Jim Candy Reprint

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AgraduateofCU-Boulderinbroadcastjournalism,Jim'scareer trajectorytookanunexpectedturnwhenheembarkedona decade-longjourneyasayouthpastoratFirstPresbyterian ChurchindowntownBoulder.Thisunconventionalpathpavedthe wayfora25-yeartenureinpastoralrolesacrossvariouschurches, whereJim'sinnategiftforconnectingwithpeopleandnavigating life'scomplexitiesfounditsexpression.

However,Jim'spassionforbroadcastingfoundaresurgence when,at27,helandedacovetedroleasthein-stadiumvoice fortheDenverNuggetsandtheColoradoAvalanche,aposition heheldfornearlysevenexcitingyears.

"IgottoannounceduringtheeraofAvalanchegreatslike PatrickRoy,PeterForsbergandJoeSakic,"hesaid."Onthe basketballside,IgottoannounceMichaelJordan'slastgamein DenverandseeplayerslikeShaquilleO'NealandKobeBryant. Itwasanamazingexperience."

HisknackforcaptivatingaudiencesextendedtotheStanford men'sbasketballteamduringhisCaliforniadays,furthersolidifyinghisreputationasavoicethatcommandsattention.

Despite his successful career in pastoral care and broadcasting, Jim’s entrepreneurial spirit and keen eye for opportunities led him to a new frontier: real estate. He says, “After completing my master’s degree in California, I worked at a church in Menlo Park for five years. When I came back to Boulder 11 years ago, I founded Ascent Church in the former Sam’s Club building in Louisville. During my time there, I spearheaded real estate decisions, including the purchase of the Sam’s Club building for $7 million. I realized I loved real estate and am good at it, so I got my broker license seven years ago. I’ve immersed myself fully in the real estate business, and I love helping people navigate what can be a pretty intimidating process.”

Jim began his real estate career with the Staufer team in Louisville but eventually found his home at Live West Realty last year. “Working with Rich Dana, the managing broker at Live West, has been a fantastic experience. He brings exceptional leadership and teaching skills to the company and is just an all-around good guy,” states Jim.

Real estate has been Jim’s sole focus for quite some time now. He states, “It is interesting how my background as a pastor, which involved counseling people through challenging life events, has transitioned into real estate. Clients often experience significant life changes when buying or selling a home: a job change, divorce, or expanding family. Being able to support them through these transitions and prioritize their needs has been the key to success in my real estate career.” Jim smiles and continues, “I always joke about how I do more marriage therapy now than I’ve ever done in my pastoral life!”

Beyond his professional life, Jim remains deeply engaged in

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philanthropic pursuits, with a particular focus on organizations like Compassion International, an organization ded icated to helping children in extreme poverty around the world. Compassion identifies areas with significant need and provides sponsorships that cover essentials like education and clothing. By addressing the root causes of poverty, Compassion helps keep children out of dangerous situations, such as gang involvement. Jim and his wife Karin are deeply committed to this cause, and he has traveled to various parts of the globe to participate in Compassion’s initiatives.

Jim and Karin have two sons attending Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California. Micah, a freshman, is studying mechanical engineering, while Josh, a junior, is interested in sports marketing. Jim says, “It is convenient having them at the same school, although as many parents can relate, a significant portion of my realtor commissions goes directly to supporting their education at Cal Poly!” While the boys are at school, Jim and Karin are fully embracing the empty nest phase by staying active and exploring new experiences like comedy clubs, candlelight concerts, and trying out new restaurants.

Outside of work and philanthropy, Jim loves to fly fish and backpack, typically taking one or two trips each year to places like Wyoming, Montana and even New Zealand. He and Karin love traveling together, especially to European destinations where they can explore historic towns and indulge in local cuisine. One of their favorite activities is simply sitting at an outdoor café, savoring the atmosphere, and soaking in the sights and sounds of their surroundings. Jim firmly believes that in real estate, priori tizing clients’ interests over personal gain is paramount. He’s built his approach on placing clients first, treating them as he would his own family. This mindset, though seemingly simple, has garnered trust and referrals. Jim says, “There’s an old saying in church circles, ‘The last will be first and the first shall be last’. By putting others first, success naturally follows—a principle I’ve experi enced firsthand.”