WAY N E C O U N T Y
C O N N E C T I N G .
E L E VAT I N G .
I N S P I R I N G .
TOP PRODUCER
ALLISON
FISHWICK AGENT ON THE RISE
SAM SAKLA PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
LARRY SHOOK RISING STAR
SARA GRAPSIDIS TEAM FEATURE
THE SCHULTZ TEAM
DETAILS FOR OUR NEXT EVENT...INSIDE! Photo Credit: Eugen Muntean with Square Tangerine Productions
FEBRUARY 2020
Auto | Home/Condo | Renters | Life Umbrella | RV | Motorcycle | Boat AAA Membership | AAA Mastercard Amy Arnold • 5589 E M 36 • Ste A8 • Pinckney, MI 48169 • (734) 873-2100
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TAB LE OF
CONTENTS 06
09
Meet The Wayne County Team
Publisher’s Note
12
18
24
Preferred Partners
Top Producer: Allison Fishwick
28
Rising Star: Sara Grapsidis
Agent on the Rise: Sam Sakla
32 Team Feature: The Schultz Team
10
Partner Spotlight: Shook Heating and Cooling, LLC
37
Games: Get to Know the Wayne County Real Producers!
If you are interested in contributing or nominating Realtors for certain stories, please email us at Chris.csotty@realproducersmag.com or Terra.csotty@realproducersmag.com. DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 Publishing but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Wayne County Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2 Publishing or the publisher. Therefore, neither N2 Publishing nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies. NOTE: When community events take place, photographers may be present to take photos for that event and they may be used in this publication.
4 • February 2020
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PREFERRED PARTNERS
This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community!
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HOME STAGING Eclectic Attic Estate Sale Service (248) 660-3825
CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS Cranbrook Custom Homes (586) 781-2316
HANDYMAN/ HOME MAINTENANCE Home Fixology (586) 690-6211
Impact Home Staging Experts (248) 591-4290
DRONES Stylish Detroit (313) 799-3686 WayUp Media (248) 924-1011 Windowstill Photography (517) 292-4066 WOLFVR (248) 910-1754 ELECTRICAL Safety One Electric Company, LLC (313) 303-1617 ESTATE SALES Eclectic Attic Estate Sale Service (248) 660-3825 Hands of Time Estate Sales (734) 890-3623 FINANCIAL ADVISOR Edward Jones Colin Talbot (248) 348-0423 FLORAL & GIFT BASKETS Rodnick, Inc. (586) 772-4350
6 • February 2020
HEATING & COOLING Colonial Heating & Cooling (313) 999-0508 Shook Heating & Cooling (734) 658-5330 HOME BUILDER Lombardo Homes Melissa Cervin (586) 781-2316 Toll Brothers (248) 904-8515 HOME INSPECTION en-Vision Property Inspections (586) 453-8755 HomeTeam Inspection Service (313) 343-8661 House Call Home Inspection (586) 434-0243
INSURANCE AAA Insurance Amy Arnold (734) 873-2100 Farm Bureau Insurance Megan Danneels (248) 349-5592 Kennedy Nemier Insurance Agency (734) 454-4058 State Farm Ryan McCreight (517) 375-4817 LAW FIRM Laura M. Walesch, PLC (734) 357-8970 MARKETING/EVENT SERVICES/FLOORING Third Floor Marketing (313) 466-6498
Inside Out Inspections Plus (734) 224-0342
MORTGAGE LENDER Capital Mortgage Funding Harry Glanz (248) 569-7283
Premier Residential Services, LLC (734) 363-1184
DFCU Financial Denise Staffeld (734) 776-6593
HOME ORGANIZER Tidy Smart Organizing Solutions (248) 755-4992
Lake Michigan Credit Union Lisa Kreza (734) 462-5420
Mortgage 1 Chuck Silver (248) 444-9114 Motto Mortgage Excel Garrett Stone (734) 748-1785 Omega Lending Group (586) 242-2468 Union Home Mortgage David Wechsler (248) 514-3489 Union Home Mortgage Ryan Andersen (248) 564-1619 MOVING & STORAGE Preferred Moving and Storage (586) 463-4230
Stylish Detroit (313) 799-3686 WayUp Media (248) 924-1011 Windowstill Photography (517) 292-4066 WOLFVR (248) 910-1754 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT D Land Group (313) 347-0241
SEWER - CAMERA INSPECTION en-Vision Property Inspections (586) 453-8755 TITLE COMPANY Alliance Title of Michigan Mary Reed (586) 238-4400 Alliance Title of Michigan Kelly Anderson (586) 238-4400 Estates Title (248) 647-3600
VIDEOGRAPHER Michigan Real Estate Photography (248) 660-5708 Stylish Detroit (313) 799-3686 WayUp Media (248) 924-1011 Windowstill Photography (517) 292-4066 WOLFVR (248) 910-1754
Title Solutions (734) 259-7130
MOVING SERVICES BOS Moving and Service (248) 360-6644 DMS Moving Systems (800) 521-5225 Morse Moving & Storage (734) 484-1717 PHOTOGRAPHER Jessica Laine Photography (586) 855-3822 Michigan Real Estate Photography (248) 660-5708 Square Tangerine Productions Eugen Muntean (248) 702-5610
Estate Liquidation • Consignment • Full Clean Out Service Serving Metro Detroit Area. Robert and Megan Lewis
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MEET THE
W AY N E C O U N T Y T E A M
Chris Csotty
Terra Csotty
Publisher
Jeanne Monillo
Publisher
Jane K. Asher, Ph.D. Writer
Deborah Huston
Ad Strategist
Robbyn Moore Writer
Event Coordinator
Jennifer Donovan Editor
April Shanne Subiera Assistant Publisher
Eugen Muntean Square Tangerine Productions Photographer
NEW YEAR, NEW HOME?
Andy Schwartz
Providing personalized service for all of your legal needs. Laura M. Walesch, PLC 794 S Main St Plymouth, Michigan 48170 (734) 357-8970 Waleschlaw.com 8 • February 2020
Stylish Detroit Photographer
Jessica Laine Gouverneur
Jessica Laine Photography Photographer
Brandon Ramsay Wayup Media Videographer
James McGing Wayup Media Videographer
Alex Norris
Michigan Real Estate Photography Videographer
DMS is here to help your clients start the new year in their new home! Specializing in residential moving and storage services locally, cross-country, and internationally.
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publisher’s
NOTES
February is a month filled with lots of love surrounding Valentine’s Day. Therefore, so much of this month’s conversations are about love. Of course, we all love our clients and our partners but often, showing that love (or lack thereof) separates our business success from businesses that fail. These days, customers can sing your praises to the world or write a review that’s hard to shake.
Our customers and partners can feel the love when we are personal, accessible, trustworthy, transparent and genuine. This is true for any relationship - both personal and professional. Every good story and song are about love, and your business should be no different. After all, the Beatles sang it best with, “Love is All You Need”. In this month’s issue, we highlight top producing REALTORS® and partners that know first-hand the importance of loving their customers and their work. Our next event is March 19, 1 to 3 p.m. at Lombardo Homes in Canton. Get ready to mix and mingle for a fun afternoon at Lombardo’s model home with food, drinks and raffle prizes! Invitations are going out soon with registration via Eventbrite. Thank you to our sponsors Morse Moving & Storage, Lombardo 10 • February 2020
Homes for hosting, Becky Alley and Capital Mortgage Funding for sponsoring the Whisky Tasting. We are currently accepting submissions of photos and articles of charity events that YOU are participating in. Is your office doing a fundraiser? Are you a part of an organization that gives back to the community? If so, please email terra.csotty@realproducersmag.com.
873 W. Ann Arbor Trail, Plymouth, Michigan, 48170 +1 734-459-9620
Do you know someone you’d like to nominate to be featured in an upcoming issue? We are currently interviewing top producers, rising stars, brokers, leaders and more! WOM AN OW N ED AN D OPER AT E D
THANKS to our Preferred Partners, this magazine is FREE to the Top 300 REALTORS® in Wayne County. Our partners come to us as a trusted source of business from YOU. Happy Valentine’s Day! We love our REALTORS® and partners, and we hope you love this February issue of Real Producers of Wayne County!
HOUSE CALL
Chris and Terra Csotty Publishers of Real Producers of Wayne County chris.csotty@realproducersmag.com 248.506.6169 terra.csotty@realproducersmag.com 586.615.8749
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www.realproducersmag.com • 11
ALLISON FISHWICK
top producer Written By: Robbyn Moore Photo Credit: Eugen Muntean with Square Tangerine Productions
“Selling, Mentoring and Leading with Passion and Heart” “Find something you love to do and do it well,” says Allison Fishwick, a top-producing Associate Broker at Howard Hanna Real Estate, who learned early on from her father (also known as Pop), to lead with her heart and to be passionate in her work. “My Pop has always been a guiding light in my life, and a source of inspiration to me,” she says. Allison joined real estate for personal satisfaction and helping others. “My relationships with my clients go long past the closing table. I believe people come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. And in my business, it starts with a reason, it may be a season, and very often, it becomes a lifetime.” As the youngest of five kids, Allison learned how to be fiercely independent and to put 110-percent into any goal she sets for herself. When she made the decision in 1993 to get her real estate license, it was no different. She was licensed on May 1, and on May 6 she sold her first home. “I took a random call, built a rapport, and showed a few homes,” shares Allison. “I was so enthusiastic with my client
12 • February 2020
www.realproducersmag.com • 13
rescue dogs, Archer and Spike. The family often gathers at their lake home enjoying good food and good wine. “Now that the kids are all grown up, it’s harder to get together,” says Allison. “But when we do, it’s a great time of catching up and reminiscing.”
My relationships with my clients go long past the closing table. I believe people come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. And in my business, it starts with a reason, it may be a season, and very often, it becomes a lifetime.
and a deal was made. It was such a rush of excitement! I knew from that sale, that I could do this.” Today, Allison continues to be most passionate about helping her customers - still getting a rush of excitement with every sale. “I love helping all kinds of buyers,” shares Allison. “But I must admit, those first-time, rookie buyers are always the best. They get so excited, and I’m right along with them feeling the energy!” Additionally, Allison takes her fiduciary responsibility as a REALTOR® very 14 • February 2020
seriously by leading her business with honesty and integrity, and the guiding principles that include obedience, loyalty, disclosure, confidentiality, accounting and reasonable care. “It is our oath to care for those we service,” she says. “People are entrusting us with most likely, their largest investment, and I will not jeopardize that.” Over the years, Allison has become very good at decompressing potentially negative situations by building reciprocal trust with her clients. “I sincerely care about my people and
their outcomes,” says Allison. “An entire sales experience can benefit when people know you care about them. When there is an established trust, you can have difficult conversations and show compassion at the same time. My years of sales experience has shown me that challenging situations can be tempered by knowing your client, their needs, and having realistic expectations.” Allison’s family is the center of her world and over the years they have supported her in countless ways,
When Allison was younger, she watched her parents give back to those less fortunate. These acts of kindness impacted Allison and taught her the value of helping others well-beyond a sales transaction. “My Pop showed me that my life’s work is not only about helping those in real estate, but also in the world.” “My family also taught me to never think about the money,” says Allison. “Never once in my career have I let money be a motivating factor in my success. I get up every day, work hard, and the rewards come.” Allison has been consistently ranked as a top 1% producing agent on a national level. She’s selling an average of 110-130 homes annually and has been recognized for her outstanding accomplishments in numerous national real estate publications. Allison also takes great pride in mentoring others. “The rewards,” says Allison, “Come in the form of helping other agents and clients, personal satisfaction, and then income. I am thankful every day for my business and my career - but more importantly, I am thankful for my family and health. I thank God that I have a career that I am still passionate about, and that I am able to continue to help people every day.”
including her husband, John – who retired from corporate America in 2019 - and who also has his real estate license. “He’s my second pair of legs,” laughs Allison. “But seriously, he is a huge help to the business in the background with his technical expertise.” Together, John and Allison have three kids. Jessica, who is a newlywed living in Novi with her husband Jeff, Scott, who is an attorney in Los Angeles with his wife Karen, and Emily who is a CPA living in Dearborn. Additionally, Allison and her husband have two www.realproducersmag.com • 15
healthy living By Shauna Osborne
HE RT HEALTH S U R P R I S I N G WAYS TO I M P R OV E YO U R
ALLIANCE TITLE OF MICHIGAN
Finding solutions for your financial needs.
February is American Heart Month. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, causing more than one in four deaths. While this statistic is dire, heart disease can be prevented and even reversed if people make healthy choices regarding diet, exercise, and maintaining good health conditions. The steadfast advice of watching your blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as not smoking, holds true and should be followed; however, these less conventional techniques can be used jointly to help make our hearts healthier and stronger. Get Enough Sleep. Getting enough good-quality
Colin M Talbot
Financial Advisor 1039 Novi Road Northville, MI 48167 248-348-0423
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sleep has innumerable benefits, from aiding in weight loss to improving your memory. Studies have shown a marked increase of heart disease in those who sleep less than six hours per night; experts say we need between seven and nine hours of sleep for ideal heart health. And, consistency is key; maintaining a reliable sleep schedule regulates the body’s internal clock and can help you fall asleep and awake more easily.
Drink Your Java. The proposed benefits of routine
coffee consumption are pretty compelling. For example, caffeine, particularly in black coffee, boosts energy levels, which can help sharpen mental acuity and enhance mood, and lowers inflammation levels, which are a precursor to many concerning health conditions. Interestingly, habitual coffee drinking has been linked to lower levels of cardiovascular disease, particularly in women. Floss. This seemingly insignificant chore our
dentists nag us about can play a surprising role in heart health. Beyond just improving your smile, flossing daily reduces inflammation and improves gum health, which, in turn, can help prevent the introduction of harmful bacteria into the bloodstream and protect our hearts. Have a Good Laugh. As the old saying goes, “Laugh-
ter is the best medicine.” Indeed, it can be one of the best natural “medicines” to improve heart health! Laughter has many emotional and physical benefits, including reducing stress, easing pain and depression symptoms, and boosting our immune system. It also has been shown to expand blood vessels by more than 20 percent, allowing for markedly better circulation and blood flow in the heart. www.realproducersmag.com • 17
agent on the rise Written By: Robbyn Moore Photo Credit: Stylish Detroit Photos taken at Toll Brothers at Montcaret in Northville
Sam Sakla “An Agent on the Rise Who is Leading, Learning and Educating”
W
ith only three years in the real estate profession, Sam Sakla is already a seasoned veteran. In his inaugural year at Keller Williams Professionals, he took the title of Rookie of the Year. Today, he is ranked #1 within a team of over 400 real estate professionals in individual listing units, individual closed volume, individual GCI, and individual listings sold, hitting a career volume of $25 million. But believe it or not, it’s not his accolades that make him most proud. Rather, Sam says his greatest reward comes from educating clients on homeownership – a process that begins with the challenge of establishing their trust in his ability. “I learned early in life that success is built upon human connec-
18 • February 2020
tion,” says Sam. “I pride myself on relating to people by being transparent, reliable and committed.” It’s a skill set Sam says he began honing while working at Lafarge, one of the largest building construction material companies in the world. Working as an analyst, he had to focus not only on cost benefit analysis and growth modeling, but also on customer service – learning early on that client satisfaction would be key to feeling fulfilled – both professionally and personally. For Sam, leaving a finance career after 15 years was not an easy decision. “My family had some reservation about me transitioning from a salaried position to a completely commission-based income,” he says. “But I was confident that I could make it work. And ultimately, my family was supportive, which has been essential to my success.”
www.realproducersmag.com • 19
local neighborhoods,� says Sam. “It is a gratifying feeling to turn a severely distressed home into a dream home for a family.� As Sam’s business and team continues to grow, he plans to continuously invest in real estate and build his rental portfolio in hope of leaving a legacy for his kids. Sam’s story of carving out a successful career as a real estate professional and investor, almost never happened. Born in Cairo, Egypt, Sam is the son of immigrants who came to the U.S. with little money in their pockets. With big hopes of rising beyond their means, along with an unrelenting work ethic and the will to obtain the American dream, Sam realized his parents’ vision, and was the first in his family to graduate with a bachelor’s and graduate degree - first from the University of Michigan, then following it with an MBA from Walsh College.
After the 2008 recession, Sam was disheartened by the number of people who lost their homes to foreclosure. That’s when he decided he wanted to be a part of a real estate team that helped educate others about their investment options. “Often times, homeowners are not aware of the true market value of their home (equity) or available public assistance programs,â€? says Sam. “I’m a people-person who loves day-to-day interaction. Nothing makes me happier than educating buyers and sellers on how to make the best financial real estate decisions.â€? Over the years, Sam has come to realize that his passion for real estate has led him to the love of learning. “I never imagined l would become such a real estate nerd,â€? laughs Sam. “I find myself consuming any and all trade publications and even listening to real estate podcasts.â€? Becoming a REALTORÂŽÂ also provided Sam the opportunity to invest in real estate. “I am passionate about rehabbing distressed homes in order to restore communities and increase property values in 20 • February 2020
But it’s what happened after college that Sam says was the most transformative – becoming a husband and a father. “Without a shred of doubt, my wife, Nora, and my three boys Noah (6), Lucas (2) and Ethan (1) – also known as our little soccer team – have changed my life,� shares Sam. “Nothing makes me happier or drives me harder than knowing I get to see their smiling faces at the end of a long, challenging day. They’re both my motivation and inspiration.�
The biggest challenge for Sam is finding enough hours in the day to wear multiple hats as a husband, father, REALTORŽ and investor. “In the morning, I’m dropping off my boys at school. In the afternoon, I’m at the closing table. And in between, I’m studying the market, which is constantly evolving,� he says. “And while the juggling isn’t easy, I’ll admit there’s some beauty in the chaos.� Chaos, he says, ultimately helped Sam build a business with honesty, integrity and transparency – the core values he learned from his parents. But while Sam has found success, he admits it hasn’t always been smooth sailing; taking each mistake as a learning moment. “There are no failures, only feedback,� says Sam. “The truth is, I don’t have all the answers and not every conversation turns into a sale. But I have the will to learn from all my experiences without allowing today to dictate tomorrow. In the end, who cares if you fail? As long as you allow the small setbacks to prepare you for the big wins.�
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partner spotlight
Written By: Robbyn Moore Photo credit: Jessica Laine Photography
SHOOK
HEATING AND COOLING LLC “Larry Shook - Doing it by the Book” Larry Shook is the Owner and Operator of Shook Heating and Cooling, LLC. It was his childhood dream to someday become a skilled tradesman and own his own company. Today, that dream is a reality. Larry has always been a guy who does things “by the book”. After working at Ford Motor Company, Larry moved on to pursue his education in heating and cooling at Henry Ford Community College, and then HVAC school. Soon after, he began a career in the HVAC industry, and later earned his mechanical license. After nine years, Larry had built up his customer base to a level where he felt confident enough to start his own company. “I worked hard to get my license and then established a solid customer base where relationships and trust were firmly established,” said Larry. “Working at the same company for almost 10 years helped me gain the experience and knowledge I needed to go out on my own.” Shook Heating and Cooling provides residential and commercial service and installations, as well as annual maintenance contracts. Larry sets his business apart from others by providing quality service, craftsmanship, and a commitment to be as informative and edu-
24 • February 2020
cative as possible to his customers. “Our customer service is second to none,” says Larry. “Our quality and craftsmanship are impeccable, and we have a great track record for getting every job done on time.” Helping others in a time of need is one of the most fulfilling aspects of Larry’s job. “I’ve worked very hard to build and maintain my client relationships, and it brings me a lot of satisfaction when I can be there for them; especially when they have questions or urgent needs.” Success to Larry is the ability to provide a happy, stable home for his family. “Anything after that is just icing on the cake,” shares Larry who enjoys bike rides and spending time in the backyard with his wife of five years, and their two boys. Looking ahead, Larry is most passionate about maintaining steady growth for his business. He’s also evolving with the industry that is becoming much more “greener” and more high-tech with Wi-Fi thermostats, modulating valves and high efficiency motors and furnaces. “It’s critical to the success of my business to stay current with industry trends; everyday I’m working hard to be as up-to-date and informed as possible.” “I’m known to be a guy who does things by the book,” says Larry. “It’s a motto and mindset that has worked really well for me and my company. But I also believe in hard work and often say, ‘the only easy day was yesterday’, which to me means you only get the results of whatever effort you put into what you’re doing. And today, I’m putting my all into it.” www.realproducersmag.com • 25
Do YOU want to
NOMINATE
someone to be featured? Email nominations to terra.csotty@realproducersmag.com.
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Star Award Total GCI and Hour Magazine’s Real Estate All-Star. Those that know Sara describe her as a ray of sunshine with a bubbly and kind personality who uplifts others. “I’m a passionate person who leads with my heart,” shares Sara. “I am very dedicated to my career and I strive for excellence. But my biggest strength is my ability to be a good listener – it’s one of the most critical aspects of being a compassionate REALTOR® – I truly want what’s best for my clients.”
rising star
SARAGRAPSIDIS “Rising to the Top; Leading with Heart”
Written By: Robbyn Moore Photo Credit: Stylish Detroit
Just two short years ago, Sara Grapsidis established herself as a REALTOR® after working in various sales positions and as a nurse assistant for McLaren Hospice. “When my client passed away, I knew it was time for a change,” says Sara. “My need to help others and my love of sales became the perfect marriage for a new career.” To Sara, change felt scary, but she knew it would be rewarding. She explains, “When I realized real estate was what I needed to be doing, it was a no-brainer that it would work. My empathetic-natured skill of helping others coupled with my passion for sales was an exciting combination that fueled me beyond any fear I might have had. I have always stayed focused on my clients and my relationships with them, and that has made me very successful, and most importantly, happy.” Sara aligned herself with Sine & Monaghan REALTORS® Real Living in 2017 and has since achieved a 28 • February 2020
career sales volume of $18.2 million. She has been awarded Real Living awards including Diamond Medallion Total Gross Commission, Diamond Medallion Total Closed Units, Rising Star Award Closed Units, Rising
“People are my passion and sales are my strength,” says Sara who credits her grandmother for inspiring her to combine the love for helping others with hard work. “I’ve always looked up to my grandmother because no matter what she had thrown her way, she always lived each day to the fullest with a smile on her face. She was so charismatic, witty, outgoing, and generous even during her last days she was telling jokes and trying to make others happy; and always instilling the value of hard work. Sara was born and raised in the charming town of St. Clair, Michigan but has a special place in her heart for Mississippi. “I spent three years living on the Gulf Coast doing relief work after Hurricane Katrina,” explains Sara. “Helping others in all kinds of situations has always been a big part of www.realproducersmag.com • 29
On Sara’s days off – which she will tell you don’t occur very often – you can find her redecorating her client’s home or staging properties that are getting ready to go on the market, or spending quality time with her family including her husband, Greg and her two nephews Calder and Clyde. Sara also has a very close-knit group of friends, and together they enjoy exploring Detroit and trying new things. She credits the encouragement and support she’s received from everyone in her life for the success of her career change.
There’s no goal that’s unachievable,” says Sara. “Each year I raise the bar for myself and do all that is necessary to achieve my dreams. who I am; not just in real estate.” Sara hopes to one day continue her real estate work in both Michigan and Mississippi. Real estate has allowed Sara to fulfill her need of helping others while also doing what she loves. “There’s no goal that’s unachievable,” says Sara. “Each year I raise the bar for myself and do all that is necessary to achieve my dreams. This past year, I was able to turn my dreams into a reality when I bought my second home - something I once thought would never happen, or at least not until I was ready to retire.” 30 • February 2020
Sara says the most rewarding part of her job is the incredible people she has met that have developed into life-long friendships. “I am so grateful for my co-workers at Sine & Monaghan who are more like an extended family. They continue to encourage me and support me whenever I need them. I’m so lucky to have such an incredible team who have backed me up in my first few years in real estate.” Additionally, Sara says she treats each client like family. “People are my passion and building a trusted, committed relationship with my clients is always my top priority in my work.” To Sara, success means a few things: the state of desired happiness, a feeling of accomplishment, being the best version of herself, and the triumph of leaving a positive, lasting impression on someone else’s life.
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team feature Written By: Robbyn Moore Photo Credit: Stylish Detroit Photos taken at Toll Brothers at Montcaret in Northville
the
Schultz Team “A Team Built on Friendship and Instinct”
32 • February 2020
T
his is a story of four young men between the ages of 19 and 25 who followed their instincts and established a brotherhood-like friendship by supporting one another in their dreams to build a real estate career. Many nights were spent sleeping on each other’s couches when there was no other place to land or having long discussions after a hockey game wondering what the future would hold. Today, this “Rockstar” real estate team is Team Schultz with RE/MAX Classic led by Nick Schultz. Not too many years ago, Nick found himself at Michigan State University holding a student ID in his hand after finishing his freshman orientation. As he stood there contemplating his life’s decisions, he had an overwhelming feeling that college was not the next step for him in his life. He listened to his gut and decided not to go to college. He packed his bags and moved to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where he live for six months. He worked odd jobs and cleared his mind. Soon after, Nick started managing rental
properties in the area, which sparked his desire to come back to the United States and pursue a career in real estate. “I always had some sort of interest in real estate,” says Nick who passed the real estate exam when he was just 18 years old. “However, one of the main influencers for me to get into this business was a man named Chris Knight. He unfortunately passed away, and while I had intended to work with him, my time in Mexico helped re-energize my ambition to keep moving forward in the real estate world.” Soon, Nick began to build his team. He first brought on his brother Mike who had just graduated from Michigan State University. Unsure of his next step after college, Mike decided to take his exam and begin his real estate career. “It all just sort of happened,” says Nick. “I was doing fairly well for myself, and what sounds more fun than working with your brother and your friends?”
www.realproducersmag.com • 33
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Shortly thereafter, Danny Vanderwiel joined the team. Prior to becoming an agent, Danny was pursuing a professional hockey career, where he originally met Nick. However, his hockey career ended due to injuries, and after three and a half years at Western Michigan University, he decided college was not the best fit for him. “Nick and I discussed the potential of working together for years,” says Danny. “So, I packed up my things and lived on Nick’s couch for the next couple of months while I studied and got my real estate license.” And within a few months, Adam Graham joined the group as well.
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market our properties are unlike any other real estate team out there right now,” says Nick. The Schultz Team is very passionate about their marketing, originality and forward-thinking in how they approach their business. “It’s not just simply about finding a buyer,” says Nick. “It sometimes comes down to finding the RIGHT buyer.” This remarkable band of brothers have proven to be a very successful team with a common goal of developing a name for themselves in the real estate industry. Nick shares, “At the end of the day, nothing makes us happier than doing a great job for our clients. It’s what we are here to do, and it feels great when our clients are happy with us.”
The team’s insights into social media and their contemporary ways of marketing to their clients has set them apart from their competition. “Our knowledge is so much more extensive than our competitors,” explains Nick. “While some agents are trying to figure out how to use different social media platforms, we have been using them for most of our lifetime.” Clients are drawn to the team’s diverse, and fun personalities, coupled with their strong work ethic and desire to be original in their marketing. They are a hungry, motivated group of individuals that take a different approach than most other REALTORS®. “Our marketing strategies and the way we 34 • February 2020
www.realproducersmag.com • 35
games Email us a photo of your completed crossword puzzle!
CROSSWORD PUZZLE-
Get to know your
WAYNE COUNTY REAL PRODUCERS! Untitled
1
Tim Bartaway 734-363-1184
2
premier1184@yahoo.com premierresidentialservicesllc.com
3
Trained and certified by InterNACHI, Member #11122012
NEW CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION | RESIDENTIAL HOME INSPECTION | PRE-LISTING HOME INSPECTION | PRE-PURCHASE HOME INSPECTION BUILDING INSPECTION | MOLD INSPECTION & TESTING RADON INSPECTION & TESTING | TERMITE & WOOD DESTROYING PEST INSPECTION ELECTRONIC MOISTURE METER | COMBUSTIBLE GAS DETECTION | LEAD PAINT TESTING
4
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ACROSS 3. The title Sam took in his inaugural year. 5. This is where the first event of 2020 will be held 6. The person who built the The Schultz Team. DOWN 1. Sara’s definition of success. 2. The school where Larry Shook pursued his education in heating and cooling. 4. One of the reason why Allison joined real estate.
36 • February 2020
www.realproducersmag.com • 37
event announcement
M A R C H E V E N T AT
LOMBARDO HOMES IN CANTON!
Our first 2020 event is March 19th at Lombardo Homes Model Home at 148 Concord Park Drive, Canton, MI 48188.
Thursday, March 19 from 1-3pm. Come enjoy food, drinks, valet and connecting with the best of the best in the real estate industry! Thank you LOMBARDO HOMES for hosting and sponsoring this event!!! Whisky tasting sponsored by Becky Alley and Capital Mortgage Funding and thank you to our other sponsors Morse Moving & Storage and InsideOut Inspections Plus! Invites coming to your inbox mid-February so make sure to register to reserve your spot!
38 • February 2020
www.realproducersmag.com • 39
annoucement
Real Producers of Wayne County is excited to bring you our monthly issues right to your phone from the app, Digapub!
ALBANY • ALBUQUERQUE • CHESAPEAKE • ATLANTA • AUSTIN • BALTIMORE • BOULDER CHARLOTTE • CHICAGO • CINCINNATI • CLEVELAND • COUR D’ ALENE • COLORADO SPRINGS COLUMBUS • DALLAS • DAVENPORT • DAYTONA BEACH • DENVER • FT. WAYNE • GRAND RAPIDS HOUSTON • INDIANAPOLIS • JACKSON • JACKSONVILLE • KANSAS CITY • LAS VEGAS • LINCOLN LITTLE ROCK • LUBBOCK • MILWAUKEE • MURRIETA • MONTERREY BAY • NASHVILLE • NEW ORLEANS NEWPORT BEACH • NORTH DALLAS • NOVA • OAKLAND COUNTY • OKLAHOMA CITY • OMAHA ORLANDO • PHILADELPHIA • PHOENIX • PITTSBURGH • PORTLAND • RALEIGH • SALEM • SAN DIEGO SEATTLE • SILICON VALLEY • SPOKANE • ST. LOUIS • TAMPA BAY • TEMECULA • TRI-CITIES • TRIAD TUCSON • TWIN CITIES • VIRGINIA BEACH • WASHINGTON D.C • WAYNE COUNTY • WEST VALLEY AMERICA'S BEST REAL ESTATE AGENTS WILMINGTON • YOUNGSTOWN • ALBANY • ALBUQUERQUE • CHESAPEAKE • ATLANTA • AUSTIN BALTIMORE • BOULDER • CHARLOTTE • CHICAGO • CINCINNATI • CLEVELAND • COUR D’ ALENE COLORADO SPRINGS • COLUMBUS • DALLAS • DAVENPORT • DAYTONA BEACH • DENVER • FT. WAYNE GRAND RAPIDS • HOUSTON • INDIANAPOLIS • JACKSONVILLE • KANSAS CITY • LAS VEGAS • LINCOLN LITTLE ROCK • LUBBOCK • MILWAUKEE • MURRIETA • MONTERREY BAY • NASHVILLE • NEW ORLEANS NEWPORT BEACH • NORTH DALLAS • NOVA • OAKLAND COUNTY • OKLAHOMA CITY • OMAHA ORLANDO • PHILADELPHIA • PHOENIX • PITTSBURGH • PORTLAND • RALEIGH • SALEM • SAN DIEGO SEATTLE • SILICON VALLEY • SPOKANE • ST. LOUIS • TAMPA BAY • TEMECULA • TRI-CITIES • TRIAD TUCSON • TWIN CITIES • VIRGINIA BEACH • WASHINGTON D.C • WAYNE COUNTY • WEST VALLEY OF THE NATIONAL REAL PRODUCERS MOVEMENT WILMINGTONBE • PART YOUNGSTOWNALBANY • ALBUQUERQUE • CHESAPEAKE • ATLANTA • AUSTIN BALTIMORE • BOULDER • CHARLOTTE • CHICAGO • CINCINNATI • CLEVELAND • COUR D’ ALENE FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM TODAY COLORADO SPRINGS • COLUMBUS • DALLAS • DAVENPORT • DAYTONA BEACH • DENVER • FT. WAYNE @realproducers GRAND RAPIDS • HOUSTON • INDIANAPOLIS • JACKSON • JACKSONVILLE • KANSAS CITY • LAS VEGAS
RECOGNIZED
40 • February 2020
DOWNLOAD DIGAPUB! Download the app called Digapub, create a free account, search Real Producers of Wayne County and put in the code RPWC to have access. Through the app you can: • View current and past issues • Share pages from issues • Watch videos from previous events • Check out our preferred partners and go to their website, email or call them directly from the app • See event details and RSVP • And even nominate someone to be a feature!
This is FREE to our preferred partners AND the top 300 REALTORS® in Wayne County. Download today and have quick access to our publication and partners!
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