Real Producers of Wayne County April 2022 Issue

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WAY N E C O U N T Y

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 .

TOP PRODUCER

JIMMY SAROS Photo by Jermaine Buie with Perfect Light

APRIL 2022

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Wayne County Real Producers • 3

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TA B L E O F

CONTENTS 06

09

11

Preferred Partners

Meet the Wayne County Real Producers Team

Publisher’s Note

12

14

18

Event Announcement: May Mixer

Top Producer: Jimmy Saros

Partner Q&A: Superior Comfort Heating & Cooling

23

24

28

Get Every Issue On Your Phone With Issuu

Agent on the Rise: Katja Classic

32

38

Rising Star: Nimesh Patel

Charity Spotlight: New Hope Center for Grief Support

We Ask, You Answer

around

town

40 Around Town

If you are interested in contributing or nominating someone for a feature, please email us at Chris.csotty@realproducersmag.com or Terra.csotty@realproducersmag.com.

DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a Real Producers but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Wayne County Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or recommended by The N2 Company or the publisher. Therefore, neither The N2 Company nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies. NOTE: When community events take place, photographers may be present to take photos for that event and they may be used in this publication.

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Wayne County Real Producers • 5

PREFERRED PARTNERS

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This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine.

These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses, and thank them for supporting the real estate community!

ACCOUNTING Virginia A. Klein (734) 513-9802 APPRAISAL SERVICES Prospect Appraisal (313) 600-0010 ATTORNEY/ LEGAL SERVICES Laura M. Walesch, PLC (734) 357-8970 CHARITY The Pink Fund (877) 234-7465 CONCRETE SERVICES Gabbert’s Concrete Products (313) 563-1224 CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS Cranbrook Custom Homes (586) 781-2316 Toll Brothers (248) 305-4004 DRONES Downriver Real Estate Photography (734) 624-8220 Hommati (248) 550-0515

6 • April 2022

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Let your team count on our team to carry the load!

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Wayne County Real Producers • 7

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M E E T T H E W AY N E C O U N T Y R E A L P R O D U C E R S T E A M

Chris Csotty Publisher

Terra Csotty Publisher

April Shanne Subiera Publishing Assistant

Ad Strategist

Event Coordinator

Erika Kruse

Amanda Matkowski

Andy Schwartz

Jermaine Buie

Tracie Seeley

Jeanne Monillo

Stylish Detroit Photographer/Videographer

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Perfect Light, LLC Photographer

Editor

Downriver Real Estate Photography Photographer

Dina Ranieri

Relationship Manager

Robbyn Moore

Chris Menezes

Jennifer Arnett

Brandon Ramsay

Writer

Starloft Photography Photographer

Writer

WayUp Media Photographer/Videographer

Wayne County Real Producers • 9

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Realtor Resources FOR YOUR CLIENTS’ NEEDS

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PUBLISHER’S

N O T E

“Great things in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of people.”

- Steve Jobs We are a TEAM here at Real Producers. This magazine has many moving parts and many people working behind-the-scenes to make this a beautiful piece — coming to YOU each month.

THANK YOU to our Real Producers Team.

Check out our Meet the Team section to see the many people involved each month in making this magazine so wonderful.

We also want to thank our Preferred Partners who advertise with us. This monthly magazine is free to the Top 300 real estate professionals in Wayne County thanks to them! All of our Preferred Partners come from your recommendations, and we do our realproducersmag.com

best to screen our advertisers to ensure that they provide the types of goods and services that you may need or want as a real estate agent. If you know a business owner who may be a good fit to potentially partner with us, recommend them through linktr.ee/realproducers.

If you want to be considered for a feature, we encourage you to get involved with the Real Producers community by attending our live and virtual events, and interacting with us on social media. Make sure to join our private group on Facebook “Wayne County’s TOP 500.” We post about upcoming events and more. Hope to see YOU at our next event in May! Chris and Terra Csotty Publishers of Real Producers of Wayne County linktr.ee/realproducers chris.csotty@realproducersmag.com 248.506.6169 terra.csotty@realproducersmag.com 586.615.8749 Wayne County Real Producers • 11

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event announcement

May Mixer S AV E T H E D AT E !

REAL PRODUCERS! Mark your calendar for

W E DNESDAY, MAY 1 8TH Location will be announced soon!

Check in on our Facebook private group “Wayne County’s TOP 500” for updates!

300 WAYNE COUNTY

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• • • • •

Headshots (on and off location) Branding Sessions Real Estate Photos Virtual Walk Throughs Drone

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TRACIE SEELEY

Downriver Real Estate Photography 966 Ford Ave. Wyandotte, MI 48192 downriverrealestatephotography.com 734-624-8220

Wayne County Real Producers • 13

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top producer

By Chris Menezes Photos by Jermaine Buie with Perfect Light, LLC

Jimmy

Saros A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON FAMILY

A lot has happened to Jimmy Saros since he last appeared in an issue of Real Producers.

Aside from the pandemic, he has had tremendous business growth and has become a father for the first time. “Having a son — while in a pandemic — has been an incredible life transformation,” he shared.

Although having a child is already a life-changing moment, the worldwide effects of COVID-19 has also given Jimmy a new perspective on what was important in life.

“The pandemic instilled the importance of home and family across the country and certainly reminded me to place the same emphasis and dedication I do for my work with my young family,” he said. “The last year and a half made me feel a deeper connection to all my clients and to my friends who also have children, as well as helped me develop a greater appreciation and respect for my clients’ needs.”

14 • April 2022

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PDF Studio - PDF Editor for Mac, Windows, Linux. For Evaluation. https://www.qoppa.com/pdfstudio As a result of Jimmy’s persistent cultivation of connecting with people — and his new emphasis on family — he and his team at Saros Real Estate Services have seen great success. While the brokerage has been a family business since 1937, Jimmy has successfully kept that family-feel intact while also doubling the size of their team, ultimately increasing production by over 40% since he took over operations in 2017.

Although Jimmy grew up in the family business, he decided to start his real estate career in New York City after graduating from Brown University in 2012 and after playing Division 1 college football. He wanted to “cut his teeth” in one of the most competitive markets in the country and earned a “second degree in business and real estate” by selling investment properties, multifamily apartment buildings and redevelopment sites in the $1 million-to-$100

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million market. He returned home in 2016 to settle down with his wife and applied everything he learned to improve the family business.

The new additions Jimmy has made to the team in the past couple years has helped improve every aspect of the business, allowing each team member to work more efficiently and to steadily improve their skill set, systems and processes. The newly reinforced team at Saros Real Estate Services now includes Director of Operations Colleen Jogan, Executive Assistant Emily McKinney, In-House Marketing Coordinator Hollie Kien and In-House Closing Officer Amy Andreopoulos. They even have a new building, which Jimmy helped design and build in 2019, after losing the original building his father had built to a fire.

With the new additions to the business, Jimmy has been freed up to concentrate more on the training and mentoring of their 12 agents while continuing to take care of the needs of his clients and grow his personal business of income-generating activities. In 2021, Jimmy personally closed over $29 million in transactions and cleared $400 million in career volume.

Wayne County Real Producers • 15

PDF Studio - PDF Editor for Mac, Windows, Linux. For Evaluation. https://www.qoppa.com/pdfstudio More important than the numbers, Jimmy has been able to devote more time to being a dad and to just having more fun in general.

“The amazing group of people I work with makes every day fun and exciting!” Jimmy said. “We have a unique team-based operation that I have not seen anywhere else in our local market. Unlike most brokerages where every agent basically operates solo on an island with little-to-no interaction or support, we are built on a

“OUR SUCCESS AND CULTURE OF COLLABORATION IS POSSIBLE BY TAKING A QUALITY-OVER-QUANTITY APPROACH TO GROWING OUR TEAM AND PROVIDING THE BEST RESOURCES AND SUPPORT TO OUR AGENTS.”

When he is not working or focused on his investment properties, Jimmy loves being with his wife, Kelley, son, Jimbo, and dog, Wally, whom he brings to the office every day and always has a “can-do attitude.” He and his wife also recently welcomed their second child — Teddy!

Jimmy loves to play golf — although he says he is not very good at it — bowl, watch college football and spend time with his lifelong friends.

As Jimmy takes everything he has learned and accomplished these past couple years and continues to apply them to “pushing the boulder uphill” every day, he will reach the top of the hill very soon. When that happens, it will be exciting to see everything he has accomplished.

culture of collaboration and we leverage one another’s business, resources, network and experiences. This allows all of our businesses to experience exponential growth.”

“Our success and culture of collaboration are possible by taking a quality-over-quantity approach to growing our team and providing the best resources and support to our agents,” Jimmy continued. “The level of mentorship and training I personally provide our young agents puts them in a position to succeed. In addition, my senior agents, Spencer Ray and Dave Fekin — both of whom have had their most successful year of production in 2021, adding an additional $24 million in sales volume to our team — provide additional agent support and leadership. I could not ask for better teammates to be in the trenches with. My team and I are very proud of what we have accomplished thus far, and we are only scratching the surface!”

Photo by Jessica Bilbrey Photography

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partner q&a

Photos by Tracie Seeley with Downriver Real Estate Photography

Superior Comfort HEATING & COOLING Name: Scott Little Company: Superior Comfort

Heating & Cooling Title: President Number of Years at the Company: 14 Website: superiorcomforthvac.com Phone Number: 734-818-7141

18 • April 2022

What services do you and your team provide? Briefly describe exactly what your company does, the services it provides, and any major milestones, notable accomplishments or awards.

We provide punctual service with a team of qualified technicians along

with clear and concise times when a service technician will arrive so you won’t need to wait there hours on end. We realize your time is important, and waiting on a service technician in a house that isn’t comfortable is certainly not the way most people want to spend their days. Our service technicians provide on-time service with vehicles that are equipped with the latest test equipment and parts, which can help to get your heating or cooling system going again quickly.

We can also provide emergency heating and cooling services if needed.

We strive to give our customers exactly the services they need as well as a qualified technician who

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for your home. We go the extra mile because we want to not only be your heating and cooling provider for the short-term repair, but our goal is to also be here for the many years ahead as your heating and cooling service provider in Downriver.

What do you find most fulfilling about your work?

As a Superior Comfort technician, being able to provide the best services available at an affordable price is amazing. When we can make a customer’s house feel comfortable so that they have a bit of peace when they get home is a great feeling.

When you aren’t working, what’s your favorite way to spend your time?

We all enjoy spending time with our families.

Firing up the barbecue for some weekend burgers or watching a Saturday football game is always a great time.

Is there any other information about you or your business that you would like to share with the real estate community?

can deliver those services. For more than 20 years, we’ve served the entire Downriver area of Michigan, and our goal is to be here for many more years, delivering exceptional HVAC service at affordable prices.

Each and every one of our technicians routinely goes to certification classes, which help to ensure we’re up to date on the newest technologies and procedures. Since HVAC components can change drastically from year to year, we’re always looking for ways to make sure we’re

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ahead of the game and can provide, install and repair even the newest heating and cooling systems.

What sets your business apart from similar ones?

We strive to bring you the best customer service available while also providing top-of-the-line service for your home’s heating and cooling needs.

We can install, repair and service most major brands. We’re also a Rheem Pro Partner and can provide great rates on new heating or cooling systems

Here at Superior Comfort Heating & Cooling, we’ve always been community centered. We were born and raised here, and we plan on raising our kids here as well.

It’s a great little corner of the world, and being a part of the community we serve is an amazing feeling. We pride ourselves on customer service and with making sure your home is comfortable, and we plan on continuing that community effort for many years to come. We are thankful to be part of this community and hope that you’ll consider us for all your heating and cooling needs in Downriver Michigan.

Wayne County Real Producers • 19

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Printing, Mailing, Marketing and Apparel

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

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Wayne County Real Producers • 21

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announcement

GET EVERY ISSUE ON YOUR PHONE WITH ISSUU

WAY N E C O U N T Y

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 .

TOP PRODUCER

JIMMY SAROS Photo by Jermaine Buie with Perfect Light

APRIL 2022

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

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Wayne County Real Producers • 23

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agent on the rise

By Robbyn Moore Photos by Tracie Seeley with Downriver Real Estate Photography Photos taken at Cranbrook Custom Home at Montcaret in Northville

A C O M M U N I T Y WA R R I O R 24 • April 2022

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PDF Studio - PDF Editor for Mac, Windows, Linux. For Evaluation. https://www.qoppa.com/pdfstudio Katja Classic is a fierce woman who lets nothing stand in her way of meeting her goals. When she is faced with a challenge, she embraces the obstacle with enthusiasm, optimism, vigor and determination.

When it comes to real estate, community service, and health and fitness, her tenacity is the driving force that has made her into a warrior in each field.

As a native of Germany with no previous real estate experience, education or industry connections, Katja was intent on creating a positive impact with her work. “When I moved from the other side of the world to start a business in 2016, I did it from scratch, and it was quite a challenge,” Katja shared. “I basically started as a complete nobody in my community and steadily grew my business. I feel very accomplished, and I am beyond grateful.”

When Katja joined the team at RE/MAX Classic, they fully embraced her enthusiasm and provided her with support and mentorship, which prepared her to master the fundamentals of running a successful business. The brokerage presented a stellar network of thriving agents who were willing to share their secrets to success with Katja.

overlooked — social element within real estate, which is to be genuine and compassionate. As an agent, you are part of an experience that can be filled with so many emotions depending on the scenario of the transaction. Of course, getting married or having a baby are happy times, but there are dark moments like death or divorce. Therefore, I am always professional, coupled with an awareness that’s on a personal level.”

In her personal life, Katja has an impressive athletic resume. She’s a fitness instructor and has coached cross country for St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Academy in 2020. She’s an accomplished triathlete, completing several Olympic-distance triathlons, a 70.3-mile Ironman, a 13-mile Spartan race and a 10k Tough Mudder. “Finishing my recent 70.3-mile triathlon was one of the toughest physical and mental challenges I have ever completed in my life,” Katja recalled. “I wanted to set an example to my community, friends and family that even somebody like me — who’s not a super athlete or anybody special — can do the impossible by working hard and being consistent.”

Additionally, to help build her network, gain further knowledge and establish a professional support system, Katja immersed herself as a board member and volunteered with the Southeastern Border Association of REALTORS® (SEBAR). “I was immediately connected with top-producing, like-minded experts in the trade,” she said. “As real estate professionals, we share common goals, so it only makes sense to lift each other up as a group so we can develop and grow as individuals.”

In her first year in the business, Katja won RE/MAX Rookie of the Year, followed

by Agent of the Year. She earned the Executive Club award and 100% Club award - RE/MAX of Southeast Michigan and RE/MAX International. Katja also was the 2021 president-elect of SEBAR (Downriver Chapter) and is currently a regent director.

As important as knowledge and skills are in establishing a clientele, Katja fully understands the value of authenticity by remaining true to herself in her relationship building. “Naturally, my clients trust my expertise, but more importantly, they believe in me as a human being,” she explained.

“There’s an important — often realproducersmag.com

Wayne County Real Producers • 25

PDF Studio - PDF Editor for Mac, Windows, Linux. For Evaluation. https://www.qoppa.com/pdfstudio Katja’s friends and family have joined her in previous triathlons, including her children Juliana, 14, and Colin, 10, who taught her that “no” is not an answer — rather, it’s just another opportunity to negotiate. “My husband, Mike, and I have raised our children in a healthy, active environment,” Katja said. “We are all very athletic and love to participate in and attend sporting events.”

On occasion, Katja will have her kids help facilitate her fitness classes. Furthermore, the whole family is very involved in community service and helps support organizations such as local schools, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and many other local groups.

From starting out as a self-proclaimed “nobody” in the real estate business to becoming a top-producing agent, Katja’s hard work, dedication and consistency has paid off. She attributes her success to her commitment of continuing education, her availability to her clients and the genuine support of her family, business partners and brokerage. “You can’t properly help

NATURALLY, MY CLIENTS a client without knowing the latest market trends, having a sense of urgency for their concerns and surrounding them with a strong professional support system,” she shared.

TRUST MY EXPERTISE, BUT Not surprisingly, Katja’s favorite aspect of her work is the daily challenges that MORE IMPORTANTLY, come with each transaction. “I welcome the hard work and find fun in tackling unique ways to do business,” she said. “Real estate never gets boring, and I am THEY BELIEVE IN ME able to explore my full potential. I love the social interactions and cherish AS A HUMAN BEING. every client who shares their story and allows me into their life.”

26 • April 2022

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we ask, you answer

What is a must-read book for every real estate agent? “#MAXOUT Your Life” by Ed Mylett TRISHA DORK — ELITE REALTY

“Start With a Win” by Adam Contos, CEO of RE/MAX KATJA CLASSIC — RE/MAX CLASSIC

“Essentialism” by Greg McKeown, “Talking to Strangers” by Malcolm Gladwell, “Sell It Like Serhant” by Ryan Serhant ASHLEY JOLLEY — CENTURY 21 CURRAN & OBERSKI

“Extreme Ownership” NIMESH PATEL — THE TALBOT TEAM - RICHREALTY

“How to Win Friends & Influence People” Very tough question! I’m an avid reader, so it’s hard to pin down one great book. I think if you can set a goal to read two books a month, you will win at this game called real estate. Being openminded to many perspectives and going deeper into what catches your attention is how you grow in your strengths. Did you notice that I didn’t say, “Improve upon your weaknesses”?

MICK KHZOUZ — MICHIGAN ROCKSTAR REALTY - CLIENTS FIRST, REALTORS®

“Wealth Can’t Wait” by David Osborn and Paul Morris ERIN WEISHAUPT — ELEVATE INSPECTION GROUP

MICHELLE SAWARD — THE SAWARD TEAM EXP REALTY

28 • April 2022

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I would suggest two books: “Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It” by Chris Voss with Tahl Raz and “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne. “The Secret” is a book that encourages people to visualize their goals clearly in order to attract what they want.

TEODORA DJOUROVA — HOMETOWN GROUP REAL ESTATE

Quite honestly, I don’t read any books. I love to listen to motivational podcast.

SHAWN WILMOT — EXP REALTY

Tim Grover’s “Relentless” ALI FAYZ — FAYZ REALTY GROUP REAL ESTATE ONE

Dave Ramsey’s “EntreLeadership” “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” — it’s a classic!

DAN AND ANNIE KLARK — TEAM KLARK CLIENTS FIRST, REALTORS®

COLTON WEISENSTEIN — EXP REALTY

“The Four Agreements” SARA GOODMAN — COLDWELL BANKER WEIR MANUEL

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Nimesh

Motivated To Create a Better Future

rising star

By Chris Menezes Photos by Dawn Townsend Photography & Design

Everything Nimesh Patel does stems from a good intention. He has worked hard for his successes, and he is motivated to create a better life for his parents and for his future family. William Shakespeare once said, “Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none,” and for Nimesh, that quote could summarize his view on life.

“My parents took the biggest leaps of their lives to leave their families and home in India to come to the U.S. in hopes of creating a better life for me and my brother,” Nimesh explained.

“They came here with no education and started working very labor-intensive jobs, and have done so their entire lives. As I got older, I started paying more attention to them and the hell they would go through just to get through their days.”

The turning point for Nimesh was seeing his mother’s health decline to the point where she could no longer work. “I knew my dad was doing whatever he could to continue to provide and get by — working

32 • April 2022

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still working his 9-5 corporate job.

Matt had just formed his team, and Nimesh was his first hire. “In the beginning, there was so much excitement on my end to learn a whole new industry. I used to finish up my 9-5 in Novi and drive straight to Detroit and meet with my business partner/team lead, Matthew, and go through as much as I could with him, learning the different systems, CRMs and etc.,” Nimesh explained.

six-to-seven days a week, over 60 hours a week, while in his mid-50s. No vacations or buying things that were goals of theirs, or enjoying the fruits of their hard work,” he said.

Seeing his parents struggle so much sparked a desire in Nimesh to want more out of himself. The only thing he wanted to do was to provide some sense of relief to them, and that meant taking a good look at his career path.

Nimesh had recently graduated from Western Michigan University and was working as a client engagement specialist at Quest Diagnostics in Novi at the time. After some serious consideration, he realized his ambition for moving up in the company was unrealistic. Nimesh would often hear his two best friends, Matt Talbot and Erik Wright, talk about how much they enjoyed working in real estate and its potential opportunity.

Resolving to enter the business, Nimesh began studying for his real estate exam on the weekends, which he admits was a bit of a struggle. “When you’re in your 20s, following school and working a job to make money, the last thing you want to do is spend time studying on the weekends, but for me, I knew it would change my life the same way it did for my friends,” he said.

Nimesh started his real estate career in 2019 as a part-time agent/admin with The Talbot Team while

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Wayne County Real Producers • 33

PDF Studio - PDF Editor for Mac, Windows, Linux. For Evaluation. https://www.qoppa.com/pdfstudio Matt and Nimesh would sometimes end their nights between 10-11 p.m., and Nimesh would then head back home to Canton. This was pretty much his schedule for six months until he decided to take the leap and jump into real estate, 100% full time.

“Between the time spent around Matt and my broker, Rich, I feel like I was exactly where I wanted to be.

Matt has been my biggest supporter through this entire transition and has helped me get a successful start in this industry. I could not be more grateful to work with someone who really makes my goals his own. He has definitely helped me grow professionally and personally, and I love that he always continues to push me to get better,” Nimesh said.

Nimesh has helped The Talbot Team grow in return, going from $12 million in 2019 to $25 million in 2020 and then to over $40 million in 2021. They hired their first agent at the end of 2020, and in 2021, added a couple more team members, including their client care coordinator, Stephanie Lopez Panelli.

ground floor helping them achieve those goals and dreams is what it’s all about for me. I just want everyone to be 100% confident in whatever it is that they are doing, and I feel that it’s my job to do a good job in making that happen.”

When Nimesh isn’t working 80 hours a week, he loves watching sports and spending time with his family. He currently doesn’t mind how much he is working because he is motivated by what he can provide for his family and for the family he plans to have in the future.

“Those vacations that my parents could never take, the car my dad has always dreamed of and so much more has now become realistic and something that sits on top of my vision board. Their dreams are a part of my dreams now,” Nimesh said. “I want to be the best and create something beyond what I or they could have dreamed of. I have a long way to go in this career, but this is a career that provides opportunity; it is what you make of it, and I am just getting started!”

“I HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO IN THIS CAREER, BUT THIS IS A CAREER THAT PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY; IT IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT, AND I AM JUST GETTING STARTED!” “Stephanie has been the best decision Matt and I have made for our business. She is in the weeds with our team every day, taking on so many things for us, allowing us to continue to grow our book of business from the sales side. I seriously couldn’t be any more grateful for all that she does for the team,” Nimesh said.

Nimesh has taken on a leadership role within the team and gets just as excited about teaching other agents as he does teaching his clients about the real estate process. The Talbot Team is currently a team of five-to-six people with plans for continued growth. “For us, it’s truly making sure we are putting quality over quantity. We’re not just looking for bodies, but rather, the right people — the same ones who fall in line with our vision and culture,” he said.

“I want to see our guys and gals flourish into real estate beasts,” Nimesh continued. “To be on the 34 • April 2022

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charity spotlight

By Chris Menezes

NEW HOPE Center for Grief Support Providing New Hope in Troubled Times With all the devastation the COVID-19 pandemic has caused, there are many people who are suffering from grief and trying to pick up the pieces of their life.

Losing a loved one is never easy, and grief is complicated. When left unchecked, it can become unhealthy, leaving one in a dark and hopeless place. No matter the circumstance, New Hope Center for Grief Support is here to help those suffering from loss.

“Unresolved grief can fester into unhealthy habits, decisions and lifestyles, negatively impacting a person physically, mentally and spiritually,” Jennifer Frush, executive director of New Hope, said. “Seeking out help is not a sign of weakness: It takes tremendous strength to identify that you cannot do it alone. If you need the support of others, there is support available.”

As a bereavement resource center for Southeast Michigan, the vision of New Hope is to create a safe,

38 • April 2022

supportive community for others in grief. “We do this through two methods: by offering direct grief support services and by providing community outreach, training, and practical resources,” Jennifer explained. The organization also looks to help change the way society responds to grief and loss.

New Hope not only provides assistance through its age- and loss-specific peer support and grief education — as well as its ability to connect with others who are experiencing similar situations — but they also equip and empower their members to use their experiences to serve others. “Service is healing. It brings meaning and purpose after loss,” Jennifer said.

Service after loss is exactly how Cathy Clough founded New Hope, with the support of John and Betty Baird, in 2000. “Cathy experienced the pain of grief after the loss of her husband and faced the challenges of being a young widow raising three children,” Jennifer shared. “As she healed, she found new beginnings in life by supporting others of all ages and losses through their own grief journey. Since then, New Hope Center for Grief Support has serviced thousands of grieving individuals and families throughout southeastern Michigan.”

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PDF Studio - PDF Editor for Mac, Windows, Linux. For Evaluation. https://www.qoppa.com/pdfstudio Jennifer came to New Hope nine years ago when her father passed away. Through New Hope, she and her family experienced healing, which inspired Jennifer to stay involved with its program efforts for the next six years. She first became an “ambassador of hope” — a volunteer who was once in the shoes of those grieving — but ultimately became the executive director.

“From the support my grandfather received after the loss of his wife of 65 years, the support my mom received after losing both of her parents and then the loss of my father, this organization has helped our family find hope and healing after so much loss. Even today, I continue my healing by serving in this amazing organization,” Jennifer said.

Among the many events New Hope successfully conducts throughout the year, Jennifer recalls the success of their annual Kids Camp during COVID-19, which was aptly called “2020 Grow Through What You Go Through” Kids Camp. Despite the pandemic, they still had 36 campers in 2020 and 76 campers in 2021, along with many volunteers and teens who have experienced loss, serving as camp counselors.

“This camp was powerful!” Jennifer recalled. “I’m sure COVID-19, the restrictions and the lack of human connection — especially ones the same age — helped fuel the immense connection and bonds that took place at these past two camps. There

“Seeking out help is not a sign of weakness: It takes tremendous strength to identify that you cannot do it alone. If you need the support of others, there is support

available.”

were many powerful moments while we played and sought to navigate and understand The Packer Group 2nd Annual Charity Golf Outing the grief journey by learning June 14, 2019 tips and tools to help us. Most importantly, the message was conveyed, ‘You are not alone,’ and New Hope is a safe space that will always be here to support your grief needs.”

New Hope celebrated their twentieth anniversary last year and is looking forward to bringing even more hope to the community for decades to come.

Because their services are free, they are always seeking funding opportunities to help expand their impact and to ensure they never have to limit the scope of their services due to a lack of finances.

“Please continue to share New Hope Center for Grief Support to family, friends, colleagues and your community,” Jennifer said. “The programs and services are free and welcome to all. Help bring hope, healing and new beginnings to those impacted by the death of a loved one or get involved at New Hope Center for Grief Support to help make life transformations possible.”

To learn more about how you can become involved with New Hope Center for Grief Support and its mission — whether you’re suffering from grief yourself and need support or if you want to help support others — check out newhopecenter.net, email griefhelp@newhopecenter.net or call 248-348-0115.

Would you like to see a charity spotlighted in an upcoming issue? Please reach out to: Terra.Csotty@realproducersmag.com

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around

town Preferred Partner Erin Weishaupt from Elevate Inspection Group with Justin Ford from eXp Realty

Photo by Jermaine Buie

Photo by Jermaine Buie

Photo by Jermaine Buie Photo by Jermaine Buie

Photo by Jermaine Buie

Photo by Jermaine Buie

Congrats on winning the raffle! Photo by Jermaine Buie

Thank you Jacque Gorris from Supreme Lending for sponsoring our Coffee Celebration!

Photo by Jermaine Buie

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