Being a team leader with a strong work ethic and desire to learn has served Kansas City Mavericks forward Joshua Lammon well throughout his hockey journey.  While he continues to contribute to the team on the ice, Lammon is also helping players off the ice through his background and connections in the real estate industry.

Lammon grew up in Michigan where he began skating at the age of 3.  He played other sports such as soccer and baseball, however his first love was hockey.  He was admittedly a late bloomer and didn’t make his local AAA team until he was 16.  His improvement and advancement was noticeable enough that he made the Under-18 team as a Senior in high school.  Still though, he hadn’t considered a career as a professional hockey player.

“I was always a strong student and wasn’t sure about continuing hockey, so I applied to quite a few colleges purely based on academics,” recounted Lammon. “Fortunately, a coach from Mercyhurst saw me play a few times and invited me to tour the campus. That was probably the moment I realized I could actually play Division 1 ice hockey. I verbally committed there during my U-18 year, and then tendered with the Springfield Jr. Blues to play junior hockey for a couple developmental years.”

Lammon enjoyed his four years at Mercyhurst, graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors and double-majoring in competitive intelligence studies and finance while being a key contributor on the ice to a thriving Division 1 hockey program. In his Junior and Senior years, he was named the team’s Scholar Athlete of the Year. 

“We had a tight knit group.  I was fortunate to have a pretty big class size on my team and met some of my best friends during my time there. I enjoyed the smaller, intimate classroom sizes in a liberal arts school as well.  I loved my time at Mercyhurst. Plus, it was only a 4-hour drive away from Michigan so my parents could watch quite a few games.”

Lammon was named team Captain in his Senior year.  Although it wouldn’t be the last time he Captained a team, leading by example and having a strong work ethic is how Lammon developed into the player he is today.

“It was such a great honour to be named Captain of a Division 1 hockey team.  Any time your peers vote you into a position of leadership, it’s a special feeling and something I will cherish forever.  I tend to lead by example and try to do things with integrity, humility, hard work, and make a difference in each community I live in. Honestly, I just try to do the right things and represent myself and teammates as best as possible.”

Following his Senior season at Mercyhurst where Lammon posted 30 points in 38 games, he signed his first professional contract with the ECHL’s Florida Everblades for the remainder of the 2018-19 season.

“I wasn’t sure if I wanted to play pro hockey for awhile. It wasn’t until my senior year when I had some decent production when the offers came in. Florida was one team that approached me.  They always have a contending team, so I signed with them for the remainder of the season and found it to be a fantastic experience.”

He played the next two seasons with the Allen Americans posting 63 points over 121 games during that span.  Despite a productive and enjoyable start to his ECHL career, Lammon signed with the Cardiff Devils in Europe ahead of the 2021-22 season, eventually winning the EIHL Championship.

“My agent had some connections to the team, and playing in Europe was something I wanted to do at some point in my career.  It was an opportunity to experience a different culture, country, and city. I really enjoyed my time there. You learn a lot about yourself, other parts of the world, and your independence. It was an unforgettable experience for sure.”

After one season in Europe, Lammon returned to North America ahead of the 2022-23 season and signed with the Kansas City Mavericks.

“I have really enjoyed my time in Kansas City so far. Wes (Mavericks Assistant Coach, Riley Weselowski) reached out initially.  I had played with him in Florida and we got along great.  I had also played for Tad O’Had (Mavericks Head Coach and General Manager) in Florida as well and liked what he had to say about the direction of this team.  I had always heard good things about the city, and the organization treats players super well. It’s been a positive experience, and I think we have a group who can contend come May.”

Lammon has been recognized as being a top defensive forward multiple times throughout his career and takes pride in the niche he has created to help his team on the ice. 

“I’d say my strongest asset is how I think the game, or some might say Hockey IQ.  My parents have recorded my games since I was a little kid, and I think video is a key reason why I’ve been able to extend my career as long as I have. I really had to prioritize playing a responsible 200-foot game during my time at Mercyhurst. As you move up to the next level as a hockey player, whatever level that may be, you have to find a role and become indispensable to your team. Especially with all the good players coming through the ECHL and AHL, you always have to adapt and do what you can to help your team because the next wave of players is always coming.”

While hockey has always been at the forefront for Lammon, it was an interest in the real estate industry that has begun to shape a potential post hockey career path.

“My interest in real estate, particularly investing, began during college. I started following real estate investors on social media and various forums and became intrigued with the industry.  Not too long after graduating, my partner and I purchased a home in Northern Virginia and we were fortunate to have a great real estate agent who thoroughly educated us about the process the entire way. That’s what sparked the idea of getting my residential real estate salesperson license.”

Lammon then registered for the PHPA (Professional Hockey Players’ Association) Career Enhancement Program through which he was able to get his real estate license for the State of Virginia. “I enjoyed taking the real estate courses and thought it reinforced my interest in the career path.” 

Armed with his real estate license, Lammon began networking with other Agents in the DC area, and was introduced to Jordan Stuart, a Real Estate Agent from Keller Williams, who was in the midst of developing a Sports and Entertainment division of Keller Williams along with his partner Jason Ross.  That meeting was the beginning of a lasting relationship which has now blossomed into a successful partnership with the PHPA. 

“I met Jordan through the real estate agent who sold us our home in Virginia.  She knew I had a hockey background and was playing professionally, so she introduced me to Jordan who had helped many athletes and celebrities with their real estate needs. I ended up joining Jordan’s local team and thought it was a perfect synergy between my professional hockey and my real estate careers. Obviously as a player, I can relate to other athletes who may be interested in real estate, so I made the KWSE introduction to the PHPA. I think it’s a great untapped resource for all PHPA Members and Alumni to have access to a vast, established network of agents across North America who specialize in working with professional athletes.”

While Lammon continues to play professional hockey, he has found time to help others with their real estate needs, especially during the off-season.

“It’s a unique career that is as flexible as you want it to be. With that being said, you’re also working at different times of the day that fit the lifestyle and needs of your clients which could include evenings and weekends. But I find it so rewarding to help people with finding a place to call home. A basic human necessity.  I’m excited to help clients through each step of the process, just as my first agent helped me.” 

Since the PHPA announced a formal partnership with the Private Housing Network, which aims to help current and former players with their real estate needs, several players have reached out.  It has been a great resource that allows players the opportunity to learn more about real estate with experienced industry professionals.

“The Private Housing Network is a resource platform offered in the U.S. and Canada that was the culmination of our Realtors’ experience and best practices working with sports and entertainment organizations,” said Jason Ross, Founder of the Private Housing Network.  “After hundreds of hours of meetings and the fulfillment of requests to help with the procurement of housing and real estate representation for athletes and entertainers with specific needs, the PHN extends to offer a centralized channel for real estate education, mentorship, consulting and even licensing.  We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the PHPA and offer our robust services to the association.”  

“What makes the Private Housing Network so successful is the relationship component,” added Lammon.  “The connection with the network’s agents are paramount, the trusted people who will guide you through the process, mentoring and educating you through every step along the way. This is crucial whether players are buying or selling a primary residence or for players who may be interested in learning about real estate from an investment perspective.  With this partnership, PHPA Members can feel confident in knowing they are connecting with an experienced and vetted agent in their market.  The Private Housing Network’s Executive team is very diligent in deciding which agents they allow into its network. It’s their reputation on the line as well. We treat every client with the highest professional standards as possible, because when you’re working with high-profile individuals such as athletes, the stakes can be much greater. And client trust is everything in this space. If you lose it, it can be impossible to regain.”

Now with some experience working in the real estate industry and having mentored under agents who have worked with professional athletes, Lammon offers some sage advice when it comes to buying or selling a property.

“Real estate can be a wise alternative investment opportunity for athletes who have amassed some financial wealth instead of putting their money into the market. I think it’s important to learn as much information as possible before making any real estate investments.  Understand that the agents who are a part of the Private Housing Network are trusted, honest, and have your best interests’ at heart.  They’re eager to help fulfill the needs of each member of the PHPA. If you’re interested in real estate, don’t be afraid to get educated and jump-in, whether it’s to purchase your primary residence, an investment property, land, or a commercial property project. Real estate can be a great investment opportunity. I’ve personally used our network to purchase a short-term investment property in Florida and cannot say enough positive things about the agent we connected with.”

Outside of hockey and real estate, Lammon has also taken an interest in photography and video production.  He founded his own photography business, Lammshots Photography, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic which compliments his real estate career.

“It’s a hobby that I started in college and was a creative outlet outside the rigors of hockey and school. I began with landscape photography. Then I started to align my interest in photography with real estate and helped other agents market and improve exposure for their listings. I launched the business during COVID as a way to earn some extra money and have continued to treat it as a media company since.”

Like all agents within the Private Housing Network, Lammon is offering to help any player with their real estate objectives.  “If anyone is interested, don’t be afraid to reach out.  Even if you are just interested in having a discussion about real estate, I’d be happy to connect.  Visit phpahousing.com which directs to Jason and Jordan.  If you are considering purchasing a property or working on an investment property during the off-season, just know you have immediate access to an experienced network that understands the nature of professional athletes and is willing to help you achieve your goals.”