportunities at: https://www.goarmy.com/reserve.html.
Watch Julien’s Story
Oath to Serve — filmed at Levi Rodgers Group, San Antonio.
From Rwanda to San Antonio, Julien Buduri built a real estate career serving Veterans and Military families, then raised his hand to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves. This video highlights the commitment, mentorship, and community impact behind his journey.
- Real estate professional specializing in Veteran and Military homebuyers in San Antonio.
- Enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves; leadership training on the horizon.
- Mentored by a retired Green Beret; service values guide every client interaction.
Benefits of Military Service for Immigrants
For immigrants like Buduri, the Army Reserves offer pathways to citizenship, education benefits, and a sense of purpose. The part-time commitment enables them to balance civilian careers while gaining valuable skills and contributing to national defense.
- Military service expedites the naturalization process, helping legal residents achieve U.S. citizenship much faster than traditional immigration pathways.
- Programs such as the GI Bill and tuition assistance provide financial support for education, career training, and long-term professional advancement opportunities.
- Service builds deep bonds with fellow Veterans, creating valuable professional networks and meaningful community connections that endure beyond active duty.
- More than 24,000 non-citizens currently serve in the U.S. military, underscoring its strong appeal for immigrant communities nationwide.
Immigrant Contributions to the U.S. Military
| Metric | Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Active Non-Citizen Service Members | ~24,000 | Department of Defense |
| Military Naturalizations (2023) | 4,000+ | USCIS |
| Foreign-Born Veterans (2022) | ~731,000 | Migration Policy Institute |
| Annual Non-Citizen Enlistments | 5,000–7,000 | FWD.us |
Discover military benefits for immigrants: USCIS Military Resources
The Power of Mentorship in Buduri’s Journey
Buduri’s success is bolstered by mentorship from Levi Rodgers and veteran colleagues at Levi Rodgers Group. Their guidance has shaped his real estate career and military ambitions, demonstrating the critical role of support networks for immigrants pursuing multifaceted goals.
- Rodgers, a highly respected Green Beret, motivated Buduri’s enlistment and fully supports his long-term goal of becoming an Army officer.
- Veteran coworkers provide practical, experience-based advice that helps Buduri anticipate and adapt to the challenges of reserve service.
- Structured mentorship programs within the military and real estate industries give Buduri reliable guidance and clear direction for career advancement.
- His story illustrates how mentorship can effectively bridge cultural divides and professional gaps, especially empowering immigrants pursuing ambitious leadership roles.
Balancing Real Estate and Military Service
Buduri’s ability to manage real estate alongside Army Reserves duties highlights his discipline and strategic planning. The Reserves’ flexible schedule allows him to maintain client relationships while preparing for officer training, a balance many reservists strive to achieve.
- Monthly drills and annual training integrate seamlessly with Buduri’s real estate work, ensuring clients experience continuity and consistent service.
- Skills such as time management, adaptability, and leadership transfer effectively between military duties and real estate, strengthening his performance overall.
- Buduri is finalizing outstanding client transactions before his October training begins, showing strong dedication to both professional commitments equally.
- His balanced approach mirrors how countless reservists successfully manage civilian responsibilities alongside ongoing military service obligations every year.
Learn about veteran support programs: https://www.va.gov/.
The Broader Impact of Buduri’s Story
Buduri’s journey resonates beyond San Antonio, illustrating how immigrants contribute to American society through professional success and service. His enlistment and real estate work highlight the diverse ways newcomers strengthen communities, from economic contributions to national defense.
- Buduri’s real estate work focuses heavily on Veterans, supporting military families and aligning with broader national housing assistance initiatives.
- His enlistment in the Reserves demonstrates a strong commitment to giving back to America, inspiring both peers and future generations.
- Immigrants like Buduri strengthen the workforce, with 17% of U.S. workers foreign-born according to Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023 data.
- His journey inspires aspiring immigrants to explore rewarding careers in real estate or military service, contributing to national growth.
For labor statistics on immigrant contributions, visit: https://www.bls.gov/.
Steps to Follow in Buduri’s Footsteps
For those inspired by Buduri’s path, pursuing a dual career in real estate and the Army Reserves is achievable with clear steps. Start with education, seek mentorship, and leverage available resources to balance both roles effectively.
- Obtain a real estate license by completing state-specific courses, like those offered in Texas through the Texas Real Estate Commission.
- Connect with an Army Reserves recruiter directly to understand enlistment requirements, available benefits, and opportunities designed specifically for immigrants.
- Join professional organizations such as veteran groups or realtor associations to access valuable mentorship, networking, and long-term community support.
- Develop strong time management skills to balance the competing demands of civilian real estate work with ongoing military responsibilities.
The Lasting Impact of Julien Buduri’s Story on Veterans and Communities
Julien Buduri’s story is a powerful reflection of resilience, ambition, and service. From escaping hardship in Rwanda to thriving as a real estate professional in San Antonio, he embodies how immigrants transform opportunity into achievement.
His enlistment in the U.S. Army Reserves adds another dimension to his journey, blending personal growth with national service. Supported by mentorship and driven by purpose, Buduri’s path highlights the unique ways immigrants strengthen both local communities and the nation.
His example encourages others to embrace determination, seek guidance, and pursue careers that honor family, community, and country.
