Jeff Todd, Sr.

SELLING HOMES AND SOLVING PROBLEMS

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by: Dawn Townsend

Long before social media, Zillow and realtor.com were used as marketing tools to buy and sell homes, Jeff Todd, Sr. was helping his clients look through MLS books to find their dream home. “Helping people has always been the motivating factor for getting into this business,” Jeff recalled. “I realized that if I was fair to my clients and worked hard, the money would follow. And, the money doesn’t motivate me — it’s getting referrals and seeing happy clients that bring me the greatest joy!”

Jeff is with Keller Williams Paint Creek. He began his career in 1984 and has seen the ebbs and flows of the real estate industry. “The key to being successful is staying positive,” he shared. “I’ve worked tirelessly through recessions and tough closings and now, most recently, through COVID-19. Keeping a positive attitude, even when it seems like the sky is falling, makes all the difference.”

While sometimes the work of a real estate agent can be challenging, Jeff suggested adding an element of laughter to keep things in perspective. “After 35 years in this business, I have collected experiences that could fill a book,” Jeff laughed. There was a time he had a listed home burn down and a client so distraught they checked themselves into a mental institution. He has shown properties to celebrities such as Nicholas Cage, and he once retrieved a signature from a client who was locked up in Jackson State Prison. “I’m sure many agents could relate to their own head-shaking moments,” he added. “But that’s the part of the job that makes things interesting. I am doing more than selling a house — I’m helping to solve problems.”

Last year, Jeff had $15 million in sales. He has a career volume over $225 million and has been in the top 5% for the last three years, according to Hour Detroit. In 2018, he was recognized as Rochester’s Small Businessperson of the Year and most recently, as one of the top teams in America by The Wall Street Journal.

In addition to himself, Jeff’s team includes Property Manager Bridgett Bibashani, three sales managers — Lisa Munro, Ken Singleton and Neil Mellendorf — and Daile Lupa who has been his assistant for more than 18 years. “It’s a goal of mine to continue the growth of the Jeff Todd Team and eventually hire a manager to run the operation,” Jeff said. “Building and maintaining a solid team and keeping, our focus on excellent customer service is how I plan to move forward.”

Jeff grew up in Royal Oak with his three brothers, three sisters — including a twin sister — three stepbrothers and a half-sister. “My parents sacrificed so much for us,” Jeff shared. “My dad worked extremely hard and still found time to play with us. Both my parents showed us what it looked like to be loving parents — something I strive for in my own family.”

Jeff and his wife, Kimberly, enjoy spending time with their children: daughter Kacie and son-in-law Jack; daughter Haley and her fiancé Lindon; and son Jeff Jr. and his fiancé Hannah. They also have two dogs, Charlie and Lucy. Together, they spend time taking walks, watching movies and most importantly, laughing.

I LEAD MY BUSINESS AND MY PERSONAL LIFE WITH THE FOUR ‘F’S’: FAITH, FAMILY FITNESS AND FRIENDS.

Because a career in real estate offered Jeff a flexible schedule, he was able to attend many of his kids’ sporting events and activities as they were growing up. “Personally, the best part of being a real estate agent was the ability to work and also be a part of my kids’ lives,” he said. “And professionally, it’s helping my clients with all the challenges in buying or selling a home.”

Faith has been the cornerstone to Jeff’s life. “I lead my business and my personal life with the four ‘F’s’: faith, family, fitness and friends,” he explained. “Keeping these priorities balanced is what makes my life productive — it’s how I define success.”

Agent Spotlight: Jeff Todd, Sr.