Sacramento Real Producers-April 2024

MATTHEW HINDY

Trash Hauling and Dumpster Rental STAR

Dang

Photo by Olha Melokhina Photography

1031 EXCHANGE

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 Sacramento Real Producers REALTOR® community!

Asset Preservation Inc

Bill Angove (916) 832-1031

ADU HOME SALES

Anchored Tiny Homes (916) 461-8469

anchoredtinyhomes.com

AGENT SUPPORT

HomeLight

Jen Azevedo (916) 214-3439

WGE (916) 519-1564

ATTORNEYS

Clower Law

Ashley Clower (916) 652-8296

BLINDS/SHADES

Made in the Shade

Brando Guerrero (515) 720-7042

BRAND PHOTOGRAPHER

Nicole Sepulveda Photography

Nicole Sepulveda (916) 919-6174

nicolesepulveda.com

Olha Melokhina Photography (916) 288-5839

BUSINESS SOLUTIONS CONSULTANT

Financial Path Consulting Cherise Sutton (916) 204-3223

CLEANING SERVICE

Meticulosity Cleaning

Jennifer Prado (916) 410-4740

CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING

Wolff Construction

Don Erik Wolff (916) 205-3745

CPA SERVICES

Riolo & Associates

Dona Riolo (916) 771-4134

CUSTOM CLOSETS, OFFICES & GARAGES

California Closets (510) 763-2033

californiaclosets.com

CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS

Tankersley Construction Inc (916) 538-6579

GIFT BOUTIQUE

The Shop (916) 260-6454

Theshopbydsi.com

HOME & TERMITE

INSPECTION

CalPro Inspection Group

Andrea Quyn (800) 474-3540

Finley Home Services (916) 741-2847

Good Life Construction (916) 833-1379

HOME INSPECTION

Good Dog Inspections (916) 420-9853 Www.gooddog inspections.com

Sac Pro Home Inspections (916) 333-0540

GoSacPro.com

INTERIOR DESIGN COMPANY

Pepperjack Interiors

Laura Neuman (916) 834-9751

INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO Design Shop Interiors (916) 260-6454 DesignShopInteriors.com

JUNK REMOVAL Junk King (510) 316-3229

Longs Trash Hauling Jim Long (916) 206-7072 longstrashhauling.com

LENDING

West Shore Mortgage (530) 682-4092 ilendsac.com

LISTING PREPARATION

MORTGAGE / LENDER

Premier Mortgage Resources

Cailey Murschel (530) 370-2421

pmrloans.com/cmurschel

MORTGAGE BROKER

Empire Home Loans

Heather Hunter-Jackson & Leo Whitton (916) 952-1686

Empirehomeloans.com

MORTGAGE COMPANY

Catalyst Mortgage (916) 287-7777

MORTGAGE LENDING

5 Star Team - Point Equity

Residential Lending

Sherene Gray (916) 798-8026

Nathan Sibbet - Loan Depot (916) 320-3952

POOLS & SPAS

Premier Pools & Spas (916) 852-0223

www.premierpoolsandspas.com

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZING

Home Method Co. (916) 533-3315

homemethodco.com

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Expert Property Management

Barry Mathis (916) 813-7653

www.ExpertPropMgmt.com

M&M Property Management

Larry Brown (916) 922-1525

Titan Property Management

Ryan Miller (916) 745-3385

REAL ESTATE MEDIA

SOLAR SPECIALIST/ SOLAR & MORE

Solarwise (916) 872-5452

Solarwiseco.com

STAGING

Premiere Home Staging

Nicole Runkle (916) 300-0402

Simply Chic Staging

Danielle Martin (916) 477-1167

The Staging Connection

Kimberly Lane (530) 713-5384

TITLE COMPANY

Fidelity National Title

Jen Vicari (916) 616-6755

norcalrealestate.com

tankersleybuilds.com

ELECTRICIAN

Burke & James Electric Inc. (916) 618-3014

burkejameselectric.com

EVENT VENUE

Rancho Robles Winery LLC (916) 645-2075

www.ranchoroble.com

HOUSE PLANS

Greyscale Homes (916) 384-0595

Greyscaleinc.com

INSPECTIONS

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL

Sac Pro Home Inspections (916) 333-0540

GoSacPro.com

SERVICES

Freemodel

Mike Hermany (215) 870-6485

MORTGAGE

Fairway Mortgage - Lucia Lending Team (916) 730-6339

Inner Circle Mortgage

MOVING COMPANY

Fuller Moving Services (916) 349-1119

fullermoving.com

House to Home Moving Inc. (916) 484-1144

HouseToHomeMoving.com

NOTARY SERVICES

House Cat Marketing (916) 287-7042

housecatmarketing.com

Shot Archives

Brandon Miyasaki (916) 834-6600

ShotArchives.com

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION

COORDINATOR

First American Title Erin Barton (916) 798-4115

Placer Title

Val Baldo (916) 947-3747

TRANSACTION COORDINATOR

Mercedes Natad, Co. (916) 402-4486

Edward Jones

FLOORING

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Jon Benecke (916) 865-4616

Deluxe Flooring Roseville (916) 842-5262

Deluxeflooring.net

The Flooring Station (916) 526-2925 theflooringstation.com

Top Notch Tile (209) 993-4803

topnotchtileinc.com/

INSURANCE

Farmers Insurance Agency

Cristi Rodda (916) 428-4520

Justin TurnerGoosehead Insurance (951) 965-4651

Gooseheadinsurance.com\ justinturner

T.D. McNeil Insurance Services

Michael Colenzo (916) 983-2561

TDMINS.com

David Graves (916) 586-6644

Mortgage Right

Brandon Kleker (916) 396-5250

Street Home Lending

Nick Street (916) 705-8282

StreetHomeLending.com

Sumer (916) 813-2243

WWW.Sumer@sumer homeloans.com

United Wholesale Lending

Shelby Elias (209) 456-4896

realproducersmag.com

Notary Matters (916) 990-6220

ORGANIZATIONAL SERVICES

2B Organized - Sacramento (530) 520-7323

2B-organized.com

ORGANIZING SERVICES

Amazing Spaces Organizing

Karen Silva (916) 502-7092

PAINTING

MPG Painting (916) 234-6628

mpgpainting.net

PHOTOGRAPHY/REAL ESTATE

Top Notch 360 (916) 807-3573

Topnotch360.com

ClipDocs Transaction Coordination (818) 262-3225

clipdocs.net/

REVERSE MORTGAGE

American Pacific Reverse Mortgage Group

Liz Andersen (916) 223-8869

SECURITY SOLUTIONSHOME & COMMERCIAL

Brinks Home Security (916) 730-7133

Brinkshome.com

SEPTIC SERVICES

Chuck’s Septic (916) 624-8500

chucksseptic.com

Silva’s First Class Transactions (916) 474-9684

VIRTUAL ASSISTANT

CyberBacker NorCal (530) 285-3470 www.cyberbacker.com

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Jake LaFond Wealth Management (916) 218-4406

WINDOW SERVICES

Window Screen Solutions

Rich Downing (916) 906-2033

“Cailey and Jamie are terrrific! They guided me through the whole process. We ended up offering on 4 homes before finalizing on an amazing home. So their patience and availability at any time were crucial. Also, as a current military member, she worked really hard to make sure I got the best rate. She also volunteers with local veteran groups. Thank you!

-HAPPY HOMEOWNER

MEET THE

REAL PRODUCERS TEAM

Lauren Bell Ad Strategist

Chris Menezes Writer

Maryssa Lappen Event Coordinator

Nick Ingrisani Writer

Dave Danielson  Writer

Brandon Miyasaki Photographer

Nicole Sepulveda Photographer

Olha Melokhina Photographer

Katie MacDiarmid Publisher Michele Jerrell Content Coordinator Rachel Lesiw Photographer

David Cornwell Writer

Emily Sweet Systems Manager

WELCOME WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST PARTNERS!

We take a lot of pride in the businesses we partner with. Our partners are highly recommended referrals from top agents, so you can trust us as a fantastic referral source.

Sumer Home Loans

Sumer Lopes

As a mortgage lender, I play a crucial role in facilitating homeownership. I’m a well diversified Mortgage broker and homeowner. With a focus on offering a range of mortgage products tailored to diverse needs, my commitment to transparency, competitive rates, and exceptional customer service sets me apart. Guiding clients through the intricacies of their finances, my business strives to make the journey towards homeownership a sensible one. I love to empower buyers with sound financial strategies and knowledge. Whether assisting first-time homebuyers or seasoned buyers-investors, I’m dedicated to helping clients secure favorable lending terms, foster trust and long-lasting relationships, contributing to the growth and success of my 20 year lending tenure.

Cyberbacker NorCal

Amy Pittard cyberbacker.com

Cyberbacker is the leading provider of worldclass administrative support and virtual assistant services. Our goal is to provide affordable solutions for both administrative assistants and inside sales assistants, allowing you to say goodbye to the huge overheads of having employees, put an end to the navigation of California’s employment laws, and eliminate the recruiting nightmares. We will help you find the right fit that is in line with your company’s values and culture. In addition, we will assist in the training and onboarding of your new hire and provide ongoing support. We want you to be able to focus on growing your business while your Cyberbacker manages the daily activities. This may include managing your database, running your social media, managing your emails, transaction coordination, handling incoming calls, answering inquiries regarding your listings, or managing your marketing. We are here to help you take your business to the next level.

Common Questions About

Sacramento Real Producers

Real Producers is a national concept currently open in 125 markets across the country. As we just past our third anniversary of Sacramento Real Producers, I wanted to take the time to answer some pretty common questions.

What is the purpose of Real Producers magazine?

The mission of Sacramento Real Producers is simple. We strive to inform and inspire the top-producing real estate agents in the Sacramento market and connect them socially. We do this by telling their personal stories. How they have succeeded and failed. What drives them to achieve year in and year out. Where do they spend their time when they are not working and what are they passionate about other than real estate. We give local top-producing REALTORS® a platform to tell their story in a way they have not been able to do so before.

The secondary focus is to provide an avenue for our affiliate partners to create and continue relationships with these top performers on a level that they might not be able to achieve on their own.

Who receives this magazine?

This magazine is mailed to the top 500 producing agents in the greater Sacramento area according to volume each year. This is based on the 2022 MLS; the ranking is annual and resets every year. This year, the minimum production level for our community was over $14.5 million. Just to be included in this group is an accomplishment that testifies to your hard work, dedication and proficiency.

What is the process for being featured in the magazine?

It’s really simple — you can nominate other REALTORS® (or yourselves!). We will consider anyone brought to our attention; we don’t know everyone’s story, so we need your help to learn about them! A nomination currently looks like this: You email us at katie.macdiarmid@realproducersmag.com with the subject “Nomination: (Name of Nominee).” Please explain why you are nominating them to be featured. It could be that they have an amazing story that needs to be told; perhaps they overcame extreme obstacles, they are an exceptional leader, have

the best customer service, or they give back to the community in a big way. The next step is an interview with us to ensure it’s a good fit. If it all works out, then we put the wheels in motion for our writer to conduct an interview and write an article and for our photographers to schedule a photo shoot.

What does it cost to be featured?

Zero, zilch, zip, nada, nil. It costs absolutely nothing! We are not a pay-to-play model whatsoever. We write real stories about Real Producers, so nominate away, friends!

Who are the preferred partners?

Anyone listed as a “preferred partner” in the front of the magazine is a part of this community and a top professional in their industry. They will have an ad in every issue of the magazine, attend our events and be a part of our online community. We don’t just find these businesses off the street, nor do we work with all businesses that approach us. One or many of you have recommended every single preferred partner you see in this publication. We won’t even meet with a business that has not been vetted by one of you and “stamped for approval.” Our goal is to create a powerhouse network, not only for the best REALTORS® in the area but the best affiliates, as well, so we can grow stronger together.

How can I refer a preferred partner?

If you know and want to recommend a local business that works with top REALTORS®, please email us to let us know at katie.macdiarmid@realproducersmag.com.

Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out!

Katie MacDiarmid Sacramento Real Producers

katie.macdiarmid@realproducersmag.com

916-402-5662

facebook.com/sacramentorealproducers

@SacRealProducers

profile

By Dave Danielson Photo by Nicole Sepulveda Photography

REACHING NEW MILESTONES

The ability to envision the future and take steps to make our hopes become reality is a timeless trait, especially valuable in changing market conditions.

AN ALL-IN APPROACH

That gift is personified by Dana Gray. As a REALTOR® and Team Leader of Gray Group with RE/MAX Gold, Dana takes pride in helping those around her reach new milestones.

“I love bringing people together … helping them along the real estate path with each and every step and connecting them to the right people along the way that will work diligently alongside them to help them meet their goals is what it is all about. I love working with buyers and sellers and helping them figure out how to make the transition to the next step in their lives,” Dana says.

“They need someone to trust and guide them. I love being part of that journey. This is a relationship-based business. Without that trust, you can’t have a good transaction.”

OPENING A NEW CHAPTER

Before beginning her real estate career, Dana had experienced success in other areas of life. She had worked in the political sphere as part of the Gray Davis Administration before stepping back and raising her children.

“In 2007 the kids were a little more independent. My husband, Matt, had a friend in real estate who was looking for an assistant/Transaction Coordinator. I loved it! After some time, that agent moved to a different brokerage and I stayed at the same office and ended up working with another top producer doing the same thing.”

I

LIKE

THE FACT THAT WE BOTH WORK IN THE BUSINESS.

In 2015, Dana decided to take the next natural step in her career. She earned her license and started working as a REALTOR®.

SIGNS OF SUCCESS

Through time, she continued to build as part of the RE/MAX team, where she today heads the Gray Group, a team that also includes Mandy Scott and Stacey Friedman.

“We pride ourselves on collaboration and teamwork. When our clients hire one of us, they get all of us. This is a hard job to do alone. Especially when you need a little time off. We are constantly checking in with each other on negotiations, staging, pricing and maybe most important supporting each other with camaraderie and humor.”

Along the way, Dana and her team have picked up a number of honors and accolades. Dana has received the Hall of Fame Award, as well as Platinum Club status as an individual and as a team.

Dana’s world is made richer by her family, including Matt, who is also directly engaged with the industry each day as a Home Inspector with SacPro Home Inspections.

“I like the fact that we both work in the business. We are able to relate and bond over what’s happening in our work lives,” she says with a smile.

Dana and Matt have two chil dren — their daughter, Sarah, who is a junior in college who plans on pursuing her advanced degree as a Dietician; and their son, Dylan, who is a high school senior. Dylan is working on his restoration of a 1967 Mustang. He’s also preparing to go to college to pur sue his Aeronautical Engineering degree and pilot’s license, with plans on becoming an international pilot.

In their free time, Dana and her family love staying active outdoors, with favorites including hiking, kayaking, and paddleboarding. She also has a passion for gardening, horses, walking, and enjoying visits with Matt to a couple of their favorite wineries in Apple Hill and Amador County.

LIFTING OTHERS

When it comes to giving back, Dana is a Children’s Miracle Network Agent, donating a percentage of each closing to

realproducersmag.com

the cause. She is also an enthusiastic member of Impact100 Greater Sacramento. Which is a group of women from Sacramento who have come together to make a collective and significant difference in our community. Impact100 Greater Sacramento exists to empower women and award large grants to local non-profit transform lives right here in our local community. Annually, the group reviews applications from local nonprofits and awards its pooled funds to help an organization reach its goals.

As Dana reflects on her own success and plans for the future, she offers helpful tips for others who are just beginning their own career in real estate.

“The first thing I’d say is that, in this business, you have to be tenacious. You can’t give up. You have to be persistent and authentic. Also, it’s important to find a mentor, watch what they do and go all in. You can’t do this part-time,” Dana says. “By going all in, coming from a place of giving, finding great mentors, and treating this as the serious job it is, you will have an absolutely fulfilling career. You can’t dip your toe in and find success. You have to come from a place of commitment and dedication to not only your career but also your clients.”

With optimism and levity, Dana makes an honest impact by caring for her clients’ hearts and best interests.

As she looks ahead, her memories go back to her grandparents who founded a Folsom-area welding shop that extended for three generations. “My grandparents taught me a very important lesson about customer service that I still keep in mind today,” Dana says.

“As they said, ‘Take care of your customers, and they will take care of you.’ I am honored to be in a position where I can help others reach new milestones in their own lives.”

Sacramento Real Producers Professional Headshot O cial Photographer

LONG’S TRASH HAULING AND DUMPSTER RENTAL

GROWING CAPACITY AND CUSTOMER BASE SPURS SUCCESS

If a job well done is its own reward, then Jim Long, owner of Long’s Trash Hauling, is an incredibly wealthy man.

“As owner of the company, I take pride in answering the phone and being active on the job rather than hiding behind a desk,” Jim says.

A full-service trash hauling company, Long’s removes trash, construction and demolition debris, and other unwanted items for homeowners, contractors, property managers, REALTORS®, and commercial property owners. It now also offers on-site dumpster rental.

Originally from Michigan, Jim moved to California after high school, getting a hands-on education in construction as he worked with subcontractors on renovation projects.

Then working for his stepfather’s deck-building company, he began taking note of a problem common to most construction sites he had seen — what to do with construction and demolition debris (C&D).

Thinking he could provide a solution, Jim bought a dump trailer and started hauling. The business took off and in 2006, Long’s Trash Hauling was born.

“I take tremendous pride in the work we do and we always try to go above and beyond to make the customer happy,” Jim says. “Customer satisfaction is the No. 1 priority here.”

Exceeding customer expectations is one factor in the business’s success. Another, he says, is availability, with Long’s open for business every day of the year except Christmas and New Year’s.

“Even on vacation, we take time to answer calls, texts, and emails and stay in contact with our customers. There is never really a day off for us.”

Fully bonded and insured, Jim has a contractor’s license for hauling and is a C&D franchise hauler for both Sacramento county and city, required certification for some jobs.

With a growing customer base, the company’s hauling capacity is also growing, he says, with that capacity up to 36 yards in one trip. New this year, they are now able to rent 15-yard dumpsters.

Jim says another big reason behind his business and personal success is the role Scouting played in his life growing up and the framework it helped provide for his present success.

“I had the privilege of growing up in Scouts,” he says. Starting as a Cub Scout when he was five or six, Jim graduated into Boy Scouts and over the years worked to meet the requirements for the Boy Scouts’ highest award, the Eagle Scout Award.

There are always going to be issues and stress and sadly that’s how life works. Just try not to let it get the best of you. And never, ever give up. GIVING UP IS AN AUTOMATIC FAILURE.

From the Boy Scouts, he moved into Scouting’s Venturing program, his adventures including cave exploring in Pennsylvania, backpacking in Isle Royal National Park in the middle of Lake Superior, canoe camping in Algonquin Provincial Park in Canada, whitewater rafting in West Virginia, scuba diving in the Florida Keys, and rafting and camping on the Yukon River in Alaska.

He says camping and being outdoors still play a vital part in his life.

“I try to take every opportunity I can to spend time in nature,” he says and that includes getting back to Michigan every fall to revel in the fall colors and spend time with his parents.

He’s a member of a 4x4 club that maintains Barrett Lake Trail to keep it open and safe and loves to explore the woods or dunes on his UTV or “just wheel the Rubicon Trail for fun.”

Year-round target shooting is another of his favorite pastimes. One of his most enjoyed games is shooting a round of Sporting Clays. It’s similar to skeet or trap, but the shooting position and clay presentations are always different, laid out along a course of 10-15 shooting stations.

“It’s fun and simulates the unpredictability of live-quarry shooting, offering a great variety of trajectories, angles, speeds, elevations, distances and target sizes,” he says.

With plans to marry his fiancé, Breanna, later this year, Jim says they both enjoy spending time with their families, Jim particularly loving to “spoil my nieces and nephews as much as I can.” He also loves spoiling the couple’s guinea pig, Rosemary.

Among the lessons he’s learned in life so far, he says the primary one “is not to sweat the small stuff.”

“There are always going to be issues and stress and sadly that’s how life works,” Jim says. “Just try not to let it get the best of you. And never, ever give up. Giving up is an automatic failure.”

He says he’s also learned that only the individual can change the course of his or her future. “If things aren’t going the way you want, you have the ability to change the situation for the better.”

Case in point, he says, was years back during an economic slump when business slowed and he was struggling to make house payments. On the brink of foreclosure, Jim says he was lucky enough to sell the house before forcibly losing it.

“And if it wasn’t for that sale, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he says, the sale meaning he could upgrade his trailer, allowing more work opportunities, growing his business and getting him out of debt.”

“You just can never take things for granted,” he says. “You never know what tomorrow will bring.”

“Kevin Oto is an outstanding professional and an exceptional person. I honestly cannot say enough about his integrity, his in-depth understanding of the entire loan process, and his willingness to work for the best possible outcome. Kevin is quick to respond to all issues and continuously works as a strong advocate for his clients needs. He provides honest and transparent answers. Thank you so much to Kevin and his great team! We highly recommend Green Haven Capital.” -Angela

C.

VYVYAN DANG

Meet Vyvyan Dang with Portfolio Real Estate, this month’s Star on the Rise. Vyvyan has a deep-seated passion for real estate that traces back to her upbringing in Vietnam, where her father was a builder. As Vyvyan explains, “This familial connection and my genuine desire to assist people in achieving their dreams of homeownership propelled me to embark on this fulfilling path.”

What did you do before you became a REALTOR®?

Before diving into the world of real estate, I was the proud owner of a nail salon. During that time, I honed my skills in marketing and sales, actively participating in the development and execution of marketing strategies. This experience instilled in me the importance of building strong client relationships, a trait I carried with me into my real estate career.

What are you most passionate about right now in your business?

Currently, I’m most passionate about helping first-time homebuyers achieve their dream of homeownership. It’s a fulfilling process to guide them through this significant life milestone.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your business?

The most rewarding aspect has been seeing the joy on my clients’ faces when they find their dream home. Their satisfaction and trust in my expertise is incredibly fulfilling.

What has been your biggest challenge as a REALTOR®? In entering the industry?

How do you define success?

Success, to me, is achieving personal and professional goals while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It’s about finding fulfillment in what you do.

To what would you attribute your rapid success in the industry?

My success can be attributed to a combination of dedication, constant self-improvement, building strong client relationships, and adapting to industry changes swiftly.

What sets you apart?

What sets me apart is my commitment to providing a personalized experience, strong negotiation skills, and my deep knowledge of the local market. I go the extra mile for my clients.

What are your future goals and your plan for obtaining them?

Initially, my biggest challenge was building a client base and establishing my reputation. Entering the industry as a newcomer required dedication and persistence.

What is your favorite part of being a REALTOR®?

My favorite part is the opportunity to connect with people, understand their unique needs, and help them find the perfect property. It’s about making dreams come true.

My future goals include expanding my real estate team and increasing my community involvement. To achieve this, I plan to continue building a strong client base and network.

What advice or recommendations would you give to agents just starting out?

My advice is to never stop learning, be patient, build your personal brand, and focus on building strong relationships with clients and colleagues. It’s a people business.

Tell us about your family.

I have a loving family with a supportive spouse and three wonderful children. They are my source of inspiration and motivation.

Are there any charities or organizations you support?

I had joined Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) organization. I am also Board Director of AREAA 2024. I been joining a lot of different organizations and trying to giving back to the community. Giving back is an important part of my life.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of the business?

Outside of real estate, my hobbies include cooking good food for family and like to travel with my family. They are my big WHY. I love fashion and skin care so I’m going to create my own Channel soon.

star on the rise

MATTHEW

H I N D Y

By Chris Menezes

FROM FLEA MARKETS TO LUXURY LISTINGS

Matthew Hindy embodies the essence of hard work, determination, and the pursuit of excellence. As a firstgeneration American, his story is deeply intertwined with that of his parents, who migrated from the Middle East in the early 1970s as kids and dreamed of building a life for themselves.

“My dad is from Iraq and my mom is from Syria,” Matthew shares. “They met at the San Jose flea market, where they both had stands across from each other, selling watches, shoes, and stereo equipment. They moved here with nothing but had a strong work ethic and taught us the values of integrity, honesty, and giving 100%, always going above and beyond.”

Matthew’s parents didn’t know much about American culture. So, he and his sister Michelle had to teach themselves a lot of things, like how to play basketball, soccer, and about sports in general. Arabic is Matthew’s first language. He learned English by watching TV and being in school.

Instilled with a tenacious work ethic and unquenchable ambition, Matthew started his own stand at the Sacramento flea market when he was 12 years old. Taking a small loan of $200 from his dad, he was able to quickly pay him back and reinvest in his business. Entrepreneurialism was baked in his DNA, then again, so was real estate.

“My dad went into real estate in Sacramento when I was nine months old,” Matthew explains. “He built his business, sold properties, and invested a lot. I managed properties for him up until age 16.”

THAT’S WHEN I DECIDED TO MOVE BACK HOME WHERE I COULD DO REAL ESTATE AND BE MY OWN BOSS.

Matthew moved to San Jose after high school, where he worked retail at a family-owned shoe company and earned his degree in business administration from San Jose State University. After earning his degree in 2012, he stayed and worked for about a year before returning to Sacramento to start his career in real estate.

“The retail life was challenging, with long hours, and I had hit a ceiling where I was at,” shares Matthew. “That’s when I decided to move back home where I could do real estate and be my own boss.”

Matthew’s dad had retired from real estate in 2004, when Matthew was still in high school. So, by the time Matthew entered the industry in 2014, he had to start from scratch. But he still had the knowledge — recalling all the open houses he went to as a kid, the properties he managed, and the homes he helped remodel.

The hardest part for Matthew, when starting his business, was “learning the real estate language,” and feeling intimidated as a new person. “I had the work ethic, but I didn’t understand the business,” he says. “So, I had conversations with all the top producers in my office — I took them out to lunch, coffee, and invited myself to their houses. And they took me under their wing. I started cold calling, hosting open houses, sending mailers, and helped clients buy properties. Now I’m helping them sell and repurchase. It’s come full circle and turned into a real nurturing kind of business.”

Matthew built his business on building long term relationships with his clients, particularly in the professional sports arena. What started as a single phone call from an athlete seven years ago, inquiring about a luxury listing Matthew had, turned into book of business that includes over 75 professional athletes today, including the owner of the Kings.

“I focus on one client at a time, no matter how many I have,” Matthew shares. “I answer my phone, and when I don’t, I call back. I put myself in my clients’ shoes, figure out what they want. Communication is key. I’ve been in a position of success due to the character I bring, not selling property but being there for my clients. If a house needs to be painted or roofing done, I have vendors for everything. I don’t walk away after the sale — I am always there for them.”

Having moved brokerage several times over the years, Matthew recently found a home at Sotheby’s International Realty just this last year. “It takes a while to figure out where you want to go,” explains Matthew. “Sotheby’s has a great marketing presence and luxury presence. Since I’ve built a book of business on the luxury side, it complements my personality and work type.”

Looking into the future, Matthew plans to continue the momentum he’s built in his business, steadily growing year over year, as he’s been able to do thus far, while investing in rental properties, flips and growing his portfolio.

I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT EVERYTHING. EVERY TIME I THINK POSITIVELY ABOUT SOMETHING, THEN THAT ENERGY IS RECIPROCATED. SO, I JUST FOCUS ON BEING THERE FOR PEOPLE.

“I’m passionate about everything,” Matthew expresses. “I have a glass-half-full mentality. Whenever I think negatively about anything, it doesn’t work out. Every time I think positively about something, then that energy is reciprocated. So, I just focus on being there for people.”

Outside of real estate, Matthew cherishes quality time with family and friends, traveling and experiencing different cultures with his wife, Valerie. He’s a big sports guy with a love for the Kings, 49ers, and UFC.

Matthew’s passion for real estate, however, remains his driving force. Guided by a positive mindset and a steadfast commitment to growth and excellence, he will continue to dream big, as his parents did before him, forging ahead with the same integrity, honesty, and ambition that has marked his journey so far. It will be exciting to see where he goes from here.