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Real Producers of Oakland County September 2021 Issue

Page 1

OAKLAND COUNTY

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 .

LESLIE Photo by Stylish Detroit

SEPTEMBER 2021


CVED 21897

We would like to thank the Realtor community for the opportunity of being the Realtors’

248-674-3937

2 • September 2021

@realproducers


SHOP

We are celebrating 50 years - thanks to you. The Star Treatment Continues on – elevating our personalized-luxury experience. 1 2 3

BROWSE OUR INVENTORY ONLINE ORDER YOUR VEHICLE FROM HOME WE DELIVER TO YOUR DOOR

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24350 W 12 Mile Rd. Southfield, MI 48034 • 248-354-4900 Hours: Sales Monday-Friday 9-5, Service 8-5 Monday-Friday

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Oakland County Real Producers • 3


TABLE OF

CONTENTS 13

08

14

Preferred Partners

Meet the Oakland County Real Producers Team

Get Every Issue On Your Phone With Issuu

18

24

28

36

40

Top Producer: Leslie Doran

Partner Spotlight: Morse Moving & Storage

32

Behindthe-Scenes All-Star: Nick Moons

44

Charity Spotlight: Humble Design, Inc.

Celebrating Leaders: Lindsey Sundin

around

town

50 Around Town

Rising Star: Willie J. Davis

Agent Spotlight: Jane Evans

55

Real Producers of Oakland County’s First Charity Event

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 Oakland 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.

4 • September 2021

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248-594-9390 | www.Michigan.fntic.com tricia.gallagher@fnf.com

MICHIGAN’S MOST EXPERIENCED HOME STAGING COMPANY. Did you know…

Most home sellers need some level of staging support- We provide cost effective and flexible services for Occupied and Vacant properties. Call to learn how to incorporate staging into your overall selling strategy!

Quotes are always FREE!

ImpactHomeStagingExperts.com or call 248-591-4290 realproducersmag.com

Oakland County Real Producers • 5


A MORTGAGE PROGRAM SPECIFICALLY FOR PHYSICIANS. For more information about this and other exclusive offers, contact: Sandra Frith

Mortgage Loan Officer

NMLS# 564023 1040 E Maple Road Birmingham, MI 48009 p - 586.749.8355 f - 877.873.1344 c - 586.871.8002 e - sandi.frith@huntington.com www.huntington.com/mortgage/frith-sandi All loans are subject to application and credit approval, satisfactory appraisal and title insurance. Terms, conditions and loan programs are subject to change without notice. Other terms, conditions and restrictions may apply. The Huntington National Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. a®, Huntington® and aHuntington® are federally registered service marks of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. Huntington. Welcome.SM is a service mark of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. ©2018 Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. NMLS ID #402436 (09/17)

6 • September 2021

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Bittner Appraisal Group, LLC

248-828-8218 (Office) • 248-701-7350 (Mobile) bittnerappraisalgroup@gmail.com 2075 W. Big Beaver Rd; Suite 222, Troy, MI 48084 www.bittnerappraisalgroup.com

We offer a wide-range of services to support the needs of various customers, including: Attorneys

Expert, unbiased testimony and consulting services.

Accountants

Accurately determine the value of your estate client’s real estate property.

Agents

Help sellers list their property at a fair price to sell your properties faster.

Homeowners

Feel like you’re overpaying property taxes? Want to eliminate PMI from your monthly mortgage payment? We provide expert valuations in divorces and estate divisions.

Insurance Companies

Protect property portfolios for the correct amount.

Investors

Get the knowledge you need to make a great investment.

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

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Oakland 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 Wenderski & Associates, CPA P.C. (248) 689-7740 Your Tax Coach (810) 588-4646 APPLIANCES Sargent Appliance & Video (248) 652-9700 Trevarrow, Inc. (248) 377-2300 APPRAISAL Bittner Appraisal Group, LLC (248) 828-8218 ATTORNEY/LEGAL SERVICES Matta Blair, PLC (248) 593-6100 Szura & Delonis, PLC (248) 716-3600 BLINDS/SHADES Budget Blinds of Milford (248) 716-7604 CAR DEALERSHIP Star Lincoln (248) 354-4900 CARPET & TILE CLEANING Chet’s Cleaning Chet Sadowski III (248) 584-1819 CATERING Corporate Express Catering (248) 579-4602

CBD PRODUCTS CannaCore Organics (586) 615-8749 www.cannacore organics.com/terra CLEANING & ORGANIZING Jo’s Cleaning & Organizing (248) 840-3738 CLOSET STORAGE SYSTEMS Jo’s Cleaning & Organizing (248) 840-3738 CLOSING GIFTS Nibbles Gifts (248) 737-8088 NibblesGifts.com One Hope Wine (248) 425-7897 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

ELECTRICAL Quality Affordable Construction (734) 341-2689

HEATING & COOLING Colonial Heating & Cooling (734) 455-6500

ESTATE SALES Action Estate Sales (586) 228-9090

HOME BUILDER Lombardo Homes Melissa Cervin (586) 781-2316

Hands of Time Estate Sales (734) 890-3623

HOME FURNISHINGS Home Interior Warehouse (248) 624-6700

FINANCIAL SERVICES & INVESTMENT PLANNING Asalyn Coachman, J.D. Financial Architects (248) 892-0407

HOME IMPROVEMENT Defined Home Improvement (248) 770-4785

FLOORING City Flooring (586) 303-5347

HOME INSPECTION Big Moose Home Inspections (920) 570-6543 Bigmoose.us

The Third Floor Marketing Group (313) 466-6498

Conclusive Inspection Services (248) 399-6969

FLORAL & GIFT BASKETS Rodnick, Inc. (586) 772-4350 www.rodnick.com

Defined Inspections (248) 770-4785

GRAPHIC DESIGN & PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS Graphic Takeover Jimmy Johnson (248) 894-4464 HEALTH, WELLNESS & SKIN CARE CannaCore Organics (586) 615-8749 www.cannacore organics.com/terra

HomeTeam Inspection Service (586) 783-9957 House Call Home Inspection (586) 434-0243 Total House Inspection (248) 550-9492 HOME STAGING Impact Home Staging Experts (248) 591-4290

WayUp Media (248) 924-1011 8 • September 2021

@realproducers


HOME WARRANTY Achosa Home Warranty (248) 303-7210 INSURANCE Farm Bureau Insurance David Purvis (248) 644-6364 Farm Bureau Insurance Aaron Blakemore (248) 760-3479 Goosehead Insurance Wesson Gappi (248) 275-8600 State Farm Insurance Tammy Deane (586) 738-6385 INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE Michigan Real Estate Investors (248) 886-3585 JUNK REMOVAL 1-800-GOT-JUNK? (586) 909-9329 JUNK REMOVAL / DEMOLITION We Cleanout Everything (877) 932-8922 KITCHEN & BATH Whiski Kitchen (248) 629-0058 LANDSCAPE DESIGN Great Lakes Landscape Design (248) 543-6320 MARBLE & GRANITE American Prestige Marble and Granite (313) 595-7237 MOLD REMEDIATION Advanced Mold Services (586) 243-9991

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MORTGAGE LENDER Anderson Financial Group Sandi Voiles (248) 417-4958 Defined Mortgage (844) 437-3629

Morse Moving & Storage (734) 484-1717 Preferred Moving & Storage (586) 463-4230

First State Bank Lisa Marie Pevac (586) 354-6797

NEW CONSTRUCTION MORTGAGE Huntington Bank Sandi Frith (586) 871-8002

First State Bank Ken Ebaugh (248) 270-6278

PAINTING BB Painting Services (734) 664-8916

Gonzalez Group - NEXA Mortgage (586) 201-7255

PHOTOGRAPHY Hommati (248) 550-0515

Horizon Financial Group Joshua Rubin (248) 538-7162 Huntington Bank Sandi Frith (586) 871-8002 Lake Michigan Credit Union Matt Adler (248) 219-7552 Level One Bank Lara Forte (248) 284-5178 Omega Lending Group (248) 598-8000 Ross Mortgage Toni Thwaites (248) 459-2089 Team Slobin - Supreme Lending (248) 535-0465 MOVING & STORAGE Changing Places Moving Johnna Struck (248) 674-3937

TITLE COMPANY Alliance Title of Michigan Mary Reed (586) 238-4400 Alliance Title of Michigan Kelly Anderson (586) 238-4400 ATA Title (248) 341-5077 Defined Title (248) 218-1757

Jessica Laine Photography (586) 855-3822 PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY Perfect Light Photography Jermaine Buie (517) 515-1910

Devon Title (248) 273-4300 Fidelity National Title (248) 594-9390 Inked Title (248) 617-0004 TREE CARE SERVICES Dreadknot Services (248) 884-1681

Skyview Experts (586) 549-9690 Stylish Detroit (313) 799-3686

VIRTUAL 3-D TOURS Hommati (248) 550-0515

WayUp Media (248) 924-1011

Skyview Experts (586) 549-9690

PRINTING/MARKETING/ DESIGN/SHIPPING Imperial Press (734) 728-5430 REMODELING Quality Affordable Construction (734) 341-2689

TAX PLANNING Your Tax Coach (810) 588-4646

Stylish Detroit (313) 799-3686 WayUp Media (248) 924-1011

ROOFING PROFESSIONALS Clarkston Roofing Professionals Tony Missentzis (248) 934-7288 Oakland County Real Producers • 9


10 • September 2021

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Kellie M. Blair, Esq. 248.568.0290

Steven A. Matta, Esq. 248.505.9993

Matta Blair, PLC Real Estate Transactions | Real Estate Litigation Over Fifty Years’ Experience

• Representing buyers, sellers, brokers, agents, title companies and lenders in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate transactions • Litigating quiet title, boundary and riparian rights, zoning, contract disputes, licensing claims, commission disputes and arbitrations, agency issues, earnest money deposit disputes, buyer/seller liability, and probate issues. • Plus, you’ll love us, we promise! 39572 Woodward Avenue | Suite 200 | Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 248.593.6100 | www.mattablair.com

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Oakland County Real Producers • 11


Wenderski & Associates, CPA P.C. Certified Public Accountant and Management Consultants

Our Services: Individual Taxes

Business Retirement Planning

Business Taxes

Foreign Income Exclusion

Business Consulting

Business Start-ups

Trusts

Software Implementation

Bookkeeping

Accounting

WHEN CONFIDENCE MATTERS…

BIG MOOSE DELIVERS!

FREE RADON TESTING

frank@wenderskicpa.com 3911 Rochester Rd. Troy, MI 48083

with Home Inspection for our Real Producer Agents.

Mention code #RP10021 - Offer Expires 6/30/2021

Ph: (248) 689-7740 Fax: (248) 689-0611 www.wenderskicpa.com

SERVING SE. MICHIGAN

tlwitt@wowway.com

Terrance Witt

800-531-0233

COMMITTED TO PROVIDING CUSTOMERS WITH MORTGAGE SERVICES THAT EXCEED THEIR EXPECTATIONS.

The Anderson Financial Group NMLS #135320 12 • September 2021

Sandra K Voiles Loan Originator | NMLS# 135672 For Home Loan Financing Options Call | 248-417-4958 Email Me Sandi@andersonfinancialgroup.com 2950 W Square Lake Rd, Suite 102 Troy, MI 48098 @realproducers


MEET THE OAKLAND COUNTY REAL PRODUCERS TEAM

Chris Csotty Publisher

Terra Csotty Publisher

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

Dina Ranieri

Relationship Manager

Jeanne Monillo Ad Strategist

April Shanne Subiera

Robbyn Moore

Amanda Matkowski Editor

Stylish Detroit Photographer/Videographer

Jermaine Buie

Jessica Laine Gouverneur

Sasha Marceta

Brandon Ramsay

Publishing Assistant/ Reprints Specialist

Perfect Light, LLC Photographer

Writer

Jessica Laine Photography Photographer

Skyview Experts Photographer/Videographer

Andy Schwartz

WayUp Media Photographer/Videographer

Night Cap is a great product that is helping me sleep! Terra met with me shortly after we messaged back and forth a few times about the product. Both Terra and ALL of the Cannacore products are amazing! Ten out of ten! -Scot Brothers

cannacoreorganics.com/terra

586-615-8749

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Oakland County Real Producers • 13


announcement

GET EVERY ISSUE ON YOUR PHONE WITH ISSUU

OAKLAND COUNTY

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 .

LESLIE Photo by Stylish Detroit

SEPTEMBER 2021

It’s a badge of honor to hold the printed version of Real Producers of Oakland 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 Oakland County.

14 • September 2021

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I HAVE OVER 25 A-RATED CARRIERS AND 96.7% CLIENT SATISFACTION RATE TEAM THAT SPECIALIZE IN HOME CLOSING PROCESS.

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We offer a personalized,

AGENCY OWNER

in-person approach to floor buying, taking into account the importance of our client’s

Direct: 248-275-8600

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Office: 248-946-8500 wesson.gappi@goosehead.com

For all your flooring needs

https://www.gooseheadinsurance.com

- Carpet | Vinyl | Wood

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LARA FORTE

SENIOR MORTGAGE BANKER NMLS 1169665 ALL LOANS SUBJECT TO CREDIT APPROVAL.

COVE�AGE A�EA: MICHIGAN

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Oakland County Real Producers • 15


Would you like to know how to fix and flip or buy and hold real estate?

Attend your first meeting for FREE!

Learn about Real Estate Investing Strategies and Techniques! Meetings held on the 3rd Thurs night of each month 6-9pm. (networking starts at 5:15pm) MSU - Management Education Center 811 W Square Lake Rd | Troy, MI 48098 Come learn how to get your commissions working for you vs. you always working for them.

16 • September 2021

248-394-0150 • MichiganRealEstateInvestors.com

@realproducers


(844) 917-ROOF YOUR ROOFING SPECIALISTS RoofingProsMI.com

realproducersmag.com

ASK ABOUT OUR FREE ATTIC INSPECTION

Oakland County Real Producers • 17


18 • September 2021

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LESLIE

SEIZING EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO THRIVE AND SHINE

DORAN top producer

By Jane K. Asher, Ph.D. Photos by Stylish Detroit Photos taken at Cranbrook Custom Homes — The Heights in Rochester

When Leslie Doran first received the news that she was going to be featured in Real Producers in March of 2019, she initially assumed that she’d be on the cover of the magazine. Shortly after, Leslie learned that she would not be making her debut as a cover feature, but rather than being disappointed, she was determined to hit that $20-million mark and earn a coveted spot on the cover as a Top Producer. “I was instantly motivated and intrigued,” Leslie said. “I would get my monthly issue of Real Producers and read the stories of how other people succeeded to break that barrier that I had been trying to break since I started in resale in 2009.” With each issue, Leslie garnered more insight and tips of the trade. “I just focused on utilizing the best practices of successful people,” she said. “I didn’t want to reinvent the wheel. I just needed to fine-tune my goals and stick to them — each monthly issue fueled and motivated me.” Leslie moved forward with two major goals: increasing her social media presence — a goal inspired by Gogo realproducersmag.com

Bethke’s Real Producers feature — and staying closely connected with the movers and shakers of the real estate community. During the quarantine when she had more time on her hands, Leslie got back to basics, focusing on “all the things you forget about when you’re busy.” She continued to forge connections with top-producing agents and industry leaders at Real Producers’ virtual and in-person events, and these connections opened new doors for her. “I got the name of my closing coordinator from Craig Joeright at the Real Producers Casino Night, where I really wanted to win the awesome ice cooler,” Leslie shared. “I didn’t walk away with the cooler, but I did walk away with a tip that changed the way I did business. Without that event, I wouldn’t have known about Maria Pratt: Having her handle everything from contract to closing has allowed me to focus on buying and selling.”

The best practices and relationships that Leslie has developed as a result of her affiliation with Real Producers have not only fostered her professional growth; they have also played a crucial role in accelerating her success. “Because of Real Producers, I hit my goal, selling over $22 million in 2020, and I am on my way to surpassing that in 2021,” Leslie said. “The magazine, staff, and all opportunities for networking and growth have truly helped me become a Top Producer, and I hope my photos reflect the excitement I had in posing for the cover!” Aside from Leslie’s humility, propensity for relationship building and goal setting, and all the inspiration and support she’s received from her colleagues, the final key ingredient to her longstanding success is undoubtedly her work ethic. Born and raised in Southfield, Leslie got her first job at an ice cream parlor when she was 13, and at 15, she began working in retail at Saks Fifth Avenue where she grew accustomed to “crazy work hours” and developed a passion for customer service. “Even though my parents could afford to give me whatever I wanted, they taught me the value of working hard and getting rewarded for my hard work,” Leslie said. “Today, my husband, Dave, and I teach those same values to our children, and we are pretty proud of who they are turning out to be.” Oakland County Real Producers • 19


After graduating with a degree in merchandising and marketing from Eastern Michigan University, Leslie went on to build a 17-year career in new construction sales and training at Pulte Homes before getting licensed and starting her journey as a real estate agent at Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel in 2009. Since then, she has sold over $150 million, which has earned her the Coldwell Banker International President’s Circle Award in 2011 as well as the title of Hour Detroit Real Estate All-Star each year since 2012.

two-time varsity cheer state champion. The Dorans love traveling together, enjoying Dave’s delicious cooking and spending time with their puppy, Samson, who has his own Instagram — @samson_the_golden_ retriever. Leslie has a soft spot for animals and donates a portion of her commission to two local animal rescue organizations.

“The most rewarding part of my business is my clients sending me pictures of their views from their homes a year after closing — my clients are the reason I love what I do,” Leslie said. “I love establishing a game plan, executing that plan and turning a house into a home. I love what I do, so the end results will always be positive. I don’t think I will ever officially retire!”

“Following the pandemic, home really means so much more to me than ever before,” Leslie said. “It is my sanctuary — being surrounded by my family brings me so much peace and happiness.” Leslie also finds her “happy place” when she pops in her earbuds and exercises at the gym. “Music is my thing,” she said. “I also love trying new restaurants and traveling. I’m hoping to take a trip back to Hawaii very soon.”

Given her recent rise to Top Producer, Leslie is intent on keeping her momentum going with regard to marketing and selling her listings, but she’s also focused on what matters the most to her: her family. “After my mom’s passing in 2011, I realized how every day is a gift to be shared with the people you love. Take nothing for granted, and live each day to the best you can be,” she shared. Leslie and her husband, Dave, have been married for 25 years and have two children: Adam, a recent Michigan State University graduate who is currently pursuing his master’s degree at Oakland University and applying to dental school, and Elizabeth, a senior at Rochester Adams High School and

Leslie’s approach to business mirrors her approach to life: She’s a hardworking, caring person who focuses on doing right by others rather than on her own personal profit. “I learned early on in my career to never burn a bridge,” she shared. “When you have to do something, do it right and always be respectful to everyone.”

THE MOST REWARDING PART OF MY BUSINESS IS MY CLIENTS SENDING ME PICTURES OF THEIR VIEWS FROM THEIR HOMES A YEAR AFTER CLOSING — MY CLIENTS ARE THE REASON I LOVE WHAT I DO. As Leslie has taken her business to the next level over the last few years, she has embraced the power of consistency and positive thinking. More importantly, by surrounding herself with a supportive community of real estate leaders and innovators — recognizing their accomplishments and gleaning wisdom from their stories — Leslie now humbly stands among them with her own Top Producer story to share and celebrate. 20 • September 2021

@realproducers


Photo provided by Leslie Doran

realproducersmag.com

Oakland County Real Producers • 21


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

• Rich & Christy Shearer •

CONTACT US TODAY

E S TAT E S A L E S APPRAISALS CLEANOUTS Contact us today and we will be happy to walk you through the closing process 313-447-0058

Kelly Anderson customerservice@alliancetitlemi.com

22 • September 2021

755 W. Big Beaver Rd. Suite 2020 Troy, MI. 48084 586-228-9090 | actionestate.com Mary Reed

Visit us on Facebook and instagram @realproducers


586 • 463 • 4230 www.preferredmoving.net LOCAL • LONG DISTANCE • INTERNATIONAL • FREE, NO OBLIGATION IN-HOME ESTIMATES

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Conclusive Inspection Services

WE PROVIDE PEACE OF MIND RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND CHURCH EXPERTS WE ALSO PROVIDE: •

Radon Testing

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VA WDO

ASHI, NAHI, ACI, 203K Consultants | HUD/FHA Certified (248) 399-6969 | conspect@hotmail.com | www.conclusiveinspection.net

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| 41 1 7 0 JOY RD, P LYM OU TH , M I CH I G AOakland N 4 81 7County 0 , UNReal I TEDProducers S TATES• 23


partner spotlight

Morse Moving & Storage By Robbyn Moore Photos by Wildflowers Photography

A Family Tradition Moving Forward

Morse Moving & Storage is a family-owned and -operated business that started in 1955. What began 65 years ago as a means to support the family and keep their 11 children working has grown to become a leading

moving company that is safely helping families relocate around the world. Dave Morse has been working in the family business for 40 years. After graduating from high school

and taking some transportations classes at a community college, he began his mission to build a national presence for the business. When his father retired in 1988, Dave took the position of president and CEO. At the time, the annual sales were $3 million. This year, they will finish close to $20 million. “The key to achieving our success has been through family involvement,” Dave explained. “Nine of my siblings have worked or are currently working in the business, along with multiple family members in the next generation.” Each team member goes to great lengths to treat all their customers like family and build lasting relationships with the mindset of “let our family move your family.” Morse Moving & Storage sets themselves apart with their state-of-the-art systems, which allow them to keep detailed data for each customer, so the follow-up and communication is unique and personalized. Because the company is the only Detroit-area movers with offices in northern Michigan, they are the movers of choice for people relocating throughout the state. “Additionally, we have a strong connection with Allied Van Lines, which allows us to serve our customers better throughout the world,” Dave said. The moving group also goes the extra mile for their referring real estate agents. They have a priority dispatch team that puts their best fleet on jobs for their real estate partners. “We realize that we have two priorities — the customer and the agent — and we do everything possible to ensure the job is done perfectly,” Dave shared. Furthermore, Dave and his team are dedicated to aligning themselves with the real estate industry and the charitable organizations the industry

24 • September 2021

@realproducers


supports. “We work alongside real estate professionals with golf outings, food drives and various other fundraisers,” he said. Throughout the years, Dave has seen many challenges in the deregulation process on interstate tariffs and pricing. Keeping his customers top of mind, Dave has ingeniously overcome these obstacles. “We find ways to yield management while pricing, so we can give our customers larger discounts during the off-season,” he explained. Marketing the business has also become much more complex over the years due to advancements in social media and internet advertising. “We work daily to connect with our customers, and our sales team is in constant contact with our real estate agents to ensure we’re covering all their moving needs,” Dave said. “We’re frequently working on the online review process, so it includes a broad base of our customers. This gives us a realistic view of the high quality we’re providing.” Currently, there is a driver shortage within the moving industry. Dave said it’s a common industry challenge to find quality drivers during peak season. “To combat this issue, we diversify our business to include other lines of revenue to keep the work steady throughout the year,” he explained. Dave feels most fulfilled when he’s helping others find success in their work. “I enjoy assisting in the success of others,” he said. “When I help others become successful, then I feel successful.”

Dave likes to play hard and work hard, and hopes to be remembered as an industry leader. He leads his team with an emphasis on excellent service and superior support to real estate agents. “Our family has worked hard to provide the best service available to our customers — we are flexible and transparent,”

he said. “We have also been very diligent about supporting the real estate industry and building those relationships and their network of customers. Our goal is to help agents shine and continue to be top producers in their field.” Dave is currently on the board of directors for the Allied Agents Association, American Moving & Storage Association, Michigan Movers Association — where he held the president position twice — and chairman of the marketing committee for Allied Van Lines. The company has been awarded Michigan Mover of the Year; Allied Agent of the Year; Better Together award, which recognizes companies working well with agents around the globe; and Top Quality Military Agent of the Year, which acknowledges outstanding support for globally moving military families. For more information about Morse Moving & Storage, please visit morsemoving.com or call 734-484-1717.

realproducersmag.com

Oakland County Real Producers • 25


Since 1954 Realtors like you have counted on Morse Moving/Allied Van Lines as your trusted partner. Let your team count on our team to carry the load! We are there when you need us most!

Give us 5% of Your Confidence, and We’ll Earn the Other 95%!

@totalhouseinsepc�on

Home Inspec�ons can be scheduled within 48 hours.

248-550-9492 totalhouseinspec�on.com

Thank you for your business The Morse Moving Family

10049 Harrison Rd. Ste. 500 | Romulus, MI 48174

734.484.1717 | www.morsemoving.com USDOT 274486 | PUCO HHG#509459-HG

26 • September 2021

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

@realproducers


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Home welcome gifts & Home closing gifts From $50-$500 with company logo and special message

Catering OPEN HOUSE, Breakfast, lunch or snack delivered and professionally set-up

CORPORATE EXPRESS CATERING 248-737-8088 | NibblesGifts.com 32550 N.W. Hwy. | Farmington Hills, MI 48334

realproducersmag.com

Kim Riley Catering Coordinator 248-579-4602 Kim@Express-Catering.com

Oakland County Real Producers • 27


MANIFESTING HIS CORE VALUES IN BUSINESS AND LIFE

WILLIE J. DAVIS 28 • September 2021

rising star By Jane K. Asher, Ph.D. Photos by Jessica Laine Photography

In everything that he does, Willie J. Davis is driven by a purpose greater than himself, and he strives to use his gifts to positively impact others. This is especially true of Willie’s identity as a real estate agent: His business and his brand encapsulate his altruism and empathy and manifests his heart for helping others, especially for clients who have yet to grasp their dreams of first-time homeownership.

Willie’s compassion for clients who have encountered external barriers to homeownership is personal: His mother was born during the 1960s when there were no federal laws to address race-based housing patterns and when those who challenged these discriminatory practices were often met with resistance, hostility and even violence. “My ‘why’ is pretty simple: The Fair Housing Act of 1968 is only 53 years old, and as a Black man in America who knows that there was a period in my mother’s life when we couldn’t buy a home, it is amazing to also know that some of my minority clients are the first ones in their family to actually purchase a home or have the wealth to do so,” Willie said. “Even though we now have laws protecting individuals against racial, religious and gender discrimination in the housing market, minorities still encounter systemic barriers to fair housing and lending practices, and the vast gap between white and black homeownership persists. What drives me is knowing that I am educating and helping many families who may be overcoming the various disparities with homeownership today.” Willie earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Rochester University and a certificate in radio broadcast from Specs

Howard School of Media Arts. He then enjoyed an 11-year career in marketing until September of 2017 when he was laid off from his position as marketing and brand manager at Autoweek magazine, a Crain Communications publication. At this point, Willie had been a licensed real estate agent for about six months, but following the loss of his job, he quickly transitioned to fulltime at RE/MAX Eclipse. “I immediately went to my broker’s office and told him, ‘I’m all in!’” he said. During his first two years as a full-time agent, Willie achieved a career volume of $10 million by prioritizing his customers and the team of people he surrounds himself with over his commission or the cost of a home. “Right now, I’m passionate about the growth and direction my business is headed in — I’ve been able to live out my core values in my business, and this is what truly resonates with my clients,” Willie said. “My greatest reward is being able to do what seems impossible for some of my clients, to find that perfect home for them and help them realize all their real estate goals.” Willie has close ties to his community and considers himself fortunate to work with many of the people he grew up with, attended church with and played tennis with in high school. He is also proud to serve non-U.S. citizens and even some VA buyers, many of whom were unable to secure home loans prior to working with him and his preferred lenders. “The average person finds comfort in working with me — I don’t really wear suits, and most of my clients don’t either,” he said. “I’m Willie J. Davis, who was born, raised and attended school in Mount Clemens.” Willie’s propensity for hard work and his desire to see others actualize their dreams was cultivated by his mother and by the example she set by going back to school to earn her associate degree, followed by back-to-back bachelor’s and master’s degrees, all while working full time and raising a family. “It helped me realize if she can do this without breaking a sweat — or so it looked — then I can achieve my goals. … and that’s just one example of the many strong women in my family.”

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Oakland County Real Producers • 29


Willie’s commitment to achieving his own goals and to helping others achieve theirs extends beyond real estate: He serves at his church and on the Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council for the Atlanta REALTORS® Association. He also advocates for mental health awareness, specifically within the African American community, and is the creator of On the Verge Podcast, in which he and his co-host, Tami McQueen, engage in tough conversations about “this journey called entrepreneurship.” Willie has also shared his knowledge and experience with his peers via the RE/MAX Real Estate Insights Podcast. When he’s not helping his clients or serving the community, Willie enjoys fitness, traveling, road trips, sailing with friends on Lake St. Clair, exploring Detroit’s food and culture and engaging in great conversations over craft cocktails with his fiancé, Anna. He also occasionally plays tennis, canoes or kayaks with his father. Some of Willie’s favorite books include “Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter” by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, “Crushing It!” by Gary Vaynerchuk and “Sell It Like Serhant” by Ryan Serhant, and he loves Bruce Willis movies.

Photo by Rachel Cullon

Willie encourages up-and-coming real estate agents to “invest smartly” and proactively and says that his single-best move of 2020 was hiring a transaction coordinator. He also advises fellow agents to be unapologetic about their brand and their business. “First and foremost, figure out what your ‘why’ is, and go all-in on that,” he said. “Once you focus on your ‘why,’ everything else will fall into place as it should.” Willie’s “brand” as a real estate professional is an authentic manifestation of his core values, his business is a genuine extension of himself, and his “why” is his earnest pursuit to champion for others. “I meet my clients where they are,” Willie said. “I do everything I can to help anyone who has the right to own a home in the state of Michigan and Georgia get into the home they deserve because my family knows what it’s like to be told you don’t deserve something — and that’s #WillieDavisREALTOR®.”

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behind-the-scenes all-star

NICK MOONS EFFIC IE NT, E X UB E RANT AND EAGER TO H E L P

Position/Title: Agent Success Manager Office/Company: DOBI Real Estate How long have you been working with the person who nominated you? 2 years How long have you been working in the real estate industry?

3.5 years What did you do before you began working in your current position?

Before entering the real estate industry, I worked in a variety of positions from park operations for the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Pistons to hotel contracting for a youth sports travel company. While in those roles, I also held a job at Ocean Prime in Troy. Each role was unique; however, they all had one thing in common: client service. Throughout my career, making sure my clients receive the best possible service has always been my passion! What does your typical workday look like?

Thankfully, every day brings something new to the table, which is what pushed me into real estate. I love having new opportunities and challenges to work through each day. My current role at DOBI allows me to assist our agents and any sales support needs they may have. From the start of a 32 • September 2021

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deal until it closes, I strive to take a streamlined approach when working through our agents’ questions and concerns. How would you describe your job in one word?

Rewarding! Why do you think you excel at your job?

In my career, I have had the opportunity to learn from the best and fully understand what it takes to succeed in customer service, and this job is no different. My past roles have laid a great foundation for me to come in and make a difference for our agents. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Working with such an incredible group of people is the most rewarding aspect of my job. The minute I stepped into my first interview, I knew I wanted to join the DOBI Real Estate team. From our supportive staff to our hardworking agents, the culture at DOBI is engaging. What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

The most challenging aspect of my job has been assisting agents in such a unique market. While there is not much I can control when it comes to market conditions, I can control how I treat the agents and the level of service I provide them. Since agents are constantly going through long negotiation periods and fighting for their offers to be accepted, I want them to know I am in their corner every step of the way. What is one thing about you that others might find surprising or interesting?

Back in 2013, I worked as a batboy for the Atlanta Braves during spring training while I completed the Disney College Program. When you’re not working, what do you like to do for fun?

I love spending time with my dog, Nash. When I’m not with him, I can be found on the golf course or playing disc golf with friends. Most of my family members live in different states across the country, so I always make a few trips each summer to spend some quality time with them. I love seeing new places and meeting new people. How do you feel about being nominated as a Behind-theScenes All-Star?

It’s been a wild ride ever since entering this industry, but it’s truly an honor to have an agent at my brokerage nominate me. This business is full of great minds and awesome people, so being featured in Real Producers is something I won’t forget! Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself, about your job or about your relationship with the person who nominated you?

Lisa Lipari and I actually went to the same high school — shoutout to Eisenhower High School in Shelby Township! During my first realproducersmag.com

few weeks in the office, I spent a lot of time getting to know every agent at my brokerage, and Lisa treated me like a friend from the moment I met her. It made the transition into a new role much easier. Associate Broker Lisa Lipari shared that Nick is an amazing employee who is always donning a big smile. “He currently sits at the front desk and is the first person you see when you walk in the door, so he is the face of DOBI to our clients and customers — and he perfectly represents our culture,” she said. Lisa says that Nick’s willingness to go above and beyond is second to none. “Nick helps input all of our listings and takes care of any transactional and processing items we need for our listings, deal flow, etc., and he ensures everything is executed perfectly and quickly,” she said. “Nick is always eager to help with anything that we need even if it is out of his job scope.” According to Lisa, the one word that best describes Nick is “exuberant.” “I admire and appreciate Nick’s positive attitude, amazing energy and willingness to help out at any time,” she said. “Nick truly knows how to make anyone feel like a friend — he is the type of person you feel you’ve known for years and who always has your back.” Do you work with someone who truly makes a difference in the industry, in your business or at your office? Email Terra Csotty at terra.csotty@realproducersmag.com to nominate them to be featured as a Behind-the-Scenes All-Star in an upcoming issue.

Oakland County Real Producers • 33


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celebrating leaders By Robbyn Moore Photos by Sasha Marceta with Skyview Experts

Sundin Lindsey

Leadership Measured by the Success of Others

If there’s one thing to know about Lindsey Sundin, it would be her commitment to leadership. She is a master at her craft with her unique ability to identify opportunities for her real estate team while carefully setting a vision for each agent. She does whatever it takes to help those around her achieve their goals. No matter the circumstance, Lindsey puts her team’s success at the forefront by encouraging them to move out of their comfort zones and into new things. She measures her success by the collective achievements of her group. This is Lindsey’s true passion.

36 • September 2021

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As a team leader at Keller Williams Domain: Luxury Homes International, Lindsey focuses her energy on implementing systems that allow agents to concentrate on the 20% of their activities that yield 80% of their income. “What I aim to do for my agents is provide them with a clear path to success,” Lindsey explained. “When our agents focus on the activities that are best suited to their strengths and leverage the rest of their activities in the most economical way, they see the reward of efficiency in time and results.” The KW team follows the business model of empowering their agents to scale their business larger than they ever thought possible and see profits far beyond their expectations. “Leadership is showing people the vision, leading by example and coaching them to find the answers within themselves,” Lindsey said. “It is enabling them to see what is possible and providing them with the confidence and belief that they can absolutely get there.” For 20 years, Lindsey has been in the real estate industry. She started as a support person at a CENTURY 21 office while earning her degree in economics at Oakland University. “I fell in love with real estate immediately and have always gone above and beyond in my roles,” Lindsey recalled. Having essentially spent her college days working in real estate, she was influenced by her first managing brokers, Mike and Nancy Valuet, who were incredible leaders that led the office as a family and exemplified integrity. After they sold the company, Lindsey began reporting to Dennis Terry, who was also a realproducersmag.com

great leader and mentor. At Dennis’ recommendation, Lindsey continued her responsibility as a leader at CENTURY 21 Today. “Without the encouragement from Dennis, I may have moved into a completely different field after college,” Lindsey shared. After years of garnering experience in relocation, management and office operations, Lindsey helped build a training system at Sotheby’s International Realty. “I developed a program from the ground up that taught new and existing agents how to grow their real estate business,” she said. In 2018, Lindsey decided to seek out new opportunities for growth in her real estate leadership career. After meeting with Natalie Reed at KW Domain, Lindsey knew she had found her new home. “I instantly had the feeling that this was where I would find my new path. Having always worked for companies where my role was to maximize profit for the owners, I welcomed the opportunity to bring that wealth to the agents through profit share.” As an advocate for her agents, Lindsey is not afraid to speak up for what she feels is right for the majority. Since moving to KW Domain in December of 2018, the brokerage has 99 additional agents in their sales force, and over the past 12 months, they have surpassed $1 billion in sales. Oakland County Real Producers • 37


Lindsey’s fearlessness materialized after some challenging losses where she realized how quickly life can change. “Change doesn’t scare me now,” Lindsey said. “I know that I can rise above adversity and become stronger because of it. I am the type of person who can now change course at the drop of a dime. Nowadays, I see opportunities that would’ve once been perceived as obstacles.” While Lindsey was growing up, her parents were great influences on who she would later become. “After my parents divorced, my father always told me to do what I love, and my mother instilled in me the importance of taking care of myself and to never depend on anyone else for my financial well-being,” Lindsey shared. “I’m proud to say that I’ve taken both of these lessons to heart and have found a career that excites me to get out of bed in the morning and also provides me the financial freedom to raise my two boys on my own.” Lindsey said having her two boys — Calan, 11, and Carter, 8 — have defined

her path in life. “I never thought I would find myself raising two boys alone, but I made a promise to myself that I would do everything I could to provide them with the best life. They are my big ‘why’ in life. Every decision I make leads back to what is best for them and our family.” Along with her two boys and their Boston Terrier, Gatsby, Lindsey enjoys working on art projects, listening to podcasts, reading books, movie nights, bonfires with friends, walks to the park, vacations and days spent with family. While Lindsey’s motivation in life is her family, she is a nurturer at heart and loves watching her agents blossom as they learn more about their trade and best practices to take their business to the next level. “I am super passionate about arming agents with the tools they need to convey value to their consumers, hold on to their data and protect their full commission,” Lindsey explained. “My focus is to keep the agents at the center of the transaction.” With the advent of COVID-19, Lindsey took an optimistic approach to her business and immediately found opportunities for her team. In the midst of the pandemic, her team held over 100 training classes a month for their agents, teaching them how to thrive in a changing market, which allowed them to see that continuing to work — even if they didn’t feel the results initially — would provide market share for them later. “Our greatest transfers of wealth and status in this industry happen during economic

38 • September 2021

shifts,” Lindsey said. “We took an unforeseen situation and turned it into an opportunity to build a bigger business.” Lindsey’s resilience to hardships proved to be the ace in the hole. In 2020, Lindsey’s team took the market by storm as the #1 office in Birmingham/Bloomfield, Oakland County and the entire MLS. “I feel that whenever life has backed me into a corner, I thrive,” she said. “In times of crisis, I double down and come out stronger than I could have ever imagined.” Lindsey’s role as a team leader has given her the ability to truly change people’s lives. Along with the collective input from her board of agents, who have taken an oath to make decisions that will benefit the majority, Lindsey believes that sharing and giving back are important aspects of their brokerage’s culture. “I do not know of another company that is doing this,” Lindsey said. “Most companies teach that their value proposition lies in the brand, not the agent. Therefore, it’s refreshing to work in a market center where everyone pours into each other and does their best to see that others succeed.” For Lindsey, the most rewarding aspect of her job is helping agents find their own power on how they want to run their real estate business. “I have the ability to relate with people and help them feel comfortable sharing their goals, dreams and even fears with me, so I can help them get to where they want to be,” Lindsey conveyed. “I do this job because I truly care about my people, and I believe that is what makes me successful.” @realproducers


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Jane Evans A Lifelong Commitment to Customer Service Photo by Sasha Marceta with Skyview Experts

agent spotlight By Robbyn Moore Photos by Sasha Marceta with Skyview Experts Photos by Jessica Laine Photography

When Jane Evans got into real estate almost 20 years ago, she did so after years in quality engineering and sales within the automotive industry. “There were many events in my life that prepared me for a career in real estate,” Jane said. “Everything from going away to college, where I received an excellent education and blossomed socially, to working at General Motors and other premier automotive companies, played important roles to the start of my real estate business.” Beyond that, the events in Jane’s personal life were necessary precursors to being successful in her professional life. “Having two children — specifically one with special needs who required a lot of attention — taught me about patience and strength,” she recalled. “I became my children’s biggest advocate and was determined to work hard to provide them a comfortable and secure life.” Additionally, Jane said going through a divorce further developed her fortitude in life, which later became the necessary catalyst to her discovery of courage, tolerance and time management — key tools for real estate success. Of all the things that influenced Jane and her real estate profession, her mother was the one of the greatest, and for sure, the first. “My mother was a stay-at-home mom to four children,” she said. “I remember when she went back to school to get her master’s degree in education and started working again when my youngest sibling went to school. She has always been a hard worker and showed me that hard work pays off. She’s the reason I’ve never given up.” Jane is currently a real estate agent at Real Living Kee Realty and has a career volume over $100 million. She has earned numerous awards from her years at Real Estate One, Top Producer for two years at Jeff Glover, Top 10 within Real Living Kee Realty and recognition in 2018 as a top producer from Hour Detroit. She has a degree in management information systems from the University of Dayton and an MBA from Wayne State University.

40 • September 2021

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clients become lifelong friends,” she explained. Jane’s top priority of maintaining strong communications with her clients is evident in her referrals and repeat business. “I typically host client appreciation events to thank my clients for their constant support and referrals; however, with the recent COVID-19 restrictions, I haven’t been able to have an event. I’m really looking forward to getting back together when it’s safe to do so,” she said. Communication is a key factor in Jane’s ability to give exceptional customer service. According to Jane, maintaining open lines of communication is the easiest route to success; however, she said it can also be the most challenging if it’s not a priority

on a daily basis. “Successful communication creates smoother transactions among clients, partners and other real estate agents,” she said. “I would tell any new and upcoming agents to ask lots of questions, listen more and talk less.” Jane also suggested finding a mentor to help during the first six months upon entering the real estate industry. “Learn all you can from every transaction, and watch how other successful agents run their business,” she advised. “Also, take as many classes as possible on subjects such as successful listing presentations, completing listing forms, writing purchase agreements, marketing and self-promotion.”

Photo by Jessica Laine Photography

Photo by Sasha Marceta with Skyview Experts

Beyond her passion for real estate, Jane appreciates the flexibility her business has given over the years. At age 2, her son was diagnosed with emotional impairment and later, Asperger’s in elementary school. The versatility of her business gave Jane the opportunity to manage her work, meet with therapists, volunteer at school and be involved in her children’s activities. After years of working at Real Estate One and on a team at Jeff Glover & Associates, Jane aligned herself with Real Living Kee Realty in downtown Rochester, where she found a sense of family and management support from top-producing agents. “I wanted to get back to working on my own with a local Rochester broker and concentrate on my existing network of clients,” she said. “This group has a high customer satisfaction rating, which is a core passion of mine.” Jane’s enthusiasm for meeting new clients and developing meaningful relationships is central to her work. “My slogan has always been ‘REALTOR® for Life’ because so many of my realproducersmag.com

Oakland County Real Producers • 41


Photo by Sasha Marceta with Skyview Experts

I WOULD TELL ANY NEW AND UPCOMING AGENTS TO ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS, LISTEN MORE AND TALK LESS. When Jane steps away from work, she enjoys numerous outdoor activities. She has run several half marathons and triathlons, and has a strong passion for swimming. Up until this past winter, Jane was a volunteer swim official for YMCA swimming, where her daughter swam for nine years. She is also a registered high school swim official for boys and girls high school meets. Her daughter, Kendall, 19, is a freshman at Northwestern University and is studying environmental engineering. She is a swimmer and likes to read, play cards, hike, run, bike, travel and go to national parks. Jane’s son, Colin, 17, is a junior at Rochester High School and loves video games, golf, Dungeons & Dragons and robotics. The family also has a dog named KC.

Photo by Jessica Laine Photography

42 • September 2021

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charity spotlight By Jane K. Asher, Ph.D.

HUMBLE DESIGN, INC. Transforming Empty Houses Into Homes of Hope In 2008, Treger Strasberg met a family who had recently become homeless. Treger was delighted when she learned they had moved into an affordable apartment but was appalled to discover that the woman and her two children were sleeping in nests of their coats on the floor. The situation introduced Treger to the daunting reality that many people face when they leave a shelter and obtain

44 • September 2021

housing: They often don’t have the financial means to furnish their new residence and, therefore, find themselves living in an empty space devoid of basic household amenities. Inspired to help, Treger reached out to her friends and family, and, within weeks, she’d collected enough items to transform the family’s house into a home. Treger continued to receive donations of household items and furniture, all of which she wanted to go directly to

families in need. After calling several shelters, Treger identified a gap in local efforts to break the cycle of homelessness. That marked the start of Humble Design, Inc., which was registered as a 501(c)(3) in 2009, and sparked a mission to fill that hole in the system by designing and furnishing the empty living spaces of families emerging from homelessness. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, up to 50% of families return to homelessness within a year of

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securing housing, and this alarming statistic reminds us that although entering housing is an important step in transitioning out of homelessness, it is not the only step: Families also need a fresh start in a safe, warm and comfortable place — a home where they can find peace, strength and hope. “The stability that comes with having not only a roof over your head but also beds to sleep on, a couch to sit on, a table to sit at and a desk to

do your homework thoughtfully designed for you cannot be overstated,” said Humble Design National Communications Manager Lisa Crawford. Humble Design serves families, veterans and individuals who are transitioning out of homelessness and provides them a new beginning by designing, decorating, and furnishing their newly acquired living space with donated furniture and goods from the community. The process begins with a referral from one of the organization’s partnering agencies, and then, following an extensive and compassionate interview, the Humble Team crafts a customized design for each client so that they feel ownership and personal pride in their home. On the day of the home makeover, the Humble Team is accompanied by five to six volunteers as they transform the space for the surprise reveal. “It is a huge transformation — as most of our clients are living at or below the poverty line, it takes them from sleeping on the floor to living in a home that looks like it was, as many of our participants say, ‘from a magazine,’” Lisa said. “This instantly shifts them from an empty home and feeling impoverished by their environment to feeling cared for by the community.” Lisa remembers one especially touching story of a young mom who entered foster care at the age of 8, was abused by her foster father and became pregnant at the age of 14. After giving birth to her son, she worked hard to finish school. In her 20s, she moved to Chicago with her boyfriend who began abusing her when she was pregnant with her second child. Fearing for her own and her children’s lives, she left in the dead of night and went to live in a shelter that eventually helped her move back to Detroit where she reconnected with her church community and worked to get a home for her family. realproducersmag.com

Oakland County Real Producers • 45


Lisa described the client’s home reveal as “unusual.” She was very composed — almost tight-faced — as she walked through the rooms and quietly took it all in. “But, when she opened the door of her daughter’s room, she collapsed on the floor and began sobbing. It was a room fit for a little princess — everything she had dreamed of as a little girl but never had,” Lisa said. “When she got done crying and wiping her eyes, she said, ‘My little girl is going to know she is valued, treasured and loved.’ There was not a dry eye in the house. We were all weeping and rejoicing with her.” Since 2009, Humble Design has transformed over 1,965 empty residences into clean, dignified and welcoming homes for over 7,000 people — 99% of whom have escaped the cycle of homelessness. Due to the success of this Detroit-based nonprofit, Humble Design has expanded its reach to establish chapters in Chicago, Cleveland, San Diego and Seattle, and has also secured two corporate sponsors: CB2 in Chicago and Progressive Insurance in Cleveland. Lisa says that the Detroit crew, which designs three homes a week, is “a really small outfit” that would greatly benefit from corporate sponsorship. In addition to becoming a corporate sponsor, there are several other ways that you can support Humble Design

and play a crucial role in their mission: • If your clients have gently used furniture or decor that they don’t want to move into their new homes, encourage them to donate it to Humble Design — check out the “donation cheat sheet” at humbledesign.org/detroit for a list of accepted items. • Sponsor a family — the cost for the program to design and furnish one home ranges between $3,000-$5,000. Any group, team or corporation that makes a donation to cover these costs can volunteer to assist the designers on the Deco Day and will receive photos, a video and social media recognition for all their assistance and generosity. • Host a fundraiser on behalf of Humble Design and work with the organization to create a customized online fundraising campaign. • Be creative and think outside the box of ways you can help — spread the word to your colleagues and vendors and connect them with Humble Design. “As a member of the real estate community, you already know the value of a home — you already know the joy of finding the right place for your clients and the satisfaction that comes from making

46 • September 2021

those connections for everyone,” Lisa said. “Perhaps you, like our founder, have never thought that someone leaving a shelter — while excited to have their own place — has nothing to put in the house to make it a home. Think about the time it takes to turn an empty space into a warm, welcoming one, especially if you have several small children and a full-time job. Think about the cost of filling a house with furniture, especially when you are just beginning to get on your feet.” Humble Design is ending homelessness, one life-changing space at a time. To learn more about Humble Design’s impact and the ways you can help restore hope and dignity to families, visit humbledesign.org or contact Lisa Crawford at lisa@ humbledesign.org or 844-486-2533.

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Printing, Mailing, Marketing and Apparel

844-31-PRINT Phone 734.728.5430 • info@imperialpress.net

www.imperialpress.net

Fundraising Corporate Gifting Custom Etching Private Tastings ONEHOPE Wine is a charity based wine out of Napa Valley. Each bottle has a cause partner that it donates back to and we now have a tasting room as part of our vineyard!

Services Include: Interior Painting Exterior Painting Drywall Repair Deck Staining Wood Repair

Call today for your FREE estimate:

ONEHOPE has given back 6 million dollars to date.

(734) 664-8916

BBpaintingservices.com 48 • September 2021

https://www.onehopewine.com/myshop/lisa-zubal

248-425-7897 • Lisa.zubal@yahoo.com @realproducers


realproducersmag.com

Oakland County Real Producers • 49


around

town

Jennifer Tait from Brookstone, REALTORS®

RPOC Monthly Mingle

RPOC Monthly Mingle

Preferred Partner Justin Barton from Hommati & Robert Chubb from KW Advantage

RPOC Monthly Mingle

50 • September 2021

Preferred Partner Fidel Gonzalez from The Gonzalez Group — NEXA Mortgage & Publisher Terra Csotty

@realproducers


Preferred Partner Tom Ruemenapp from Big Moose Home Inspections & Publisher Terra Csotty

Autumn Hicks from Keller Williams Advantage

Christin Bracken from Real Estate One

Amy Stack from Thrive Realty Co.

realproducersmag.com

Preferred Partner Nikki Mayes from InsideOut Inspections Plus & Christopher Wallington from KW Domain

Oakland County Real Producers • 51


52 • September 2021

@realproducers


EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS. INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS.

Dreadknot Services was established to re-create a bond between the community and those willing to work at heights at an affordable price.

Our law firm serves clients throughout Michigan. Call Rick Delonis at (248) 716-3600 Email: rdelonis@szuradelonis.com https://www.szuradelonis.com/

realproducersmag.com

CALL NOW!

248-884-1681

Oakland County Real Producers • 53


Chet Sadowski III chet3@chetscleaning.com

248- 584- 1819 chetscleaning.com

Serving the Metro Detroit area since 1986 Real Producers Special:

FREE $50

gift card

to give to your clients as a closing gift or at a listing, call to find out how to take advantage of this special offer

Carpet | Upholstery | Rugs | Leather Drapes & Blinds | Marble & Stone Tile & Grout | Wood Floors | Fiber Protection  Landscape Design  Outdoor Kitchens  Fire Features  Water Features  Pavers  Softscaping

Transforming spaces and lives using nature and innovative design. info@greatlakeslandscapedesign.com 248-543-6320 www.greatlakeslandscapedesign.com 10631 Capital St, Oak Park, MI 48237

 Low Voltage Lighting  Drainage  Synthetic Turf  Seasonal Decor  Bed Maintenance  Spring & Fall Cleanups  Pruning  Annual Flowers

54 • September 2021

 Mulch

@realproducers


event announcement

Real Producers of Oakland County’s

FIRST Charity Event supporting

Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County Women Build

Tuesday, September 21, 2021 1-3 p.m. Cranbrook Custom Homes — The Heights 4570 The Heights Blvd., Rochester, MI 48306 Join us for an afternoon filled with food, beverages, drawings and amazing people while we support a great local organization. Valet will be available. Register at rpoaklandevents.com. If you can't attend, please consider donating to Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County Women Build. Venmo: @RealProducers-donate Paypal: @RealProducersDonate

Questions? Reach out to Terra at 586-615-8749 or terra.csotty@realproducersmag.com.

realproducersmag.com

Oakland County Real Producers • 55


announcement

Do YOU want to

NOMINATE

someone to be featured? Email nominations to terra.csotty@realproducersmag.com.

56 • September 2021

@realproducers


SINGLE ITEM TO MULTIPLE TRUCKLOADS We cleanout homes, basements, garages and provide interior demolition services! Convenient tri-county service schedule. Efficient, professional service. Free Estimates

WECLEANOUTEVERYTHING.COM (877-932-8972)

"Jeff and his entire team were professional and efficient in their work...He has my highest endorsement." Ryan Weiss AMERICAN PRESTIGE MARBLE AND GRANITE Fully specializes in natural stone fabrication and installation of fine custom granite, quartz, marble or engineered stone, countertops, tile flooring, backsplash and more.

Call us today for a free quote on life, home and auto insurance!!!

How much life insurance do I need? ASK US!!!

We want to provide you with Amazing Service STATE FARM® INSURANCE AGENT

Tammy Deane NMLS #1794386

Business: 586-738-6385 Cell: 248-535-5677 Fax: 586-238-4427 tammydeaneinsurance.com realproducersmag.com

Fast, quality, and reliable service!

Contact us at (313) 595-7237 for more details. AMERICANPRESTIGEGRANITE@GMAIL.COM Oakland County Real Producers • 57


• New construc tion • Rem odels • Additions • Elec tric a l serv ice upg ra d es • Generators • New elec tric a l instal l s

Opening doors for Michigan homebuyers for 70 years. Happily serving local residents at our Birmingham branch!

Toni Thwaites Birmingham Branch Manager NMLS #291301

248-459-2089 toni@rossmortgage.com 58 • September 2021

@realproducers


realproducersmag.com

Oakland County Real Producers • 59


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Real Producers of Oakland County September 2021 Issue by Real Producers of Oakland County/ Wayne County/ Grand Rapids - Issuu