Real Producers of Wayne County August 2021 Issue

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

JUSTIN

FORD Photo by Tracie Seeley with Downriver Real Estate Photography

AUGUST 2021

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Wayne County Real Producers • 3

TA B L E O F

CONTENTS 07

08

Editor’s Note

Preferred Partners

18

22

12

Top Producer: Justin Ford

28

Partner Spotlight: Showhomes Home Staging

Agent on the Rise: Kim Herron

Dynamic Duo: Mark & Patty Henderson

32

36

40

Agent Spotlight: Julie Moraitis

Beyond the Book: Mike Ripinski

Event Recap: June Issue Release Party

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.

4 • August 2021

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Wayne County Real Producers • 5

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editor’s note

Celebrate and Share Your

Bounty

Around this time every year, I begin to think about all the fun activities — and not-so-fun tasks — that I still want to check off my summer to-do list … and then the August anxiety begins to set in. Typically, I spend a few days contemplating a last-minute weekend getaway or mustering up the energy to clean out my garage before I redirect my attention to my garden, the one thing that I can count on to beat my summer blues.

Unlike the immediate pleasures of summer vacations, barbecues, fireside drinks with friends and days at the beach, my garden doesn’t instantly yield tangible rewards. Those rewards — the abundance of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, lettuce, herbs and raspberries — require an abundance of my time and energy throughout the late-spring and early-summer months, countless hours of composting, tilling, toiling, weeding, mulching, pruning, watering, tending and nurturing. And every year, I willingly and habitually take on all of these grueling tasks in anticipation of August and the bounty that it brings.

As I fill baskets with the fruits and vegetables of my labor, I realize that I’ve had a pretty productive few months even if I didn’t check all the boxes off my summer bucket list. I grow content with the harvest I have cultivated with my own two hands and look forward to garden fresh salads, sauces and purees, as well as to some new end-of-the-summer priorities: canning, pickling and fermenting. The summer may be coming to an end, but it leaves me with a bounty of long-awaited treasures to enjoy and share with family and friends.

As you read this August issue, which celebrates the hard work and accomplishments of some amazing real estate professionals, I encourage you to make the most of what’s left of summer. Enjoy — and share — the fruits of your labor.

Jane K. Asher, Ph.D. Managing Editor jane.asher@realproducersmag.com

realproducersmag.com

Wayne County Real Producers • 7

PREFERRED PARTNERS

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Wayne County Real Producers • 9

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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

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

April Shanne Subiera

Amanda Matkowski

Jermaine Buie

Tracie Seeley

Publishing Assistant/ Reprints Specialist

Perfect Light, LLC Photographer

Editor

Downriver Real Estate Photography Photographer

Dina Ranieri

Relationship Manager

Robbyn Moore

Jeanne Monillo Ad Strategist

Andy Schwartz

Writer

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Brandon Ramsay

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Wayne County Real Producers • 11

top producer

By Jane K. Asher, Ph.D. Photos by Tracie Seeley with Downriver Real Estate Photography

Photo taken at Lombardo Homes - Montcaret in Northville

12 • August 2021

@realproducers

JUSTIN FORD

Flourishing With Faith and Fortitude

After being featured as an Agent on the Rise in December of 2019, Justin Ford was confident he would eventually make his way to the cover of Real Producers. “My goal has always been to be a top producer in anything I do, so I knew that if I continued to work hard, it was only a matter of time,” he said.

Committed, determined and motivated to take his real estate career to the next level, Justin began 2020 with the ambitious goal of

realproducersmag.com

selling 100 homes and closing $20 million in volume. Equipped with a strong mindset and discipline, Justin didn’t just achieve his goal: He reached new heights by selling 125 homes and closing $31 million.

“Having a strong team around me has been a major factor — from having my wife, Joy, by my side to handle all of our admin work and customer communication to having my showing assistant coordinate and handle all of my showings, I wouldn’t be able to succeed at this level without them,” Justin said. “One of the keys to my success in 2020 was going on a 30-day, liquid fast for the entire month of June. While I was praying, God told me to fast for 30 days. As a result, I sold 31 homes that month, and my business exploded the rest of the year.”

Wayne County Real Producers • 13

In order to become more organized and free up time to focus on his strengths — lead generation and appointments — Justin hired an executive assistant at the end of 2020.

Additionally, to keep up with the demand of his growing business and extra lead flow, Justin welcomed several agents to the Justin Ford Real Estate Team. “I now have a like-minded team of eight agents and three admins, all of whom share similar goals and dreams,” Justin said. “I am very selective about whom I allow to be a part of our team — you have to be a really awesome type of person to work with us!”

In January of 2021, Justin relocated his independent brokerage to eXp, a move that granted him the opportunity to earn stock, build residual revenue share and grow his team across the globe.

“I am super excited to have switched over to eXp, where I am able to partner with real estate agents around the world and help them build and grow their business,” Justin said. “My goal is to build an international team of 10,000+ agents and help them succeed at a high level in real estate and in life. More so, my wife and I want to help agents improve their marriages, show people how to get out of debt and build wealth, and, most importantly, help people grow spiritually and establish a relationship with God.” Justin, who dropped out of high school his senior year and began down a harrowing path of drugs, alcohol and crime, turned his life around at the age of 19 after a several-month stay at Grace Centers of Hope, a Christian rehab facility in Pontiac. “This is where my life truly changed: I became a born-again Christian and developed a relationship with Jesus Christ, which is truly the foundation of my life and my success,” he said. “I have a vision for my life and for what God has created me to accomplish throughout my time on Earth — it has been my driving force and what continues to guide me every single day.”

14 • August 2021

Photo provided by Justin Ford

In 2021, Justin wrote his first book, “Unleashed: 7 Key Principles to Breaking Free and Breaking Through,” which recounts his battle with drug addiction and explores his path from “brokenness” to a successful life. “I hope that my book helps people all around the world break free from the things that are holding them back from discovering their purpose and living the life that God created them to live,” he said.

Photo provided

by Justin Ford

Justin and Joy, his wife of over 15 years, have a blended family of four children — Angelina, 20, Emilio, 18, Tiara, 15, and Judah, 8 — and a 1-yearold grandson named Joel. “We have a lot of fun together; we all love to travel and go out to eat,” Justin said. “We have big dreams as a family and want to change the world together.”

Justin and Joy, who lost their home to foreclosure and went bankrupt shortly after they were married, are proud to have recently purchased a new home in Plymouth after renting for 10 years. “As a result of the financial hardship and loss we experienced, I decided that I was never going to allow that to happen to my family again, and I made a commitment to win in life no matter what,” Justin said. “Buying a new home was a big deal for my family — it gave us newfound confidence and security.” @realproducers

When he’s not working, Justin spends his free time reading his all-time favorite book, the Bible — his other favorites include “Rich Dad’s CASHFLOW Quadrant” by Robert Kiyosaki and “Transformation” by Ed Silvoso. Justin loves football, working out, traveling, and listening to worship, Christian rap, smooth jazz and Latina music. He also volunteers and financially supports Grace Centers of Hope — the place that fostered his rebirth many years ago — as well as several other local ministries and churches.

Photo taken at Lombardo Homes Montcaret in Northville

“

I have a vision for my life and for what God has created me to accomplish throughout my time on Earth — it has been my driving force and what continues to guide me every single day.”

“I want to be remembered as someone who overcame many struggles in life but never gave up and never quit, and to show people that no matter what you face in life, you can succeed and live a blessed life,” Justin said. “More importantly, I want to live for the Lord and impact others to do the same.”

Justin is ever so grateful for all the people who shaped his personal path of faith, notably Pastor Pat Bossio Jr. “He took me under his wing when I was a young 19-year-old just starting to get my life together, and he taught me how to become a man, a husband and a dad,” Justin said. “I am blessed to have many coaches, mentors and advisors who help me become a better version of myself and am especially thankful for Jeff Glover, my first mentor in real estate who continues to play a major role in my business.”

Justin, who works alongside Jeff as a coach at Glover U, leads the organization’s “Prospecting Bootcamp,” in which he teaches agents all over North America how to take more listings and sell more homes by calling expired listings and for-sale-by-owners. This form of lead generation has been pivotal to Justin’s success in the real estate industry.

Justin’s many achievements in real estate throughout his eight-year career — and his swift succession to Top Producer — are a result of his hard work, strong mindset, determination and discipline. More importantly, his personal and professional journey is a testimony of faith and fortitude … a testament to the blessings that abound from a purpose-driven life.

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Wayne County Real Producers • 15

16 • August 2021

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partner spotlight

By Robbyn Moore Photos by Jermaine Buie with Perfect Light, LLC

H O M E S T A G I N G The Next Stage in Home Sales Statistics have shown that staged homes sell faster, bring higher offers and create happier sellers. Home staging also brings a home to life and can be the key to creating an emotional connection in a potential buyer. For 35 years, the experts at Showhomes Home Staging have pioneered the home staging industry by partnering with real estate agents and offering solutions to better show and, ultimately, sell a home.

They began their business in 1986 with the concept of transforming vacant houses — often seen by buyers as stale, lifeless and unappealing — into fully furnished, inviting, valued show homes. Now in their third decade of service, they continue to be a leader in this fast-growing industry and are known as America’s premier home staging service from coast to coast.

“We are essentially a one-stop shop,” Renee Douglas, Showhomes Home Staging — Northville owner, said.

“Staging a home by a professional stager is the most cost-effective way to refresh your home. We help with decorating trends, furniture placement, color choices, home improvements, decluttering, painting and minor repairs — everything to get a home ready to sell. Essentially, we take the responsibility off the real estate agent and homeowner, and ensure the necessary details are managed in a timely, professional manner.”

18 • August 2021

Because most buyers are looking for a move-in-ready house with an on-trend appearance, Showhomes provides customized staging solutions tailored to each home. “Options include design and decorating, whole house or partial home stagings and restyles,” Renee explained. “To appeal to the broadest base of buyers and to increase the value of your home, a few changes can provide the greatest return on investment.”

Showhomes also has a unique home manager program where they will stage a vacant home and bring in one of their home managers to live in the home while it is for sale. They maintain the home, cover the utility costs and ensure that it is “show ready” while also offering peace of mind that the home is safely guarded.

“This is a perfect program for larger-priced homes that could take a while to sell,” Renee said. “No one likes to walk into a cold, musty-smelling home after it has been on the market for a while or walk up a driveway that has six inches of snow on it — the home manager program solves those problems!” @realproducers

“Sellers tend to stage their home after it has sat on the market for a while and needs attention or a refresh,” Renee said.

“However, the ideal time to stage a home is before it goes on the market. We want real estate professionals to think of us in the beginning stages, not after 40 days on the market. It’s important to get a home in the best possible shape before it’s listed. Even a few minor changes can make the seller a lot more money.”

Renee added, “We are more than a service. We are a partner to real estate agents and their business. There is nothing better than putting together a great plan and then having an exciting reveal to a homeowner.

When we see the happy look on their face, we know we did our job.”

When COVID-19 shut down businesses, Showhomes showed their resilience and thought outside the box. “We had to do everything possible to make sure our customers and employees felt safe,” Renee recalled. “With an increased amount of time families were spending at home, we saw a surge in investments and renovations in home offices and everyday living spaces.

As a result, we have been doing more design and furniture sales than ever before.”

Showhomes is a national franchise based in Nashville, Tennessee, with over 50 locations throughout the U.S. The company has broad experience in real estate, design, customer service and franchise operations. They’re dedicated to bringing unparalleled expertise, responsiveness, professionalism and results. They have been honored with multiple Top 50 Franchisee Satisfaction Awards from the Franchise Business Review and featured on the TODAY show, HGTV and the Travel Channel. For more information, visit showhomes.com/northville. realproducersmag.com

Wayne County Real Producers • 19

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Wayne County Real Producers • 21

22 • August 2021

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STAYING TRUE TO HERSELF AND TO HER CAREER

KIM HERRON

agent on the rise

By Robbyn Moore Photos by Stylish Detroit Photos taken at Lombardo Homes - Concord Park in Canton

Seven years ago, Kim Herron, her husband, Chad, and their 6-month-old daughter Adalyn moved back to their native state of Michigan from Chicago.

Once their daughter was born, they realized they had outgrown the city and were ready to be closer to family. After years of working in the corporate world — and after settling in as a new mom — Kim began to search for a part-time career with the intention of getting out of the house a few days a week. With her background in mortgage lending and foreclosures, Kim acquired her real estate license. Since that time, Kim has kept her family as her highest priority and will surpass a career volume of $50 million this year. “Although real estate quickly became addictive, I discovered it’s a great fit for young families,” Kim shared. “For me, the key to making this work has come from focusing on staying true to myself.”

In an effort to properly set the right expectations for her clients, Kim is very passionate about thoroughly educating her buyers and sellers on the transaction process. “To me, success isn’t how much money you make: it’s providing the most value for your client and getting their deal to the closing table,” she said. “It’s about making an impact on people and helping clients achieve their dreams.

It’s also all about reaching goals you never thought were obtainable, and then reaching for even higher goals.”

Choosing to stay true to herself has allowed Kim to be present for her family and her clients. Whether her plan is to ride bikes with her kids or show houses to clients on a Saturday, Kim is unyielding in her time to work tirelessly toward a goal. “In this business, you cannot be desperate to make a sale,” Kim explained. “If

you’re running yourself ragged just for a possible paycheck, then mistakes happen and you’re mismanaging your time, and that can have repercussions in all areas of your life.”

The biggest challenge for Kim has been managing client demands.

“Clients tend to want to chat the second you pull into your driveway at home or the second you pull up to a family party on a Saturday,” she shared. “Over the years, I’ve learned it’s OK to have a life outside of real estate, too. As long as I reassure my clients with a quick text to acknowledge them, they know I have their best interest in mind at all times, and I can continue my plans without neglecting my work or my family.”

The motivation behind everything Kim does is her family. Since moving

Kim, who is with Coldwell Banker Preferred, added, “I love people, and I love playing matchmaker with houses.

Now that I have children — and a personality that doesn’t allow me to sit still for very long — a desk job was really no longer an option for me. I’m also secretly ultra-competitive … I guess the cat’s out of the bag now,” she said, laughing.

Kim’s knowledge from years of working at World Savings Bank and Fannie Mae proved to be the perfect fit for real estate.

While at Fannie Mae, Kim was able to act as the seller, averaging over 80 property sales in a month.

“It molded me to flip the switch and transition to the real estate sales side,” she said. “Through my prior career, I gained an expertise in selling houses and truly learned what it takes to get the seller top dollar for their property.” realproducersmag.com

Wayne County Real Producers • 23

to Michigan in 2014, they are now a family of four.

With their signature curly hair, Kim’s kids are the center of her world. According to Kim, their daughter Adalyn is 7-going-on-16 and a big-time daddy’s girl. “She was born in downtown Chicago and will always be my city girl,” Kim proudly shared. “She is tiny yet mighty, and don’t ever tell her she’s tiny!”

The couple’s youngest, Lincoln, is 4 years old and keeps the entire family laughing as he tries to keep up with the older neighborhood kids.

Kim’s husband is the director of finance at Lineage Logistics in Novi, and while he puts in full days in the office, he still finds time to joke around with the kids and support Kim’s schedule. “He is super laid-back and has helped me become the best real estate agent and mom I can be,” Kim said. “I honestly don’t think he has ever complained about my job!” The Herron family recently joined the Walnut Creek Country Club and look forward to many years of having family fun on the golf course.

A few years ago, Kim’s dad was blessed with a heart transplant, and shortly thereafter, her husband received a kidney transplant. “These two life-changing miracles have taught me how incredibly blessed our family has been — I never take a day for granted,” Kim shared. “These events have also made me stronger than I’ve ever been, which, in turn, has motivated me to be the best agent I can possibly be

“

IF YOU STAY TRUE TO WHO YOU ARE AND FIND GRATITUDE IN WHAT YOU HAVE, YOU WILL FIND SUCCESS.

”

so I can save for my children’s future, should anything ever happen to my husband or me.”

As a result of her family’s transplant surgeries, Kim supports Donate Life, a nonprofit organization leading its national partners and their teams to increase the number of donated organs, eyes and tissues available to save and heal lives through transplantation. They also strive to develop a culture where donation is embraced as a fundamental human responsibility. “I appreciate every day, because you never know what tomorrow brings,” Kim said.

24 • August 2021

Having the flexibility to manage her own schedule has allowed Kim to successfully complete two half-marathons, start her own neighborhood wine club, volunteer in her kids’ classrooms and create her own financially secure business.

“In the real estate industry, you have to be self-motivated and willing to give your very best to your clients at all times,” Kim said. “If you stay true to who you are and find gratitude in what you have, you will find success.” @realproducers

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26 • August 2021

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MARK & PATTY

HENDERSON Sharing the Secret to a Great Partnership

28 • August 2021

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dynamic duo

By Robbyn Moore Photos by Stylish Detroit Photos taken at Trevarrow, Inc. Showroom in Auburn Hills

When Mark and Patty Henderson were married in 2015, they merged their lives and families to form a forever partnership. Shortly thereafter, they combined Mark’s expertise in construction and Patty’s legal knowledge to create The Henderson Realty Team of NextHome Evolution — a dynamic real estate business that’s unique and approachable.

of what needs fixing and repairing. Therefore, I thought I would share my knowledge with others, offering tips and best practices for getting a house in shape to sell.”

Mark and Patty work closely with their clients to find out what’s most important to them — listening to their needs and desires while also ensuring that a home is in sound condition. For years, Patty worked as a bankruptcy paralegal and saw people lose their homes because of poor construction or as a result of financial struggles. “I’ve seen that side of homeownership,” Patty said. “I try to be a source of guidance from a legal standpoint, and Mark looks for possible construction issues to avoid any future problems. Our partnership offers the best of both worlds to our clients.”

“We utilized our individual strengths to form a strong team to better serve our clients,” Patty shared. The duo became icon agents in 2020 by surpassing $5 million in sales. They attribute much of their success to “Selling Secrets,” a recently published selfhelp book they co-wrote for sellers who want to put their homes on the market. “We encourage our clients to use the techniques and ideas in the book, and together, we find success,” Patty said. “We recently closed two deals in two weeks that were direct results from clients reading our book.”

While the book is geared toward sellers who are preparing to list their home, it also offers help to buyers by educating them on what to look for in a home and basic expectations from the seller.

The book, which is proving to be well received by their clients and the real estate community, was originally initiated by Mark. “We created a tool that helps our clients in the buying and selling process,” Mark explained. “With my construction background, I tend to look at homes from the perspective realproducersmag.com

Wayne County Real Producers • 29

The time and attention Mark and Patty give to their clients are the hallmarks of their business, which has formed years of friendships and numerous referrals. “We are passionate about working as hard as we can to take care of each and every one of our clients,” Mark said. “We work to the best of our abilities to either sell or help our clients buy their dream home.”

Patty added, “We both agree: Our top priority is keeping our clients informed. We also share the desire to teach first-time homebuyers the buying and selling process, and work tirelessly to be available to them every step of the way.”

Mark is an avid hunter, and together, the couple enjoys camping and outdoor activities. They each have four grown children from previous marriages, and while their collective eight children are busy raising their own families, Mark and Patty look forward to opportunities to spend time together as a blended group.

With each transaction, the Henderson duo offers their combined strengths and talents for a unique client experience. “There is no competition between us,” Patty said. “We know our strengths and weaknesses, and we use that to our advantage.”

The couple agreed that they are living out their dream plans of working together.

“We are literally doing exactly what we planned for our future,” Patty shared.

“With both of our backgrounds combined, we are a perfect team.”

To order a free copy of “Selling Secrets,” visit markhenderson.book.live.

“

We recently closed two deals in two weeks that were direct results from clients reading our book.”

The couple perfectly balances each other’s strengths with a common goal of getting to the closing table. “Throughout each deal, Mark handles the majority of negotiations, and because of my understanding of mortgage documents and deeds, I oversee most of the paperwork,” Patty said.

30 • August 2021

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Julie

Moraitis A NATURAL-BORN ENTREPRENEUR AND FEARLESS LEADER

agent spotlight

By Robbyn Moore Photos by Jermaine Buie with Perfect Light, LLC

In simple terms, an entrepreneur is an individual who creates a new business, bearing most of the risks and enjoying most of the rewards.

Commonly seen as an innovator and a source of new ideas, an entrepreneur understands the potential of limitless success. For Julie Moraitis — who refers to herself as a workaholic — owning a business and being her own boss is all she’s ever known.

She’s been a self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur since college and continues to be a maven when it comes to business acumen.

Entrepreneurship runs deep in Julie’s family. Growing up, Julie watched her father own and operate a successful Chrysler/ Plymouth dealership outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Furthermore, Julie found inspiration in her husband’s parents who are also lifetime entrepreneurs.

Julie began her business ventures as a restaurant owner with her husband, Lee. They owned restaurants in Metro Detroit and Austin, Texas. In 2001, they opened their own mortgage brokerage, Atlas Mortgage. Following that, they started a transaction management platform for real estate agents called Realty Commander and rode out the aftermath of the 2008 recession. After they sold their software business to ShowingTime in 2015, and once their three daughters were older and more self-sufficient, Julie saw a natural transition into real estate and an opportunity to 32 • August 2021

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Photo provided by Julie Moraitis

work directly with buyers and sellers. “I had so much experience in the industry and loved helping people,” she said. “I knew I could be a great advocate for people through what is most likely the largest investment of their life. I also love problem-solving and just knew that I could guide my clients seamlessly through their home sale or purchase.”

Today, Julie is a real estate agent and co-founder of The Luxe Group — eXp Realty. Her entrepreneurial spirit and ability to connect with people has created lifetime customers and a dedicated network of 120 talented agents.

“Right now, I am most passionate about implementing systems that deliver the utmost in customer service,” Julie shared. “Our team is on a trajectory to grow to 500 agents by the end of 2021, and we will accomplish this because of our coaching, training and lean realproducersmag.com

generation strategies, not to mention the fact that all agents earn stock and shared company revenue.”

The collaboration with high-performing agents and watching their success brings the greatest amount of joy to Julie’s career. “I value different ideas and the sharing of challenges, experiences and best practices with my fellow agents,” she said. “It’s the best way to offer unlimited knowledge and guidance to our clients with every transaction.”

Because of Julie’s unyielding commitment to her work, she has grown her real estate business by 460% in less than three years. She attributes most of her success to aligning herself with great leaders who encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone, and, in turn, helped build her confidence. “I can honestly sum up my success with three letters: e-xp,” she said. “I would like agents to know that eXp motivated me to set

my goals higher and believe in myself as a leader. When you become a leader, you gain a level of confidence that will take your business to the next level — I’m proof of that.”

Julie’s team refer to themselves as family and consists of top-producing agents who have all learned to “fish” on their own by generating their own business without being dependent on handout leads. “Among the offices in Metro Detroit, Florida, Arizona, California and Nevada, our group of agents are 100% collaboration and 0% competition,” Julie explained. “I am a better businesswoman because of the teams around me.”

For new agents entering the marketplace, Julie highly recommends finding an agent mentor to help navigate the industry.

“Finding a seasoned agent who is willing to take you under their wing is the best way to launch a career,” she said. “I work hard every day — coaching, training and leading as a collaborative group with all of the agents in my organization. We share marketing ideas, how to handle all types of situations and, most importantly, we have fun.”

Wayne County Real Producers • 33

When it comes to team success, Julie emphasized the importance of group collaboration.

“One of our agents, Nicole Elizabeth Yeager, is a prime example of teamwork,” Julie said.

“Since joining our team, she is absolutely killing it! She has more than tripled her production and brings an abundance of enthusiasm, creativity and great ideas — especially when it comes to social media marketing to the entire team.”

Years of prior entrepreneurship experience shaped Julie’s work ethic. She is a fearless leader who understands the importance of being consistent, finding solutions and caring for others. Her tenacity to tackle challenges is relentless and a calling card that her fellow agents and clients have come to rely on.

Along with her team collaboration, for more than 10 years, Julie has supported Compassion International through contributions to the mentorship and financial support of children in third-world countries.

Additionally, Julie supports Team Joseph, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to aggressively fund cutting-edge research to find a treatment or cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

In her free time, Julie is a fitness enthusiast and enjoys daily workouts. She and her husband love to travel and play tennis and golf. They have been married for 27 years and have three daughters — Jillian, 22, Megan, 20, and Lauren, 16. They enjoyed watching their older daughters grow up competing in dance and 34 • August 2021

pom, and they continue to watch their youngest compete in travel soccer.

Their elder daughters are also following in their parents’ footsteps: Jillian is a graduate of MSU Broad College of Business and Megan is also pursuing a business degree. May the entrepreneurial spirit live on. @realproducers

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beyond the book

MIKE RIPINSKI CENTURY 21 Curran & Oberski – Royal Oak BIG BEAVER ROAD

What do you hope your readers take away from your book?

I hope readers will enjoy the story and the characters. Anyone from the Metro Detroit area will recognize and even relate to most of the locations as the plot unfolds.

What was your favorite part of the writing/publishing journey?

My favorite part of the journey was having the final product in print and e-book, as well as receiving positive feedback from family and friends.

Who helped you write your book, and/ or who do you pay tribute to in your book acknowledgments?

My wife, Dawne, encouraged me even when I wanted to give up. The book is dedicated to her.

Year of Publication: 2014 Publisher: Kindle Direct Genre: Mystery What inspired you to write your book?

My daughter Angela encouraged me when she was taking journalism classes at Michigan State. She knew that I enjoyed writing and telling stories and inspired me to go for it.

What is your book about?

Dick Hagen, a retired Detroit Homicide detective, is drawn into a murder investigation in Troy, Michigan. As it unfolds, a well-known politician and his banker friend become suspects, and the motive involves a cover-up of a real estate development with undisclosed hazardous waste. The trail leads to other partners in the deal, and as Hagen gets closer, the pace quickens with a high-speed chase, a plane crash and a final confrontation in Chicago.

Do you hear from your readers much?

What do they have to say about your book?

My family and friends were very encouraging and supportive. Reviews were generous; however, I had one Amazon review that I thought was a little harsh.

This project was for fun and to see if I could really accomplish a longtime dream. I do not consider myself a literary master, and I can accept the criticism.

Do you plan to write another book in the future, or do you currently have another writing project in the works?

I have already published a second book, “Jack’s Hot Dog,” which was loosely inspired by events and people I knew while growing up in Toledo, Ohio. It is a story of friendship, mystery and redemption that takes place over five or six decades.

It is also available on Amazon and at local bookstores.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your writing process, your book or the reception of your book?

Writing is like many other pursuits or endeavors: To be successful, it takes practice, commitment, patience and creativity … and thick skin.

Where can readers purchase your book?

The book is still available on Amazon, or people can contact me directly at mjripinski@yahoo.com. A few local bookstores such as Paper Trail Books in downtown Royal Oak and Yellow Door Artist Market in Berkley also carry it.

Describe your book in 7 words or less.

Do you have any tips or advice for aspiring writers?

A murder mystery with political sub-plot

Read as many books as you can in the

36 • August 2021

genre(s) that interest you. For mystery, pay attention to the dialogue and the way other writers develop a story. My favorite author is the late Elmore Leonard.

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event recap Photos by Sasha Marceta with Skyview Experts

Release Party JUNE ISSUE

At our June Issue Release Party, the features from our Best-in-Class Special Issue and a few preferred partners gathered together to have some fun and connect with one another on a smaller scale.

Thank you to Omega Lending for hosting and sponsoring the event as well as to InsideOut Inspections Plus for the great food.

Check out these photos taken by Sasha Marceta with Skyview Experts.

40 • August 2021

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If you want to host or sponsor an upcoming Issue Release Party, contact terra.csotty@realproducersmag.com or dina.ranieri@realproducersmag.com.

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