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GRAND RAPIDS
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
ARIJA WILCOX Photo by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC
MARCH 2022
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Building on your property (within 20 miles of Grand Rapids) Quality Craftsmanship High Efficiency Homes 616.866.3913 | info@sablehomes.com | sablehomes.com 2 • March 2022
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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 3
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MEET THE
GRAND RAPIDS REAL PRODUCERS TEAM
Chris Csotty Publisher
Terra Csotty
April Shanne Subiera
Publisher
Phalesha Kyes
Relationship Manager
Jeanne Monillo
Publishing Assistant
Amanda Matkowski Editor/Writer
4 • March 2022
Robbyn Moore Writer
Chris Menezes Writer
Jacob Harr
Ad Strategist
harr Creative LLC Photographer
Erika Kruse
Event Coordinator/ Client Care
Dom Lombardo
West & Main Photography Photographer/Videographer
@realproducers
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS 06
09
14
Preferred Partners
Publisher’s Note
Top Producer: Arija Wilcox
24
28
30
Partner Spotlight: Summit Point Roofing
WAYA: We Ask, You Answer
Rising Star: Amy Garcia
34
36
39
Behindthe-Scenes All-Star: Emily Maglothin
around
town
Around Town
Calendar of Events
If you are interested in contributing or nominating someone for a feature, please email us at terra.csotty@realproducersmag.com. DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a Real Producers but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Grand Rapids Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or recommended by The N2 Company or the publisher. Therefore, neither The N2 Company nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies.
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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 5
PREFERRED PARTNERS
PDF Studio - PDF Editor for Mac, Windows, Linux. For Evaluation. https://www.qoppa.com/pdfstudio 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 real estate community!
AIR DUCT CLEANING West Michigan Air Duct & HVAC (616) 308-5777
Grand Home Inspection (616) 710-1796 www.grandhome inspection.com
ESTATE LIQUIDATION Bridgman Estates & Services (269) 953-5805
Locker Inspection Services Joshua Locker (616) 490-0512 lockerinspections.com
FINANCIAL ADVISOR Drake Financial Group Abby Lininger (616) 389-0113 FINANCIAL CONSULTING Farm Bureau Insurance Ryan Loucks (616) 988-5072 Farmbureauinsurance.com FLOORING Dyer Flooring (616) 318-0783 HEATING & COOLING West Michigan Air Duct & HVAC (616) 308-5777 HOME BUILDER Sable Homes (616) 866-3913 HOME INSPECTION Alert Inspection Services (616) 662-6990 Big Moose Home Inspections (920) 570-6543 Bigmoose.us
6 • March 2022
Pillar To Post Home Inspectors Scott Docter (616) 250-6920 scottdocter.pillartopost.com/ Rhino Inspections (616) 490-0938 RhinoInspectionsmi.com HOME TECHNOLOGY Eco Smart Home Pros (231) 683-2127 ecosmarthomespros.com INSURANCE AGENCY Crosby & Henry Insurance Tessa Misner (616) 325-2864 crosbyhenry.com Farm Bureau Insurance Ryan Loucks (616) 988-5072 Farmbureauinsurance.com Goosehead Insurance Philipp Reinartz (616) 755-6411 gooseheadgr.com Michigan Insurance and Financial Services Ben Kacprzyk (616) 918-6868
JUNK REMOVAL Junk Luggers (616) 227-0709
Team Mortgage (616) 974-9710 ruqualified.com
JUNK REMOVAL/ DEMOLITION We Cleanout Everything (877) 932-8922
VanDyk Mortgage Corporation (616) 940-3000 lendingexcellence.com
MORTGAGE CrossCountry Mortgage Mike Milanowski (616) 481-6606
PAINTING D & M Painting (616) 965-5092
Independent Bank Pete Humphreys (616) 304-2009 Inlanta Mortgage Jonathan Arnold (616) 581-2374 www.inlanta.com Lake Michigan Credit Union Jake Williams (616) 265-3837 LMCU.org Lake Michigan Credit Union Zach Tebos (616) 234-6361 LMCU.org Prime Lending (616) 202-0101 Lo.PrimeLending.com/ GrandRapids Ruoff Mortgage Stacy Miller-Kuiper (616) 430-4141 ruoff.com
PHOTOGRAPHY Brian McDonald Photography (616) 209-8469 harr Creative (517) 974-7809 harrcreative.com West & Main Photography (810) 356-7876 RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT S & G Property Management (616) 719-0819 rentsg.com ROOFING Skyline Exteriors (616) 822-7719 Summit Point Roofing (616) 622-6343 www.summitpoint roofing.com
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ROOFING/RESTORATION Roof Maxx Jeff Antvelink (616) 334-3432 roofmaxx.com
VIDEO PRODUCTION/ DRONE SERVICES harr Creative (517) 974-7809 harrcreative.com
TRANSACTION COORDINATOR Agent Concierge Services (616) 723-3290 virtualacs.com
West & Main Photography (810) 356-7876
WELL/LAGOON/SEPTIC INSPECTIONS Andersen Well & Septic Inspections (248) 318-3943
Family owned and operated since 1998 Unmatched service
Mark Dyer
616-318-0783
Mark@dyerflooring.com realproducersmag.com
Grand Rapids Real Producers • 7
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UNLOCK THE DOOR TO HASSLE FREE INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
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PROPERTY
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8 • March 2022
(616)719-0819 4124 KENOWA AVE SW GRANDVILLE, MI 49418 rentsg.com @realproducers
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300
publisher’s
GRAND RAPIDS
20
22
We’ve updated our mailing list! Congratulations to the real estate agents who have made it to the Top 300 and are now receiving our magazine! As I’m sure many of our members will attest to, Grand Rapids Real Producers is more than just a monthly magazine: It’s a platform for informing and inspiring Grand Rapids top-producing agents, connecting them socially and building stronger relationships across the real estate community. In addition to our print publication, which will be mailed to your office each month, Grand Rapids Real Producers cultivates relationships and engagement through our annual social events and social media platforms – check us out on FB and IG. Along with these public social media sites, we also host “Grand Rapids Top 500,” a private Facebook group for Grand Rapids top-500 real estate agents and our Preferred Partners. This is where we post special announcements and updates on private events – make sure you request to join our private group so that you can stay in the loop with all things Grand Rapids Real Producers.
realproducersmag.com
NOTE
Thanks to our Preferred Partners who advertise with us, our monthly magazine is free to the top-300 real estate professionals in Grand Rapids. All of our Preferred Partners come from your recommendations, and we do our best to screen our advertisers to ensure that they provide the types of goods and services that you may need or want as a real estate agent. If you know a business owner who may be a good fit to potentially partner with us, recommend them through linktr.ee/realproducers.
• their “story” that they share with us in their questionnaire during the initial review period
Interested in being featured in an upcoming issue? Because it’s a free and rewarding professional opportunity to be featured in our magazine, many real estate agents are interested in being considered as a future feature. When our editorial team identifies and selects potential features for our magazine, we take several factors into consideration, including the following:
Whether this is your first time receiving our magazine or if you’ve been reading it for several months or even years, we hope that this March issue puts some “spring” in your step!
• whether the person was nominated • their level of engagement with us on social media • their participation in our events • their past and present sales record • their contributions to the industry and the community
If you want to be considered for a feature, we encourage you to get involved with the Grand Rapids Real Producers community by attending our live and virtual events, and interacting with us on social media. To nominate yourself or someone else for a feature do so through linktr.ee/ realproducers.
Chris and Terra Csotty Publishers of Grand Rapids Real Producers linktr.ee/realproducers chris.csotty@realproducersmag.com 248.506.6169 terra.csotty@realproducersmag.com 586.615.8749
Grand Rapids Real Producers • 9
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$2.5 MILLION
DONATED THIS YEAR TO HELP END MODERN-DAY SLAVERY. Did you know there are more victims held against their will today than ever before? That’s why The N2 Company – the company behind this publication and 850+ others like it – is financially committed to end human trafficking.
FOR EVERY AD SALE WE MAKE, N2 DONATES ENOUGH MONEY TO FREE 2 SLAVES FROM CAPTIVITY. The average Fortune 500 company donates about 1% of their profits to charity. The N2 Company donates 2.6% of their gross revenue.
Thanks to the businesses within these pages, our Area Directors, and readers like you, we’re able to break the chains of this horrible reality.
10 • March 2022
Visit n2gives.com to learn more about our fight.
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With every closing, we’re
clear. concise. communi cation
• Real-time information regarding your loan’s progress. • Includes status updates and/or requested documents. • Alerts you when your loan enters a new stage. • Keeps you informed throughout the entire process: from application to funds wired.
Stacy Miller-Kuiper VP, Branch Manager NMLS: 503826
616.430.4141
stacy.miller-kuiper@ruoff.com Ruoff.com/stacymillerkuiper Ruoff Mortgage Company, Inc., d/b/a Ruoff Home Mortgage, is an Indiana corporation. For complete licensing information visit: http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/COMPANY/141868. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. All loans must satisfy company underwriting guidelines. Information and pricing are subject to change at any time and without notice. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS#141868. 06262020
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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 11
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event announcement
Save the Date! Spring Social at Eastbrook Homes Home Creation Studio JOIN US!
Wednesday, April 13th | 4-7pm Eastbrook Homes Home Creation Studio 1188 East Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 Enjoy food, drinks and mingling with the best of the best. Thank you to Eastbrook Homes for hosting and sponsoring this event! We also want to thank Platinum Sponsor- Team Mortgage and our Silver Sponsors- Big Moose Home Inspections and Ben Kacprzyk with Michigan Insurance and Financial Services
300 GRAND RAPIDS
20
12 • March 2022
22
Follow our private FB group “Grand Rapids Top 500” for more details and how to reserve your spot.
20
22
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|U M
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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 13
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ARIJA WILCOX
14 • March 2022
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top producer By Robbyn Moore Photos by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC
A Lifelong Mission To Improve the Quality of Lives
W
While most real estate agents are in the business of buying and selling properties, Arija Wilcox views her occupation as an opportunity to improve the lives of those around her. For 26 years, she has been enhancing the lives of her clients, colleagues, and business partners through her kindness and patience, and with her ability to listen, educate and offer grace whenever it’s needed. Currently, Arija leads her team at Wilcox GR Properties and Keller Williams Grand Rapids North. She has a career volume of over $200 million and a lengthy list of accomplishments, including a nomination as one of the 10 best real estate
agents recognized by the American Institute of Real Estate Professionals. She is also a four-time winner for a Keller Williams national award and is a consistent Top Producer award winner for total volume and units closed for her brokerage. “I began my career in real estate as a leasing consultant at the age of 19 to pay for college,” Arija shared. “I then became a property manager to earn enough money to purchase a home. For 13 years, I worked in property management, helping several failing communities out of the red and into the black. My interest in selling real estate began to pique in 1996, so I set up a meeting with the sales
Photo submitted by agent. Her daughter, Kyrian (in the picture), took the photo.
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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 15
PDF Studio - PDF Editor for Mac, Windows, Linux. For Evaluation. https://www.qoppa.com/pdfstudio properties from start to finish. I have been blessed to work with some of the most brilliant developers, builders and investors in the industry.” As much as Arija wants to always say “yes” to everyone, her years of experience has shown her the realities of taking on too much. “That’s why I built a team,” she explained. “I found myself at a breaking point when I was managing more than 120 transactions a year as an independent agent. I needed to set parameters for myself in order to be an excellent counselor and guide for my clients. I also needed to focus on my own family and improve their lives, too.”
manager for Pulte Homes in Grand Rapids and asked for an interview — I was hired the following week.” Arija went on to become a top producer for Pulte Homes, Eastbrook Homes, Parkland Properties of Michigan, Jim Tibbe Homes and Keller Williams. Arija worked alongside the American Red Cross on her first day as a leasing consultant. Her job was to assist tenants from three buildings that had burned the previous morning. “They had nothing left — no clothing, no food, only each other,” she recalled. “I made meals, helped people find donated clothes and relocated families within the community. That experience taught me to never take anything for granted and to always find ways to be helpful and grateful.” Those early experiences defined Arija’s path in life, and as a result, she has since spent every day excited to find opportunities where she can bring joy and happiness into people’s lives. “Whether I’m making breakfast for a contractor, counseling buyers and sellers on the emotional ups and downs of everyday real estate or supporting my team, I find my greatest joy in giving to others,” she said. Arija works on a team of five other professionals — two buyer’s agents, Jimmy Scott and Joe Turner, a parttime administrative coordinator, Diane Roedema, and a transaction coordinator, Stephanie Hino. “We represent new development sales as well as existing home sales,” she said. “We are often ‘in the know’ of up-and-coming properties — new or existing — for our clients. It has also been an education for me and my team to learn about new construction over 26 years, especially with COVID, and properly market and develop new
16 • March 2022
Arija has intentionally built up a small team to ensure sustainable growth with the highest level of client service. “Sometimes, with growth, comes failure,” she said. “Being the biggest doesn’t always mean that you are the best. I never want to fail our clients with regards to personalized attention, especially when we’re dealing with life-altering investments.” When Arija isn’t working, she enjoys taking nature walks, kayaking, cooking and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Todd, have two children — Kyrian, who is married to Rob, and Kam who is a senior and diver at Hope College. The couple also has two dogs, Lionel and Stanley, and one grand-pup, Remy. On a typical day, Arija wakes up early and plans her day. Her strength is in time management; therefore, she gets the necessary items completed right away so she is prepared for her day and for all the unexpected events that arise in the life of a real estate agent. “This profession demands that we are there for our clients during one of the most stressful processes anyone can go through,” she said. “It’s important to start every day with a clear mind and an open heart to serve others. I’m also a big advocate of having grace. This is especially important to learn when first getting into this business. There will be lots of wins and lots of failures — grace allows for both so we can learn.” Arija’s optimism and enthusiastic approach to her work has positively impacted those who know her, including her clients, colleagues, business partners and community. Her emphasis on serving others and making a difference in their lives has brought her unwavering success well beyond the closing table.
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It’s important to start every day with a clear mind and an open heart to serve others. I’m also a big advocate of having grace.
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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 17
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Emmy Jandernoa | Broker/Owner team@virtualacs.com | virtualacs.com 616-723-3290 18 • March 2022
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THE HUMPHREYS LENDING GROUP
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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 19
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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 21
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partner spotlight By Amanda Matkowski | Photos by James Richard Fry
SUMMIT POINT ROOFING
A BETTER ROOFING EXPERIENCE THE AVERAGE HOMEOWNER WILL REPLACE HIS OR HER ROOF 1.6 TIMES OVER A LIFETIME. THEREFORE, WHEN A HOUSE REQUIRES A NEW ROOF, MOST HOMEOWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE PROCESS FOR THE FIRST TIME. SUMMIT POINT ROOFING UNDERSTANDS HOW OVERWHELMING REPLACING AND MAINTAINING A ROOF CAN BE, AND THEY STRIVE TO PROVIDE SUPERIOR SERVICE FOR EVERY CLIENT.
“For most people, a roofing project is like new tires on a car or going to the dentist: It’s not something they look forward to,” Joe Westra, co-owner of Summit Point Roofing, said. “We try to make it as easy and painless as possible, and when our clients share with us what a great experience it
24 • March 2022
was working with us, it really makes it worthwhile.” Joe Westra and John Van Wylen launched Summit Point Roofing in late 2015, and since then, the business has quickly grown into one of the largest and most respected roofing
companies in Grand Rapids. Due to demand from previous customers, they have also opened a second location in Traverse City in 2021. The company offers a full spectrum of residential and commercial roofing services, such as replacement and
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PDF Studio - PDF Editor for Mac, Windows, Linux. For Evaluation. https://www.qoppa.com/pdfstudio maintenance for all roofing products in addition to gutters and insulation. The most important service it provides, however, is roof repairs. Unlike most other roofing companies, Summit Point Roofing has a very large repair division. “We pride ourselves on our attention to detail, quality of work and exceptional customer service,” John Van Wylen said. Due to its focus on excellence, Summit Point Roofing has been recognized by North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, GAF. Its contractors are GAF-certified Master Elites, which are reserved for the top 2-3% of roofing contractors nationwide. The business has also received the GAF President’s Club Award, an honor reserved for Master Elite contractors who meet the program requirements for revenue, quality and customer satisfaction. As it continuously seeks ways to deliver outstanding service, Summit Point Roofing has managed to get ahead of the curve when it comes to technology. “We work really hard to stay current on technological advancements in the industry,” Joe explained. “Whether it’s utilizing various apps for estimating, taking satellite roof measurements, deploying drones for inspections or using new materials that are more eco-friendly
Joe Westra
realproducersmag.com
such as solar, we stay on the cutting edge of technology in order to better serve our clients.” Summit Point Roofing also supports real estate agents as they work with clients trying to buy or sell a house. “A roof can be a scary thing for buyers and sellers when it comes up on inspection, and because of the price tag of a new roof, it can derail a sale,” John shared. “Our goal is to provide honest feedback to the agents, buyers and sellers. We provide 24- to 48-hour turnaround on inspections and quotes, can get paid through escrow when necessary and prioritize projects for real estate agents so they are completed prior to closing.” Before establishing Summit Point Roofing, Joe and John worked for separate roofing companies in Colorado. “Colorado is one of the largest hail markets in the country, which, in turn, makes it one of the largest roofing markets in the country,” Joe explained. After having a couple of children, John moved back to Grand Rapids in 2014 to be closer to extended family and to pursue another career. Joe and his family returned to Grand Rapids the following year for the same reasons. “We both quickly realized that the roofing industry in Western Michigan was different from Colorado, but our
respective skill sets and strong desire to create a better roofing experience for people in Western Michigan led us to starting Summit Point Roofing,” Joe added. Over the past six years, the Westras and Van Wylens have spent a lot of time together. “Our wives have actually become best friends over the years, and our kids line up pretty well age-wise — although, opposite genders,” John said, laughing. He and his wife have three children — two girls and one boy — whereas Joe and his wife have four children — two girls and two boys. When the two of them are not working, they enjoy playing golf. Although Joe and John ultimately want to be remembered for being good husbands and fathers, they would also like to be known for creating a workplace where employees can grow and thrive within the company. “We are often reminding each other and our employees that we exist to serve our clients, not the other way around,” John said. Joe added, “We have a saying around here: Details matter, people matter. Take care of both.” To learn more information about Summit Point Roofing, visit summitpointroofing.com.
John Van Wylen
Grand Rapids Real Producers • 25
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West Michigan's #1 Rated Roofing Company
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Insuring from the house to the lives that make a home.
From home to life insurance we have you covered Ryan Loucks Farm Bureau Agency 616.988.5072 realproducersmag.com
Grand Rapids Real Producers • 27
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If you could sell real estate in any other market, where would it be and why? waya WE ASK, YOU ANSWER
This is a tough question! I would have to say Florida because I love the warmth and would selfishly love to be there in the winters! ANGELA WORTH — BELLABAY REALTY
Hawaii — Every listing would be a paradise! MICAH CHILDRESS — FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE
I already do! It’s Charlotte, North Carolina. It’s a beautiful area, and it actually has a lot of similarities to Grand Rapids. It also gets three out of the four seasons (no snow).
I love West Michigan and don’t want to be anywhere else. TODD MOELKER — ALERT INSPECTION SERVICES
Somewhere south. The older I get, the less I enjoy the harsh winters here in Michigan.
BROOKE SINES — RE/MAX - GRAND RAPIDS
ANDY SMITH — FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE
Florida or Montana. I love to visit both places. You could write off all of your vacations if you were licensed there.
I love Grand Rapids! I wouldn’t change it.
RYAN OGLE — BLU HOUSE PROPERTIES
I’m so fascinated by the higher-end market in Los Angeles. It’s not my style or background, but it sounds incredibly competitive and aggressive. It’s very much selling a lifestyle.
Aruba, because I love it there. GINGER BAXTER — KELLER WILLIAMS GRAND RAPIDS NORTH
California and Utah — I’m passionate about the area. I also own real estate in those areas. INGRID ANASTASIU — ANASTASIU HOMES KELLER WILLIAMS GRAND RAPIDS EAST
DREW DENHAM — KEY REALTY
MEGAN TEFFT — CENTURY 21 AFFILIATED
If I could work with real estate agents in any other market, I’d want to start in Florida. It’s warm there, so I’d work in Michigan during the summers and Florida during the winters! STEVEN DONLEY — ECO SMART HOME PROS
28 • March 2022
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I wouldn’t. I know Grand Rapids better than anywhere else in the world, and I love this community. KEVIN KROONDYK — GREENRIDGE REALTY
Down in the Caribbean, so I could enjoy paradise every day. Although, I might not get much work done! RACHEL MABIE — DREAM HOME TEAM BELLABAY REALTY
Wherever it is warm. EMMY JANDERNOA — AGENT CONCIERGE SERVICES
I have written insurance in all 50 states, plus Washington D.C. I prefer Michigan and our unique insurance laws. PHIL REINARTZ — REINARTZ AGENCY GOOSEHEAD INSURANCE
London. I love the city, and I am also a huge Arsenal fan (English soccer team). SCOTT WEST — GREENSQUARE PROPERTIES
Any coastal city. I enjoy living and working by the water anytime I can. BRIAN MCDONALD — BRIAN MCDONALD PHOTOGRAPHY
Do you want to answer our question of the month and be featured in an upcoming issue? Email terra.csotty@realproducersmag.com to ask about participating.
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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 29
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rising star By Chris Menezes Photos by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC
30 • March 2022
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AMY Garcia
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REACHING THE MOUNTAINTOP
Although the life of Amy Garcia could be described as “rags to riches,” a more accurate statement would be “from having nothing to giving everything.” In a short amount of time, she shifted from being in survival mode during her early days in real estate to where she is now — in thriving mode. Her current and main motivation is to help as many people as she can into homes, especially to those who never thought that homeownership was possible. Amy firmly believes everyone deserves a home — and it’s not because she sells houses. Instead, much of her passion and perspective comes from her time living without a home. “Being homeless gave me a perspective that many people can’t — and shouldn’t — experience, but my motto is that everyone should own a house, and it is my job to find the way to make it happen!” she said. There were many mountains Amy had to climb to get to where she is today, but with a lot of determination and a little help, she kept moving forward. When she was 14 years old, she met “a very warm and loving person” who helped her navigate through life, even to
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this day. “She influenced me to do the right thing and reminded me that some things are out of your control, but I should be patient, understanding — and above all — kind,” Amy explained. Amy went on to earn an associate’s degree in finance from Davenport University and worked in the finance/ accounting field for 15 years. However, an education and a good job is often not enough to get ahead. Amy hit a ceiling in her corporate career, living paycheck to paycheck and locked down to working hours, while trying to balance a growing family in need of flexibility. She knew something had to change; she wanted the agency to create the life she wanted for her and her family, which was a longtime dream that she had identified with in real estate. “Real estate has always been a dream of mine,” she said. Amy started her real estate career on August 5, 2019, with Bellabay Realty. She was Rookie of the Year her first year, hit #1 in transactions with 100 transactions and became Top Agent by generating $25 million in sales in just two years. She has also recruited three agents to the brokerage and
continues to train other agents for success as well. Amy runs her business with her husband, who handles a lot of the administration work, goes to every showing and open house, and is usually the one behind the wheel so Amy can remain accessible to clients 24/7. While Amy’s goals have changed with each milestone, she remains focused on continual growth while showing her clients how smooth and fun a real estate transaction can be. “My primary goal at first was to get a paycheck,” Amy said, laughing. “Then it was to pay off all debt – which I accomplished. Then I saw how so many buyers and sellers were not being taken care of or were not a priority because they weren’t that ideal conventional loan with 20%down easy files. I changed my goal to making sure every client felt like they were a priority, regardless of purchase price. My goals nowadays are to start a team in the next few years, enter the short-term rental market and do more flips.”
Grand Rapids Real Producers • 31
PDF Studio - PDF Editor for Mac, Windows, Linux. For Evaluation. https://www.qoppa.com/pdfstudio Out of everything Amy has accomplished and continues to do today, she says the most rewarding thing she does is when she hands keys to first-time homebuyers who had believed that they would have to rent instead of buy. “I love meeting new people and extending my family. Many of my clients are like family to me. I have also built a very good team of lenders behind me who offer many different programs that many don’t know about,” Amy said. “Extended family” excluded, Amy and her husband have a large, blended family of seven children whose ages range from 3-15 years old, a dog and a cat. When they are all together, the family enjoys climbing trees, bowling, going to Craig’s Cruisers, playing charades and having video game nights. Whenever Amy has a few moments away from real estate, she enjoys golfing with her husband. Outside of helping people through real estate, Amy enjoys giving back to people who are in need, specifically through GoFundMe campaigns. “Crowdfunding is a great way to help people through a hard time,” she said. Amy knows what it’s like to get through a hard time. From being homeless to helping others into homes, she knows that every experience has made her into the person she is today, and there is no way she’d ever change that.
I LOVE MEETING NEW PEOPLE AND EXTENDING MY FAMILY. Many of my clients are like family to me.
32 • March 2022
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Women’s Council of REALTORS® West Michigan
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2022 networking opportunities
Calendar of Events is here! March 17, 2022 - Happy Hour -
Gravity Tap House 3-5pm
September 14, 2022 - SAVE THE DATE Educational Event #3 - Details Coming Soon!
April 13, 2022 - SAVE THE DATE Educational Event #2 - Details Coming Soon!
September 15, 2022 - MEMBERS ONLY EVENT - Location TBD
April 21, 2022 - Happy Hour -
October 20, 2022 - Happy Hour -
Gravity Tap House 3-5pm
Gravity Tap House 3-5pm
May 19, 2022 - Happy Hour -
November 2, 2022 - SAVE THE DATE Educational Event #4 - Details Coming Soon!
Gravity Tap House 3-5pm June 16, 2022 - MEMBERS ONLY EVENT - Homewood Suites
November 17, 2022 - Happy Hour -
Rooftop Bar/Lounge
Gravity Tap House 3-5pm
July 21, 2022 - 25th Annual Golf Outing - Thornapple Pointe Golf
December 8, 2022 - SAVE THE DATE Annual Holiday Party - Details Coming Soon!
Course August 18, 2022 - Happy Hour -
Gravity Tap House 3-5pm
Interested in joining WCR? Email wcrwestmi@gmail.com or visit www.wcrwestmichigan.com
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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 33
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behind-the-scenes all-star q&a
Emily MAGLOTHIN
that all paperwork is signed, that the inspections and appraisals are scheduled, that any additional inspections and surveys are completed before closing, that the closings are scheduled and that possession turnovers are coordinated. Working with such a high volume of transactions is ideal for me; it keeps the day moving quickly, and it doesn’t give me time to be bored. I have a Diet Dr Pepper every day at 3 p.m., and it is one of the highlights of my workday.
Name: Emily Maglothin Position/Title:
Transaction Coordinator Office/Company: Brace Homes Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices How long have you been working for/ with the person who nominated you?
2 years How long have you been working in the real estate industry? 2 years 1.
What did you do before you began working in your current position? Before my current
position, I worked for many years in the home healthcare industry with Alzheimer’s patients and with a quadriplegic patient. After that, I worked at a sales and marketing company for a few years. Two years ago, I took a leap and ventured onto Brace Homes! 2.
What does your typical workday look like? My typical workday
starts with lots of coffee. I see where we’re at with all of our transactions and make sure that we are on track for closings. To break it down further, I ensure
34 • March 2022
3.
5.
Why do you think you excel at your job? I think I excel at my
job because I genuinely enjoy it. I love being at the office with the people who I work with: I have a great boss and super fun co-workers. I think it’s true that someone will always do more when they feel appreciated, and
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? The most re-
warding part of my job is simply being a part of the homebuying and selling process. I get to see firsthand the exciting changes in our clients’ lives — whether it be big moves, family additions, relocations or a first-time home purchase. Being able to build relationships with our clients, learn about their lives and make the process as smooth as possible for them is the best!
How would you describe your job in one word? Fulfilling or
Exciting — I love how fast-paced the job is. 4.
I do. Being around people who care and work hard motivates me to do just that.
6.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job? The most
challenging part of the job is accepting and handling things that are out of our control. No transaction is ever the same, and we are constantly learning and adapting. Hiccups happen, and figuring out ways to resolve issues can sometimes be sticky and tough. Thankfully, as a team,
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tionnaires, leave reviews, etc. I thought this nomination was another one, but to my surprise, it was intended for me! I feel excited, first of all, that he went out of his way to nominate me, and it’s nice to have my work recognized. 10. Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself, about your job or about your relationship with the person who nominated you? In all honesty,
there is usually someone who has been through it or has an idea on how to get a problem solved. 7.
What is one thing about you that others might find surprising or interesting? I guess it’s not that
interesting, but one thing others might find surprising about me is that I have a crazy obsession with my Goldendoodle/Labradoodle — “doubledoodle” — mix named Maisie. She’s also known as Maisie Moo, Maisie Grace, Maisie Graceness Monster or — my favorite — Hurricane Maisie. It shocks me daily how much I love that little, 60-lb girl. 8.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do for fun?
When I’m not working, I enjoy playing recreational-league volleyball and softball. I also love visiting my family in Northern Michigan and spending time outdoors. I have quite the passion for new restaurants, and my favorite weekend activities include workouts and having brunch. 9.
How do you feel about being nominated as a Behind-theScenes All-Star? Mark gets a ton
of generic emails asking him to fill out surveys, answer ques-
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joining Brace Homes has been the biggest privilege to me. I might be slightly biased, but my co-workers are simply the best. I couldn’t find better people who push for the best and are kind, uplifting and very funny — we do have a former stand-up comedian on the team. They feel like a family to me. Mark has helped me in so many ways, but I think most of all, he has helped me to see my potential and has let me know that I am capable of so much more than I think. I even purchased my first home last year, and before working here, I wouldn’t have seen that as possible. I know that I am cared about and valued as an employee
BEING ABLE TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR CLIENTS, LEARN ABOUT THEIR LIVES AND MAKE THE PROCESS AS SMOOTH AS POSSIBLE FOR THEM IS THE BEST!
by Mark and by the whole team, but more importantly, I know that they care about me on a personal level as well. I feel lucky to have landed at Brace Homes. Principal Broker Mark Brace appreciates Emily’s utmost professionalism and attention to detail at Brace Homes. “Emily is incredibly reliable and willing to do anything we ask of her,” Mark said. “She works around the clock to make sure all of our clients’ needs are met.” According to Mark, the one word that best describes Emily is “sincere.” “Emily never brings any drama to the table and is very even-keeled,” he said. “Her levelheaded approach is very much appreciated.” CTA: Do you want to nominate someone Behind-the-Scenes? Email terra.csotty@ realproducersmag.com.
Grand Rapids Real Producers • 35
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around
town
Rick Seese from Greenridge Realty Inc. — Lowell & Relationship Manager Phalesha Kyes
Julie Tighe from Team Mortgage Company with her Preferred Partner badge
36 • March 2022
Tony Hernandez from 5 Star Realty - Kremer Team & Relationship Manager Phalesha Kyes
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Ashley Hansen from Rockford Realty & Relationship Manager Phalesha Kyes
Rhianon Lash from Bellabay Realty & Relationship Manager Phalesha Kyes
Amy Vissman from Keller WIlliams — Grand Rapids East & Relationship Manager Phalesha Kyes
Andy Smith from Five Star Real Estate — Grandville & Relationship Manager Phalesha Kyes
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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 37
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PARTNERS ONLY Location: TBD *Dates and times are subject to change* Other events:
Magazine Release Parties- invite only Want to suggest a place for an event or sponsor? Reach out to one of our staff members: phalesha.kyes@realproducersmag.com, erika.kruse@realproducersmag.com, terra.csotty@realproducersmag.com
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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 39
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40 • March 2022
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