While living a life I could have never imagined, I took a moment to recognize how far I had come. Never giving up and committing to my passions were key to getting where I am today. With all our friends gathered around us, the moment felt like it had to be too good to be true. I married my best friend, found my family, and realized in that instant, everything I had experienced in my life played a part in getting me there. I became a licensed REALTOR® in 2001 after finishing college and working in the technology industry. Once I recognized corporate life was not a good fit for me, I took control over my own destiny as an entrepreneur. My father has been a REALTOR® since before I was born. From the beginning of my career, I joined him at our family brokerage. Early on, I found momentum, especially through working with land developers. I was on the fast track to retire early with millions. At the time, I had several investment properties beyond my primary home. I managed to hang on to them for several years after the crash, but it cost me everything. In that time, I drained my savings and funneled everything into making mortgage payments, even though my tenants were no longer paying rent. One day, I realized I only had $37 in my bank account. I was not sure where I would live or what I would eat that night. I called an attorney for advice, and he told me I was experiencing bankruptcy. Filing bankruptcy was the absolute last thing I wanted to do, but it was my only option. I was so far underwater, there was no other way out. So, I filed and lost everything I had worked so hard to achieve. Over the next couple of years, I became more and more creative with stretching a dollar and utilizing new marketing techniques that benefited both me and my clients through netting higher selling prices. I used skills I learned through my own investments and years in new construction to make small improvements that correlated to the highest returns. After putting so much into my career, it was humbling to lose it all through no fault of my own. Even then, I did not give up. I lifted my chin up and got back to work. I reinvented myself and earned the opportunity to work with seniors in the community through helping them transition into new homes. Slowly, I rebuilt my life both internally and externally. I believed that I could do more than business in my life and dove into working on myself. Through reading, reflection and more, I recognized I am a high empath and can feel what others around me are feeling, which is why real estate is such a good fit for me. I continued to grow, and in 2019, I reconnected with Ami, who I had known for many years. Not long after, we began to build our life together. The work I have done on myself to get here led me directly to my wife and children. I feel so fortunate to have my family, something I thought I had missed my chance to find. Whenever I develop an interest, I tend to throw myself all in. I go deep, learn everything I can and become an expert. While my hobbies vary, my passion and dedication for my family and real estate will never waver. Whenever I am not working, I enjoy riding motorcycles, working on my home, and spending time with friends and family. My favorite part of being a REALTOR® is celebrating every little victory throughout the process with my clients. With my experience, innovative marketing strategies, and unwavering dedication, I get my clients results. Not only will we achieve your goal, but we will also celebrate each step of the way! In any transaction, there are so many small victories – I like to highlight those and create a fun experience for my clients. While I have worked everywhere from new construction and investments to senior real estate, my focus is helping my clients take the next step that works for them. Real estate is a part of me. As a second-generation REALTOR®, it is in my blood. I channel my passion and determination to advocate for my clients. I have seen this industry through ups and downs and never wavered, knowing I am right where I need to be. Having grown up in Northern Illinois and living in the community, I know these markets inside and out. You all are a part of my community, and the people in my life stay in my life. Even after closing, I will still be here as your lifelong REALTOR® and friend.
