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TOP PRODUCER

LINDA LEPOROWSKI Photo by Jermaine Buie with Perfect Light, LLC

MARCH 2021

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Wayne County Real Producers • 3

TAB LE OF

CONTENTS 07

Publisher’s Note

Preferred Partners

Top Producer: Linda Leporowski

Rising Star: Paul Barraco

Broker Spotlight: Chantell Monette

Beyond the Book: Darla Rowley

Partner Spotlight: WayUp Media

around

town

40 Around Town

If you are interested in contributing or nominating someone for a feature, 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 The N2 Company d/b/a Real Producers 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 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. NOTE: When community events take place, photographers may be present to take photos for that event and they may be used in this publication.

Think like an owner. Work like an owner. Live like an owner.

cannacoreorganics.com/terra

586-615-8749 4 • March 2021

@realproducers

WE’RE AN ALLY FOR OUR REAL ESTATE AND LENDING PARTNERS, ENSURING THE HOMEBUYING EXPERIENCE ENDS ON A HIGH NOTE FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED.

Finding solutions for your financial needs.

Colin M Talbot

Financial Advisor 1039 Novi Road Northville, MI 48167 248-348-0423

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Kelly Anderson

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Wayne County Real Producers • 5

Make YOUR Business Better

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6 • March 2021

@realproducers

NOTE

PUBLISHER’S

Thanks to our Preferred Partners who advertise with us, our monthly magazine is free to the top-300 real estate professionals in Wayne County. 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, please reach out to Publisher Chris Csotty at chris.csotty@realproducersmag.com. 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:

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, Real Producers of Wayne County is more than just a monthly magazine: It’s a platform for informing and inspiring Wayne County’s 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, Real Producers of Wayne County cultivates relationships and engagement through our annual social events and social media platforms — check us out on FB, IG and LinkedIn. Along with these public social media sites, we also host “Wayne County’s Top 300,” a private Facebook group for Wayne County’s top-300 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 Real Producers of Wayne County. realproducersmag.com

• • • • • •

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 their “story” that they share with us in their questionnaire during the initial review period

If you want to be considered for a feature, we encourage you to get involved with the Real Producers of Wayne County community by attending our live and virtual events and interacting with us on social media. To nominate yourself or someone else for a feature, contact Publisher Terra Csotty at terra.csotty@realproducersmag.com. If you’d like to share a story or issue idea with us, contact Managing Editor Jane Asher at jane.asher@realproducersmag.com. 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! 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 Wayne County Real Producers • 7

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 real estate community!

ACCOUNTING Virginia A. Klein (734) 513-9802

Michigan Real Estate Photography (248) 660-5708

APPRAISAL SERVICES/ PERSONAL PROPERTY Anne Zielke (734) 335-4435

Perfect Light Photography Jermaine Buie (517) 515-1910

ATTORNEY/LEGAL SERVICES Laura M. Walesch, PLC (734) 357-8970 CBD PRODUCTS CannaCore Organics (586) 615-8749 www.cannacore organics.com/terra CLEANING SERVICES We Cleanout Everything (877) 932-8922 CONCRETE SERVICES Gabberts Concrete Services (313) 563-1224 CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS Cranbrook Custom Homes (586) 781-2316 Toll Brothers (248) 305-4004 DESIGN/BUILDERS Detroit Build Seabrook Satterlund (248) 677-0551 DRONES Hommati (248) 550-0515

Stylish Detroit (313) 799-3686 WayUp Media (248) 924-1011 WindowStill Photography (517) 292-4066 ELECTRICAL Safety One Electric Company, LLC (313) 303-1617 ESTATE SALES Hands of Time Estate Sales (734) 890-3623 FINANCIAL ADVISOR Edward Jones Colin Talbot (248) 348-0423 FLOORING The Third Floor Marketing Group (313) 466-6498 FLORAL & GIFT BASKETS Rodnick, Inc. (586) 772-4350 www.rodnick.com GENERAL CONTRACTOR Wolverton Construction (248) 721-5891

HEALTH, WELLNESS & SKIN CARE CannaCore Organics (586) 615-8749 www.cannacoreorganics.com/terra HEATING & COOLING Colonial Heating & Cooling (734) 455-6500 Shook Heating & Cooling (734) 658-5330 Superior Comfort Heating and Cooling (734) 818-7141 HOME BUILDER Lombardo Homes Melissa Cervin (586) 781-2316 Toll Brothers (248) 305-4004 HOME FURNISHINGS Home Interior Warehouse (248) 624-6700 HOME INSPECTION Be Sure Home Inspections (248) 798-6052 House Call Home Inspection (586) 434-0243 InsideOut Inspections Plus (734) 224-0342 Pillar To Post Home Inspectors (734) 427-5577 Premier Residential Services, LLC (734) 363-1184 Reliable Home Inspection Service (586) 212-5673

8 • March 2021

@realproducers

HOME STAGING Impact Home Staging Experts (248) 591-4290

Union Home Mortgage Ryan Andersen (248) 564-1619

Showhomes Home Staging (586) 709-5071

Union Home Mortgage David Wechsler (248) 514-3489

INSURANCE Farm Bureau Insurance Robert Roll (734) 284-9500 Kennedy Nemier Insurance Agency (734) 454-4058 State Farm Ryan McCreight (517) 375-4817 JUNK REMOVAL 1-800-GOT-JUNK? (586) 909-9329 KITCHEN & BATH Whiski Kitchen (248) 629-0058 MORTGAGE LENDER Berkshire Capital Griffen Hock (248) 822-7121 Lake Michigan Credit Union Lisa Kreza (734) 462-5420

MOVING & STORAGE Morse Moving & Storage (734) 484-1717 Preferred Moving & Storage (586) 463-4230 MOVING SERVICES BOS Moving & Service (248) 360-6644 DMS Moving Systems (800) 521-5225 PAINTING BB Painting Services (734) 664-8916 PARTY & EVENT PLANNER DJH Event Management (585) 727-3101 PHOTOGRAPHY Dawn Townsend Photography & Design (586) 225-4495 Hommati (248) 550-0515

Omega Lending Group (248) 792-8876

Jessica Laine Photography (586) 855-3822

Simple Mortgage Dawn McCarty (734) 260-2660

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY Michigan Real Estate Photography (248) 660-5708

Supreme Lending Jacque Gorris (734) 624-8579 Team Slobin - Supreme Lending (248) 535-0465

realproducersmag.com

Perfect Light Photography Jermaine Buie (517) 515-1910

Stylish Detroit (313) 799-3686 WayUp Media (248) 924-1011 WindowStill Photography (517) 292-4066 PRINTING/MARKETING/ DESIGN/SHIPPING Imperial Press (734) 728-5430 ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION Horizon Roofing and Construction (734) 585-7160 TITLE COMPANY Alliance Title of Michigan Kelly Anderson (586) 238-4400 Alliance Title of Michigan Mary Reed (586) 238-4400 Estates Title (248) 647-3600 Inked Title (248) 617-0004 Title Solutions (734) 259-7130 VIRTUAL 3-D TOURS Hommati (248) 550-0515 Michigan Real Estate Photography (248) 660-5708 Stylish Detroit (313) 799-3686 WayUp Media (248) 924-1011 WindowStill Photography (517) 292-4066

Wayne County Real Producers • 9

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MEET THE

W AY N E C O U N T Y REAL PRODUCERS TEAM

Chris Csotty

Terra Csotty

Jane K. Asher, Ph.D. Managing Editor/Writer

Relationship Manager

Dina Ranieri

Jeanne Monillo

April Shanne Subiera

Deborah Huston

Robbyn Moore

Amanda Matkowski

Andy Schwartz

Jermaine Buie

Jessica Laine Gouverneur

Dawn Townsend

Brandon Ramsay

Publisher

Publishing Assistant/ Reprints Specialist

Perfect Light, LLC Photographer

realproducersmag.com

Publisher

Event Coordinator

Jessica Laine Photography Photographer

Writer

Dawn Townsend Photography & Design Photographer

Editor

WayUp Media Videographer

Ad Strategist

Stylish Detroit Photographer/Videographer

Alex Norris

Michigan Real Estate Photography Videographer

Wayne County Real Producers • 11

announcement

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It’s a badge of honor to hold the printed version of Real Producers of Wayne County magazine in your hands. If you want all our issues wherever you go, download the Issuu app or visit www.issuu.com, and search Real Producers of Wayne County.

12 • March 2021

@realproducers

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Wayne County Real Producers • 13

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14 • March 2021

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Wayne County Real Producers • 15

Linda Leporowski POSITIVELY PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST

16 • March 2021

@realproducers

top producer By Jane K. Asher, Ph.D. Photos by Jermaine Buie with Perfect Light, LLC Photos taken at Montcaret in Northville by Cranbrook Custom Homes

Linda Leporowski is a high-energy, positive-spirited woman who is at her best when she is surrounded by people and sharing her cheer with them in any way she can. Given her charisma and penchant for uplifting anyone she comes in contact with, it’s not surprising that Linda’s approach to business mirrors her approach to life — she puts people first. “I love every aspect of real estate, but my favorite part is the people,” Linda said. “I love meeting different people from all walks of life and listening to their stories. I love helping them find their dream home no matter how large or small their budget is. It puts a smile on my face to bring joy and happiness to people’s lives.” Before becoming a real estate agent, Linda enjoyed a 17-year career at Bank One/Chase Bank where she served as an executive assistant in various departments, including trust files, property management, public affairs, and private banking and investments. During her last stint with the company, Linda worked as a training specialist in the commercial banking and training department. In this position, she had the responsibility of identifying and providing the appropriate training for commercial bankers in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Chicago. “My experience as a training specialist helped me identify my strongest skills and potential in sales,” Linda said. “Sales came naturally to me because I am a people person who has the ability to provide customer service, foresee potential problems, remain organized and drive myself to succeed. My time in the banking industry also fueled my love for friendly competition and my passion for helping people.” In 2000, when the bank was undergoing a merger, Linda was given the opportunity to stay or take a severance. She opted for the severance and returned to college to finish her bachelor’s in business management. “During that time I decided to get my real estate license,” Linda said. “No regrets — I just love what I do.” realproducersmag.com

Since entering the real estate industry in 2001, Linda has achieved a career volume of $125 million, placing her in the top 1% of agents in Wayne County and in the top 5% in southeast Michigan. She has also earned the title of Hour Detroit Real Estate All-Star, REAL Trends America’s Best Real Estate Professionals, and Zillow 5-Star Agent, as well as multiple Keller Williams and RE/MAX platinum awards. “I am very passionate about providing a high level of service to my clients and peer agents — I am committed to being the best at what I do,” Linda said. “I feel that you need to adhere to a high standard, as well as have great core values and integrity in order to provide this service.” Linda’s greatest business challenge was finding the “right” real estate professionals who share her drive, passion, integrity and commitment to stellar service — and building Team Leporowski. “I became so busy so fast that every waking second was put into working the business. I worked 14- to 16- and even 18-hour days, just killing myself and my health,” she said. “I didn’t have enough time to research or even look into how to build a team. Then I got sick and realized that I could not continue to do what I was doing.” It was this realization that led Linda to Keller Williams Advantage, the company that provided her the necessary resources and tools to build a solid team. After making the move, Linda met Jeanine Ciccone, who now serves as the operations manager of her team. Jeanine, who holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Northwood University, spent nine years working in the title industry before becoming a licensed real estate agent in 1999. “Jeanine is an amazing right-hand person for me. When the two of us got together, my business increased dramatically — we were unstoppable,” Linda said. “We then added a buyer agent, a showing agent and our own in-house marketing specialist who does a fabulous job on the social media and marketing end.” Linda and her team work with “patience, integrity and love” to build their clients’ trust and respect. “Clients know when you genuinely care about them and have their back,” Linda said. “I want my clients to know they can trust me in any situation and that I will be confident and protect them — you need to be strong, you need to be a leader, you need to be organized and you need to be fearless.” Wayne County Real Producers • 17

Linda’s lust for life and high energy extend beyond her business: She has an active lifestyle and likes to bowl, workout at the gym, run 5Ks and golf. Linda also enjoys listening to Audible books; some of her favorites include “No Excuses!: The Power of Self-Discipline” and “The Psychology of Selling” by Brian Tracy, “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne and “The Millionaire Real Estate Agent” by Gary Keller. “I listen to these books over and over again,” she said. “They really keep your mindset on track in your work and personal life.”

Jeanine Ciccone, Team Operations Manager

Additionally, Linda enjoys hosting holiday gatherings, cooking and spending time with friends and family. Her oldest son, Michael, lives with his wife in Royal Oak and works as a commercial real estate appraiser. Her other son, Mitchell, is pursuing his bachelor’s degree and working as an estimator at a construction company. “We love to spend the holidays and birthdays together and go on family vacations in the summer,” Linda said. “My sons play hockey, softball and golf, and we are all very active. I always hope that one day they will decide to join my team. They would make a perfect fit — they are hardworking, outgoing boys.” Linda is a proponent of giving back and regularly supports Toys for Tots, the Detroit Goodfellows, the Susan G. Komen Foundation and St. Jude. “I believe that when you are successful, it is important to give back to the world. There are so many people struggling in the world who need our help and support,” Linda said. In business and in life, Linda wants to be remembered for her trustworthiness, honesty, hard work and dedication to others. “Real estate is a lifestyle for me — I have a passion for helping people find their dream home,” she said. “I love the hustle and negotiating for my clients. I draw energy from people, so the busier I am, the happier I am.” 18 • March 2021

@realproducers

“

I LOVE EVERY ASPECT OF REAL ESTATE, BUT MY FAVORITE PART IS THE PEOPLE.

realproducersmag.com

Wayne County Real Producers • 19

BRING YOUR WEBSITE TO LIFE!

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20 • March 2021

Your business should be bringing in more leads but your website is holding you back! www.digitaln2.com

@realproducers

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Wayne County Real Producers • 21

WAYUP MEDIA REAL ESTATE FROM ANOTHER

POINT OF VIEW

22 • March 2021

@realproducers

partner spotlight By Robbyn Moore Photos by Joe Alisa with WayUp Media

If you ask Brandon Ramsay about real estate, he’s likely to explain it from a 400-foot point of view. Five years ago, with a drone in his hand and a vision in his head, Brandon founded WayUp Media, a media marketing company that offers a full suite of services that specialize in the creation of high-quality real estate videos and photographs. His passion to market businesses in unique and engaging ways with digital content, including aerial footage, has converted viewers into customers.

Some of the nation’s top real estate agents have used WayUp Media for photographs and virtual walk-through tours. The company has been featured on the cover of Luxury Las Vegas magazine and has produced media for A-list celebrities, as well as a plethora of professional athletes. The media company is known for its approachability and work ethic. Their clients play an intricate role with their feedback and opinions, giving the media team the opportunity to create custom-designed marketing materials. “Our creative direction is driven by our clients’ needs and goals,” Brandon said. “We love challenging ourselves with ways on how to innovate our style of content to become bigger and better. Client satisfaction is a huge principle within our work, and we always want to take the extra step to make sure our client is pleased.”

talented, creative individuals who are eager to bring fresh ideas and innovative perspectives. “It’s always exciting to add new team members because more people mean more ideas and more feedback, elevating our work and our brand,” Brandon said. “We have some of the greatest, hardest working, most dedicated people on staff. It’s a privilege to work alongside so many inspiring people! Our teamwork is the biggest driver of our success.”

our clients tell us their listing sold because of our videos and photos.”

The intention behind every creation is to grab viewers’ attention so that a listing will be seen, and an agent’s name will become known. “Everyone’s style and approach for marketing their listing is different,” Brandon said. “We want the top-producing real estate agents to know that we will customize their content to showcase their listing in order to maximize engagement with homebuyers.”

The team at WayUp Media loves having their real estate agents in front of the camera. They encourage agents to talk about a listing and its unique qualities in order to highlight its main features and why a homebuyer would be interested in the property. “We highly recommend having the agents showcase a home because it also allows viewers to see who they would be working with when finding their new home,” Brandon said. “Furthermore, having the real estate agent featured in a video adds a personal element to the virtual homebuying experience — it’s a point of differentiation that’ll get them noticed.”

Brandon said he is most fulfilled when he hears and sees the excitement from his clients after providing them with content that his company produced. “The media that is used to market a home is crucial because it is what catches a buyer’s immediate interest and attention, especially when viewing listings online,” he said. “It’s motivating to get feedback on our work and to know that we have satisfied our customers. Our favorite phone calls are the ones where

For Brandon, success comes in many forms: from within and from others. “What you do and who you work with are key drivers in one’s success and satisfaction,” he said. “There will always be losses and bad days, but it’s the motivation, drive and passion for your work that will ultimately deem one as successful.”

For more information or to see examples of WayUp Media’s work, visit wayupmedia.com, or send an email to info@wayupmedia.com.

Beyond marketing their clients’ listings, the company also specializes in marketing their clients’ brand and their name as a real estate professional. “This is what sets us apart from others,” Brandon explained. “We want agents and brokerages to be known and heard because they, too, are their own brand. Through the content we make, we will help to market that brand.” In addition to investing in more equipment and training for his staff, Brandon continues to grow his team by adding realproducersmag.com

Wayne County Real Producers • 23

Paul Barraco rising star

By Robbyn Moore Photos by Jermaine Buie with Perfect Light, LLC

FINDING STRENGTH AND SUCCESS IN AUTHENTICITY

Four years ago, Paul Barraco made the decision to get his real estate license as a part-time gig. At the time, he was in a leadership role as an executive in Human Resources. However, when his HR position was requiring him to move to Minnesota, he decided it was a great opportunity to stay in Michigan and take a dive deep into his real estate career. The timing synced up perfectly with Paul’s desire to find a career that would challenge him and still allow him to work with people one on one. Additionally, Paul is a flight attendant with Southwest Airlines and flies up to six days a month. Moreover, as a single dad, Paul wanted flexibility in his schedule and a lifestyle that could support his family. In October 2017, Paul joined the team at Dwellings by Rudy & Hall in his hometown of Plymouth and closed his first sale in February 2018. Paul has had over $12 million in sales since that time and ended 2020 with just over $4 million. Paul takes great pride in making positive impacts on the lives of his clients by providing superior client service and developing meaningful, lasting relationships that have gone well beyond the closing. “The fact that I can get folks into the house of their dreams is a dream come true for me, too,” Paul shared. “I’ve always been someone who’s looked after others rather than helping myself, so helping families and going the extra mile is second nature to me.” 24 • March 2021

@realproducers

Paul credits his courage, grit and confidence to his son Mason, who was adopted from Ukraine at the age of 2. Today, Mason is 21 years old and still continues to be a teacher in Paul’s life. “My son has taught me how to be a better man and father,” Paul said. “Because of him, I am a stronger individual and fully embrace my true authentic self.” Those intangible qualities are key attributes that have put Paul on top of his real estate game. He balances his toughness with his ability to empathize with others. He most recently demonstrated this during a year that was hit with a pandemic. Where others saw discouragement, Paul found opportunities to reach his goals and create excitement for his clients. “The joy and smiles and hugs I got from my clients when I handed them the keys to their new home was, and continues to be, the most fulfilling aspect of my job,” he said. Paul is cognizant of the supportive role he plays in his clients’ lives as they navigate through the homebuying and selling process. “Because my clients are trusting me with one

of the most important decisions of their lives, I pay close attention to how they are feeling and manage appropriately and compassionately.” Paul is an accepting person who embraces the individual gifts and contributions everyone has to offer. He passionately supports and leads a multitude of groups, including the GMAR Diversity and Inclusivity Committee where he’s been a member since 2018 and has served as both chairperson and vice chairperson. He also actively participates as a member of Michigan’s Asian American Association, The Michigan Hispanic Collaborative and Equality Michigan. “Giving back to the communities in which I serve is extremely important to me,” Paul said. While Paul is a rising star in his field, he has not forgotten what it took to get him where he’s at today. “I always share with new agents that they must not get discouraged in their first year or two,” he explained. “We all have a tendency to think we are going to make lots of money right off the bat, and that isn’t usually the case. My advice is to be patient, and be a sponge.” Paul also suggested finding someone in the business to serve as a mentor. “Find someone who will champion your career, and lean into them heavily,” he said. “Allowing yourself the opportunity to make mistakes gives you the chance to learn and grow. Of course, it’s important to be yourself and develop your own personal style; however, a seasoned agent will encourage the fundamentals.” Paul found a great deal of his support by participating in his brokerage offerings and simply showing up every day to do the work. “You also need to be visible, be present, and be hungry!” A hallmark of Paul’s customer service is his prompt follow-up and his ability to build personal relationships. “Having trusting client connections with no pressure has made me successful,” Paul said.

realproducersmag.com

Wayne County Real Producers • 25

Paul defines success as having family and friends who unconditionally love and support him. “Success is also having the freedom to do what I love in life,” he said. “A lucrative job does not define who I am; it’s nice, but it doesn’t define my happiness. Rather, success is making a positive impact on others and surrounding myself with like-minded people and fulfilling my passions.”

ALLOWING YOURSELF THE

OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE MISTAKES GIVES YOU THE CHANCE TO

”

LEARN AND GROW.

Paul and Mason have a shared passion for cooking. “Both of us love to cook meals and entertain with our friends and family,” Paul said. “Coming from a Sicilian upbringing, sharing a meal is extremely important to us.” Paul is also a travel enthusiast and proudly has more than 87 countries stamped into his passport. As a family, they enjoy traveling together: discovering new places, finding new adventures and creating lifelong memories. “I want to be remembered as a passionate, crazy, mischievous and proud individual who embraced every opportunity to its fullest,” Paul shared. “My legacy should be how I made a big enough impact or contribution where someone would say, ‘I couldn’t have done that without his support.’” 26 • March 2021

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announcement S p e c i a l O p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r YO U t o C o n t r i b u t e t o

REAL PRODUCERS COACH’S CORNER Do YOU have special skills, helpful tips, expertise or insight to share with the real estate community? We welcome article submissions (500-700 words) that educate and engage local real estate professionals. Topics may include but are not limited to the following: • • • • • • • •

Game-changing social media strategies New directions in marketing and advertising How-to instructions focused on specific situations or processes Tips on hiring, retaining and motivating employees Building a brand Creative approaches to problem-solving Finding work/life balance REALTOR® Board Updates

B E YO N D T H E B O O K

Have YOU or one of your colleagues written a book? If so, we’d like to consider you as a featured author for an upcoming issue. If chosen, you will have the opportunity to share some information about your published work and your writing journey with the local real estate community.

For additional information about Coach’s Corner and Beyond the Book publication opportunities, please contact Managing Editor Jane K. Asher at jane.asher@realproducersmag.com. realproducersmag.com

Wayne County Real Producers • 29

30 • March 2021

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Sharing Good Vibes and Spurring Success

CHANTELL MONETTE

broker spotlight By Jane K. Asher, Ph.D. Photos by Stylish Detroit

Anyone who knows Chantell Monette, broker/owner at Clients First, REALTORS®, knows that she exudes positivity in all areas of her life and especially in real estate, where she has spent the last 21 years inspiring and encouraging others.

“I am a huge believer in the mantra ‘Good Vibes Only!’” she said. “I have the phrase on a sign in my office, and I daily emphasize it to my staff — that is how I encourage our office to stand out.” Chantell’s propensity for good vibes and for positively impacting her agents’ and clients’ lives is a direct result of the many individuals — especially her parents and her husband — who have shaped her optimistic spirit and supported her along her personal and professional journey. “My parents guided me to become a hardworking member of society and showed me that nothing comes easy in this world and that you have to work for your success,” Chantell said. After graduating from Canton High School, Chantell married her high-school sweetheart, Bill Monette. Shortly after, Bill joined the Army, and the newlyweds moved to Germany where Bill was stationed at the training base in Hohenfels. “Communication with family and friends was limited, as overseas phone calls were expensive,” Chantell said. “Bill was often gone on training maneuvers, so I learned to be independent and managed very well living off base in the small town of Seubersdorf, Germany.” It was during that time that Chantell and Bill had their first daughter, and Chantell says that becoming a mother at such a young age definitely shaped her into the resilient woman she is today. She is very grateful for Bill’s long-standing love and support. “We’ve been together since we were 16, so we pretty much grew up together,” she said. “Bill taught me to stand up for myself and for what I believe in, even if other people do not believe in it.” After Bill completed his service in Germany and Fort Knox, Kentucky, Chantell and Bill moved home to Canton, Michigan, where Chantell transitioned from being a military wife to a loan processor at a credit union. After

realproducersmag.com

Chantell and Bill bought their first home, Chantell got hooked on that “feeling of excitement” that comes along with a purchase of a new house. She had always been interested in real estate, and knew that she wanted to help other people find their homes and take part in their excitement. As Chantell began learning the ropes as a new real estate agent and helping out with administrative tasks at her growing office, she also became increasingly interested in the behindthe-scenes and day-to-day operations of a brokerage. Then, after about six years as an agent, Chantell became a broker. Her goal in taking this next step in her career was simple and selfless: “The more knowledge I have, the more knowledge I could pass on to our agents,” she said. “As I moved up to general manager and associate broker, my sales volume was never something I kept count of — it was always more important to me to help my agents achieve their sales goals.” After working under Broker/Owner Dan Clem for 19 years, Chantell purchased Clients First, REALTORS®, and became the broker/owner in 2018. She is forever grateful for all the real estate knowledge that Dan imparted to her; through his mentoring and her ongoing professional development, Chantell had learned how to run a successful business. Across its offices in Canton, Royal Oak and Shelby Township, Clients First has a team of 125 agents — all of whom Chantell describes as “awesome.” “Our agents have a real zest for learning the real estate business and get genuine joy from helping their clients,” she said. “They also are always willing to help each other, whether it be by leveling up a colleague’s business or by answering their questions.”

Wayne County Real Producers • 31

Right now, Chantell is passionate about helping her agents grow and achieve success on their own terms. “I believe everyone has a different idea of what success means to them, and I want to be the one to help them get there,” she said. When Chantell isn’t spreading good vibes at the office, she spends her time with Bill and their two daughters — Miranda Monette, 27, and Autumn Monette, 23 — and enjoys attending concerts, getaways at their cottage in Caseville, family game nights and traveling. In 2021, Chantell and Bill will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary aboard a Caribbean cruise with their daughters. Chantell, who is a proud member of the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, says that she has worked very hard to build and run her minority- and women-owned business. “I continue to strive to be the very best broker/owner I can and plan on continuing this journey for many years to come,” she added. Chantell asserts that “patience is a must” for any agent looking to start their journey as a successful broker of a growing office. “Along with patience, you need to appreciate and work with a multitude of personalities — based on the retention rate at my brokerage, we do an excellent job at this.” More importantly, Chantell’s selfless leadership demonstrates that a broker’s success is best measured by their ability to empower, support and celebrate the success of others. “I believe a great leader must lead from the back and let their team have all of the credit,” she said. 32 • March 2021

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beyond the book

DARLA ROWLEY Home Staging by the Book

include some level of staging with every full-service transaction they offer.

and my company and/or the book is to visit impacthomestagingexperts.com.

What was your favorite part of the writing/publishing journey?

Do you have any tips or advice for aspiring writers?

Staging is often looked at as a fun job. It is definitely fun, but it involves much more than just picking out furniture and accessories and setting up. I enjoyed the opportunity to dive into the many behind-the-scene aspects and value of the process

Writing the book was a great way to get some ideas out of my head and free up space for new ideas, so even if you do not achieve wide distribution, it is a worthy effort. There are also many new tools and apps to help make the writing and transcription process easier and quicker.

What was your least favorite or most challenging part of the writing/publishing journey?

Grammar and spelling Who do you pay tribute to in your book acknowledgments?

I acknowledge the entire Impact Team for their contributions over the past 17 years as well as my husband and family, who saw success in me before I saw it in myself. Authors: Jana Uselton, founder of Home Staging

and ReDesign Association and owner of Model My Home, and Darla Rowley, owner/president of Impact Home Staging Experts Year of Publication: 2016 Publisher: Self-published through myhsra.com What inspired you to write your book?

I wanted to provide aspiring stagers, real estate agents and home sellers a foundation of practical knowledge for what staging is and is not. What key content is included in your book?

“Home Staging by the Book” traces the history and origin of staging, explains where it is headed, provides professional definitions of what staging is and is not, explores the common misconceptions, describes staging principles and concepts, and offers practical examples of where and when staging is needed. What do you hope your readers take away from your book?

My desire is to have real estate professionals understand that home staging is an important component for maximizing value and delivering a more effective and faster sale. My hope is to inspire real estate agents to learn more about the process and choose to realproducersmag.com

Do you hear from your readers much? What do they have to say about your book?

Real estate agents have found it helpful to share with home sellers who are considering our services. As a company, we are always offering educational opportunities for teaching the value of staging, so this book is a good reference tool for staging terms, tips and stats — and especially beneficial for individuals who have not previously incorporated staging into the selling process.

Do you plan to write another book in the future?

I am exploring writing a book about small business owners and the courage necessary to build something from scratch. My goal would be to highlight challenges and realities, as well as provide the necessary inspiration and courage to take perceived risks to go for your dream. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your writing process, your book or the reception of your book?

I am blessed to have the co-writing experience provided to me by Jana Uselton. She is a smart business person and an industry leader.

Where can readers purchase your book? What formats of the book are available?

Readers can purchase the print version through our company website: impacthomestagingexperts.com. Proceeds of the sales go to charity projects we support in our community. Where can readers learn more about you and your book?

The best way to learn about me Wayne County Real Producers • 37

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40 • March 2021

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