Gregg Wysocki

Leaving a Legacy Without Any ‘Buts’

By Jane K. Asher, Ph.D.

Photos by Jessica Laine Photography

Photos taken at Cranbrook Custom Homes - The Heights in Rochester

When Gregg Wysocki decided to enter the real estate industry, he didn’t have a very high opinion of real estate agents. Following the failure of his business and on the verge of financial ruin, he also didn’t have many viable options for getting back on his feet. “To be honest,” Gregg said, “if I had other choices, I probably would not have become a real estate agent.”

Consequently, Gregg quickly realized that his negative perception of real estate agents stemmed from ignorance, and after becoming a real estate agent — and thriving as one — Gregg made it his personal mission to “show people, indeed, how rigorous a career it truly is.” Now, after spending 16 years in the industry and selling over $100 million worth of homes, Gregg can’t imagine a choice more fulfilling than real estate. “Every morning, I am passionate about this business,” he said. “In fact, at 59 years old, I am more passionate than I have ever been in the past.”

Gregg’s passion is driven by his strong desire to leave a legacy, one that will continue to make a difference in the lives of others for years to come. “Nobody will come to the funeral home because I made a lot of money,” Gregg said. “Success, to me, is leaving a legacy such as my father did.” Gregg’s father, a well-respected community member, business owner and recreation director in the city of Hamtramck, developed Hamtramck’s youth baseball organization from which one of the teams went on to win the Little League World Series in 1959 and the PONY League World Series in 1961.

“I have a saying that my team often kids me about: ‘No buts left behind,’” Gregg said. “When someone reflects on a person who has passed away, they may say, ‘He was a great guy but …’ or ‘She was really nice but …’ The true indicator of my success will be when my name comes up in conversation after my life is over, and people say, ‘He was a great guy.’ Period. No buts left behind — cheesy, I know, but it is how I feel.”

One of the ways that Gregg is shaping his legacy is through his partnership with #BeKindLikeGia, a local suicide awareness and prevention charity founded by his friend who lost her 21-year-old daughter to suicide. “Nine years ago, we lost my wife’s 50-year old brother, who was also one of my best friends, to suicide,” he said. “I partner with #BeKindLikeGia in his honor, and my wife and I intend to start our own foundation for this cause to honor his memory.”

Another way Gregg is striving to make a meaningful impact on others is by creating business opportunities for his team members so that they can provide incredible lives for their families. IIn addition to Gregg, The Wysocki Group includes Marketing Director Amanda Schaub, Buyer’s Specialist Frostie Owen, Executive Assistant Kelli Donaldson and Business Coach Monica Edwards.

With a hyper-local focus on a niche luxury market, The Wysocki Group generates 85% of its business within a one-square-mile area. One of Gregg’s goals is to expand the team’s system and approach to become the “expert” in additional neighboring one-squaremile areas. The Wysocki Group also distinguishes itself via its diverse marketing and communication initiatives, including print, social media and high-tech, high-touch campaigns.

Gregg, who has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Michigan as well as years of work experience as a computer programmer, makes market research and communication a central component of his real estate services. “I believe that knowing one’s strengths and maximizing the value that we provide by using these strengths is key,” he said. “Knowing that I use my experience, knowledge and ethical foundation to assist folks with the selling or buying of what is, most likely, their largest asset is what I enjoy most about running a real estate business.”

Outside of real estate, Gregg enjoys spending time with his family and a few very close friends, studying his faith — Catholicism — and reading business and leadership books and “stories of failing forward toward success.” His hobbies include golf, politics and watching just about any sport. Gregg and Susan — his “partner and rock” — have been married for 34 years and have a 26-year-old daughter, Caitlin, who is in her fourth and final year of pharmacy school at the University of Michigan and recently engaged to her college sweetheart, Demetri. The Wysocki family loves hanging out at their Rochester Hills home with their three kittens — Maisy, Izzo and Pita — and relaxing in their yard and pool with longtime neighbors and friends. They also love to travel — they’ve owned a timeshare for the past 25 years and enjoy visiting and exploring different locations together.

Throughout his life, Gregg has encountered numerous personal and professional challenges; however, he doesn’t allow these hurdles to define or hinder him. Instead, he’s overcome his hardships — and kept his sight on “a big why” — through faith, determination and hard work. “By the grace of God, and unwavering support of my wife, I picked myself up from the ashes, dusted myself off — twice — and have managed to chisel out a mildly successful business,” he said. “That said, because of the storms I’ve come through, I try to stay humble and use the gifts I’ve been given to the best of my abilities. All else is beyond my control.”

Gregg is adamant about continually growing and maintaining his standards, his vision and his work ethic. “Operating with mediocrity is not an option. I like to sleep well at night,” he said. “Before bed, I like to look myself in the mirror and know that I could not have done anything more to represent my clients to the best of my ability — just as I promised them I would. By remaining focused on our mission — serving as fiduciary representatives of our clients in what is, most likely, a transaction involving their greatest asset — and relying on experience, training and continual growth, success will be a natural byproduct.”

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