Real Producers of Oakland County January 2021

OAKLAND COUNTY

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 .

SPECIAL ISSUE

RECAP OF 2020 & REAL INSPIRATION FOR THE NEW YEAR

TOP PRODUCER

Matthew BERNEY Photo by Stylish Detroit

JANUARY 2021

THE GREATEST ASSET OF A COMPANY ARE IT’S EMPLOYEES

YOU WANT “THESE” GENTLEMEN ON YOUR MOVE!

Looking for a new and healthy year.

248-674-3937 CVED 21897

2 • January 2021

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A MORTGAGE PROGRAM SPECIFICALLY FOR PHYSICIANS. For more information about this and other exclusive offers, contact: Sandra Frith

Mortgage Loan Officer

NMLS# 564023 1040 E Maple Road Birmingham, MI 48009 p - 586.749.8355 f - 877.873.1344 c - 586.871.8002 e - sandi.frith@huntington.com www.huntington.com/mortgage/frith-sandi All loans are subject to application and credit approval, satisfactory appraisal and title insurance. Terms, conditions and loan programs are subject to change without notice. Other terms, conditions and restrictions may apply.

The Huntington National Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. a®, Huntington® and aHuntington® are federally registered service marks of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. Huntington. Welcome.SM is a service mark of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. ©2018 Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. NMLS ID #402436 (09/17)

Join the Habitat Women Build Team and make a difference in Oakland County!

Building now in Southfield, no experience needed!

Contact denav@habitatoakland.org for more membership or sponsorship information

@HabitatforHumanityOC

habitatoakland.org realproducersmag.com

Oakland County Real Producers • 3

TAB LE OF

CONTENTS 07

08

16

Editor’s Note

Preferred Partners

REAL Inspiration — Top Producer: Matthew Berney

24

32

40

REAL Inspiration — Partner Spotlight: Joseph Leo

REAL Inspiration: Christopher Wallington

REAL Inspiration — Behindthe-Scenes All-Star: Kimberly Wolff

46

54

62

REAL Inspiration: Terry Hardy

Charity Spotlight: Wellness Warriors of Rochester

Event: Recap of November 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 Oakland 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 • January 2021

@realproducers

realproducersmag.com

Oakland County Real Producers • 5

6 • January 2021

@realproducers

REAL

inspiration editor’s note

I don’t think there are official benchmarks for classifying a year as “unprecedented,” but most of us would agree that 2020 checked all the boxes, including an official slogan: “We’re all in this together.”

This REAL Inspiration Special Issue capitalizes on that power of shared experience with stories that candidly explore personal hardships and celebrate the resilient individuals who harnessed the strength to persevere through some of life’s toughest challenges.

This familiar tagline, which was echoed by the media, friends and family, called attention to our shared experiences and enabled us to cope — and persevere — by banding together.

2020 was unprecedented in the way that it publicly recognized the hardship and challenges of the pandemic ... and reminded us that everyone is struggling.

I applaud and admire Matthew Berney, Joseph Leo, Christopher Wallington, Kimberly Wolff and Terry Hardy for having the courage to revisit and reflect upon their difficult life experiences and share their realities with us. They remind us that everybody struggles, but, more importantly, they encourage us not to struggle in silence.

Of course, we all know that life is full of highs and lows. However, especially in professional settings, the stories that we publicize and share with others don’t always include the lows — the struggles and hardships that shape our paths and, ultimately, our successes.

As we usher in 2021, let us embolden the spirit of togetherness that embodied 2020 and embrace the REAL Inspiration that thrives in this supportive and resilient real estate community.

Happy New Year!

By overcoming tough life challenges, we grow stronger, wiser and more resilient. More so, by sharing our personal stories of hardship, we not only find meaning in the most difficult events, but we also empower and encourage others.

realproducersmag.com

Jane K. Asher, Ph.D.

Managing Editor of Real Producers of Oakland County jane.asher@realproducersmag.com Oakland County Real Producers • 7

PREFERRED PARTNERS

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 Wenderski & Associates, CPA P.C. (248) 689-7740 Your Tax Coach (810) 588-4646 APPLIANCES Sargent Appliance & Video (248) 652-9700 Trevarrow Inc. (248) 377-2300 APPRAISAL Bittner Appraisal Group LLC (248) 828-8218

CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS Cranbrook Custom Homes (586) 781-2316 Toll Brothers (248) 305-4004 DESIGN/BUILDERS Detroit Build Seabrook Satterlund (248) 677-0551 DRONES Hommati (248) 550-0515 Michigan Real Estate Photography (248) 660-5708

ATTORNEY/ LEGAL SERVICES Matta Blair, PLC (248) 593-6100

Perfect Light Photography Jermaine Buie (517) 515-1910

Rochester Law Center (248) 613-0007

Stylish Detroit (313) 799-3686

Targosz and Walker Legal Group (248) 443-5250

WayUp Media (248) 924-1011

CARPET & TILE CLEANING Chet’s Cleaning Jennifer Carnaghi (248) 584-1819

WindowStill Photography (517) 292-4066 WolfVR (248) 910-1754

CATERING Corporate Express Catering (248) 579-4602

ELECTRIC Premier Electric Company (248) 249-3790

CLOSING GIFTS Nibbles Gifts (248) 737-8088 NibblesGifts.com

ESTATE SALES Action Estate Sales (586) 228-9090

One Hope Wine (248) 425-7897 8 • January 2021

Hands of Time Estate Sales (734) 890-3623

FINANCIAL SERVICES & INVESTMENT PLANNING Equitable Advisors Randall B. Klee, LUTCF (248) 641-2617 FLOORING City Flooring (586) 303-5347 The Third Floor Marketing Group (313) 466-6498 FLORAL & GIFT BASKETS Rodnick, Inc. (586) 772-4350 www.rodnick.com GRAPHIC DESIGN & PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS Graphic Takeover LLC Jimmy Johnson (248) 894-4464 HEATING & COOLING Colonial Heating & Cooling (734) 455-6500 HOME BUILDER Lombardo Homes Melissa Cervin (586) 781-2316 Toll Brothers (248) 305-4004 HOME FURNISHINGS Home Interior Warehouse (248) 624-6700 HOME INSPECTION Big Moose Home Inspections (920) 570-6543 www.Bigmoose.us

Conclusive Inspection Services (248) 399-6969 en-Vision Property Inspections (586) 453-8755 HomeTeam Inspection Service (586) 783-9957 House Call Home Inspection (586) 434-0243 Total House Inspection (248) 550-9492 HOME STAGING Impact Home Staging Experts (248) 591-4290 HOME WARRANTY Achosa Home Warranty (248) 303-7210 INSURANCE Community Insurance Center (248) 628-2505 Farm Bureau Insurance David Purvis (248) 644-6364 Farm Bureau Insurance Aaron Blakemore (248) 760-3479 Goosehead Insurance Wesson Gappi (248) 275-8600 Provision Insurance (248) 262-7362

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INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE Michigan Real Estate Investors (248) 886-3585 JUNK REMOVAL 1-800-GOT-JUNK? (586) 909-9329 KITCHEN & BATH Whiski Kitchen (248) 629-0058 MOLD REMEDIATION Advanced Mold Services (586) 243-9991 MORTGAGE LENDER Anderson Financial Group Sandi Voiles (248) 417-4958 Berkshire Capital Griffen Hock (248) 822-7121 First State Bank Lisa Marie Pevac (586) 354-6797 First State Bank Ken Ebaugh (248) 270-6278 Gonzalez Group - NEXA Mortgage (586) 201-7255 Horizon Financial Group Joshua Rubin (248) 538-7162 Huntington Bank Sandi Frith (586) 871-8002 Lake Michigan Credit Union Matt Adler (248) 219-7552

realproducersmag.com

Motto Mortgage Defined (844) 437-3629 Omega Lending Group (248) 792-8876 Ross Mortgage Toni Thwaites (248) 459-2089 TCF Bank Lara Forte (248) 284-5178 MOVING & STORAGE Changing Places Moving Johnna Struck (248) 674-3937 Morse Moving & Storage (734) 484-1717 Preferred Moving & Storage (586) 463-4230 NEW CONSTRUCTION MORTGAGE Huntington Bank Sandi Frith (586) 871-8002 PARTY & EVENT PLANNER DJH Event Management (585) 727-3101 PHOTOGRAPHY Dawn Townsend Photography & Design (586) 225-4495 Hommati (248) 550-0515

Perfect Light Photography Jermaine Buie (517) 515-1910 Skyview Experts (586) 549-9690 Stylish Detroit (313) 799-3686 WayUp Media (248) 924-1011 WindowStill Photography (517) 292-4066 PHOTOGRAPHY & WEB DESIGN WolfVR (248) 910-1754 PRINTING/MARKETING/ DESIGN/SHIPPING Imperial Press (734) 728-5430 ROOFING PROFESSIONALS Clarkston Roofing Professionals Tony Missentzis (248) 934-7288 SEWER - CAMERA INSPECTION en-Vision Property Inspections (586) 453-8755 TAX PLANNING Your Tax Coach (810) 588-4646

Jessica Laine Photography (586) 855-3822

TITLE COMPANY Alliance Title of Michigan Mary Reed (586) 238-4400

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY Michigan Real Estate Photography (248) 660-5708

Alliance Title of Michigan Kelly Anderson (586) 238-4400

Defined Title (248) 218-1757 Devon Title (248) 273-4300 Fidelity National Title (248) 594-9390 Inked Title (248) 617-0004 TREE CARE SERVICES Dreadknot Services (248) 884-1681 VIRTUAL 3-D TOURS Hommati (248) 550-0515 Michigan Real Estate Photography (248) 660-5708 Skyview Experts (586) 549-9690 Stylish Detroit (313) 799-3686 WayUp Media (248) 924-1011 WindowStill Photography (517) 292-4066 VIRTUAL STAGING/SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING WolfVR (248) 910-1754 WEB DESIGN/SEO/ SOCIAL MEDIA Affordable Website Specialists (248) 770-8408

Oakland County Real Producers • 9

Services we provide our customers include the following: Mold Services Residential and Commercial Mold Removal Mold Testing and Removal Attic Mold Removal and Insulation Crawlspace Mold Removal and Encapsulation

43682 Gratiot | Clinton Township, MI | 48036 Phone: 586-468-6883 | Fax: 586-468-6480

advancedmoldmi.com

10 • January 2021

Tax Coach to the Real Estate Stars!

Karen@KarenRyan.com 810-588-4646 www.YourTax.Coach

@realproducers

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Oakland County Real Producers • 11

• Fundraising • Corporate Gifting • Custom Etching • Private Tastings ONEHOPE Wine is a charity based wine out of Napa Valley. Each bottle has a cause partner and has donated over 5.5 million dollars to date

https://www.onehopewine.com/myshop/lisa-zubal

248-425-7897 • Lisa.zubal@yahoo.com

TITLE SERVICES

Kellie M. Blair, Esq. 248.568.0290

Steven A. Matta, Esq. 248.505.9993

Matta Blair, PLC Real Estate Transactions | Real Estate Litigation Over Fifty Years’ Experience

• Representing buyers, sellers, brokers, agents, title companies and lenders in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate transactions • Litigating quiet title, boundary and riparian rights, zoning, contract disputes, licensing claims, commission disputes and arbitrations, agency issues, earnest money deposit disputes, buyer/seller liability, and probate issues.

• Plus, you’ll love us, we promise!

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12 • January 2021

It’s not closed..... until its INKED

www.InkedTitle.com

248-617-0004 @realproducers

MEET THE

OAKLAND COUNTY REAL PRODUCERS TEAM

Chris Csotty

Terra Csotty

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

Dina Ranieri

Relationship Manager

Jeanne Monillo

Publisher

April Shanne Subiera

Deborah Huston

Robbyn Moore

Amanda Matkowski

Andy Schwartz

Jermaine Buie

Jessica Laine Gouverneur

Dawn Townsend

Brandon Ramsay

Publisher

Publishing Assistant

Perfect Light, LLC Photographer

realproducersmag.com

Event Coordinator

Jessica Laine Photography Photographer

Writer

Dawn Townsend Photography & Design Photographer

Editor

WayUp Media Videographer

Ad Strategist

Stylish Detroit Photographer/Videographer

Alex Norris

Michigan Real Estate Photography Videographer

Oakland County Real Producers • 13

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Kim Riley Catering Coordinator 248-579-4602 Kim@Express-Catering.com

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WHEN CONFIDENCE MATTERS…

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Estate Liquidation • Consignment Full Clean Out Service Serving Metro Detroit Area.

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Oakland County Real Producers • 15

real inspiration — top producer

By Jane K. Asher, Ph.D. Photos by Stylish Detroit

MATTHEW Picking up the Pieces to Persevere and Prosper

Matthew Berney from Quest Realty made his debut in Real Producers of Oakland County as a Rising Star in our June 2019 issue. At the time, given the growing momentum of his business, Matthew became very confident in his ability to not only reach — but also exceed — his goals. That’s precisely what Matthew did as

M

16 • January 2021

he finished 2019 by setting personal and company records. Matthew knew that being honored as a Rising Star was “a step in the right direction,” and he also knew that he was capable of positioning himself to become a Top Producer one day.

After closing out 2019 with $22 million in sales and projecting $25 million in 2020, Matthew has @realproducers

“

We are all people who make mistakes, and we all encounter difficulties in life and in business. What’s most important is how you rectify those mistakes and how you overcome adversity.

”

bolted through the ranks to Top Producer. That he did so in a year and a half is impressive in its own right, but what is more awe-inspiring is that he did so in the face of great loss and personal hardship.

Three years ago, Matthew’s younger sister Jennifer Varnado was diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 32. After a year of remission, Jennifer’s cancer returned, and Matthew realized that his sister realproducersmag.com

— a single mom living in Florida with her two young daughters — needed her family’s emotional and financial support. Matthew helped finance his mother’s move to Florida so that she could help care for her daughter and granddaughters, and he also provided ongoing financial support to his sister and her children.

Following treatment, Jennifer went into remission a second time, yet, a year later, her cancer resurfaced. “It was then that her doctors determined that Jennifer had become a reoccurring cancer patient, meaning that the likelihood of her permanently defeating the cancer was minimal,” Matthew Oakland County Real Producers • 17

said. “So she fought … and, boy did she fight. Day in and day out, she suffered the most incredible pain, but she fought for herself and her girls. Witnessing this was overwhelming, sad and heartbreaking, but watching her will to fight was one of the most inspiring things I have ever seen. I can’t express how proud I was — better yet, am — of how she fought until the end.”

That was some of the purest emotion I have ever experienced.”

In the months that followed, Matthew’s mother, Janine Courtney, continued to care for her dying daughter and began to experience some health concerns of her own.

Then, on Sunday, January 19, Janine was admitted into the hospital. By

Wednesday morning, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and began receiving chemotherapy and blood transfusions. Just a week after Matthew’s mother was unexpectedly admitted to the hospital, the nurse informed Matthew that he needed to come and be with his mother as soon as possible, so, within three hours, Matthew was back on a plane to Florida. Matthew then spent the next four days at his mother’s side, talking with her and comforting her before she suffered a stroke and died on January 30.

In the spring of 2019, the situation became more arduous when the doctors discovered that Jennifer was not responding to chemotherapy and that her cancer had most likely spread. Then, that fall, Jennifer’s condition took a turn for the worse when she was rushed to the hospital for significant pain. “That was the last time my sister would be at home with her daughters,” Matthew said.

“She was admitted to the hospital, and my nieces went to live with their dad. Day in and day out, my mother remained by her side at the hospital.”

Following Jennifer’s hospitalization, Matthew — who wanted to explore all possible avenues and resolve his family’s many unanswered questions — began communicating with his sister’s medical team in Florida. “On November 27, after days of dialogue, I spoke with Jennifer’s oncologist, and this call changed my life, as well as the lives of many others,” Matthew said.

“The doctor explained to me that my sister was no longer treatable … that cancer has taken over her body … that she would be taken by the disease in less than a year. Being in Michigan, I felt helpless. No words can describe the feelings that rushed over me.”

Jennifer was admitted to hospice, and a few weeks later, Matthew flew to Florida. “That was when I had some of the hardest conversations,” Matthew said. “My mom, the family counselor and I had to explain to Jennifer’s 8- and 9-year-old daughters that their mom wasn’t going to get better — that she was going to die.

18 • January 2021

@realproducers

For Matthew, dealing with the aftermath of devastating loss is a daily struggle full of good and bad days; however, he stays motivated — and finds comfort — in knowing that his mom is proud of him. He is grateful for the encouragement and solace he received from his wife, his daughters and his uncle, as well as for the support of his work family at Quest.

“This experience has opened my eyes and forced me to look at life differently — to be grateful, to love, to be present,” he said. “I learned that I really need to take the time to cherish the small things and be the best person I can be — the best husband, dad and friend.”

Matthew says that his personal situation drove him to work harder, to cherish every relationship and to take pride in being the best real estate agent he can be. “2020 was my most personally challenging year, but ironically, it will be a record year for me in real estate, even after missing about two months of work due to the quarantine,” Matthew said. “I have never focused on the volume; I just focus on the client, and I feel that’s why I have been successful. June 2020 was my best month ever: I sold 16 homes for $5.9 million.”

Amid immense sorrow and suffering, Matthew has harnessed the strength and focus to persevere and preserve his mental well-being. “Through all of this, I have discovered that I am resilient, I am strong and I am persistent.

True resilience is a matter of getting hit with adversity and not allowing it to take you down,” he said.

“I stood by my mom’s side as she passed away — it was an incredible range of emotions,” Matthew said. “I just lost the one who always stood by me, the person who always had my back and was so proud of how far I had come. Then, I immediately had to go tell my sick sister and the rest of the family that, out of nowhere, my mom died. I was left to pick up the realproducersmag.com

pieces, which is something that, quite frankly, I am still dealing with today.”

On April 18, Matthew’s sister died. “With the hope that all this had finally come to an end, I started to pick up the pieces and heal all over again,” Matthew said. “I was wrong: About two months ago, my wife’s grandma suddenly died, and then we had to put our 15-year-old dog to sleep due to his declining health.”

“We are all people who make mistakes, and we all encounter difficulties in life and in business. What’s most important is how you rectify those mistakes and how you overcome adversity,” Matthew said. “By hearing about other people’s struggles and adversity — and by sharing our own stories of loss — we can help fill that void. We can inspire each other and create hope.”

Oakland County Real Producers • 19

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20 • January 2021

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Oakland County Real Producers • 21

recap of 2020 LESLIE HARDY & LANIE HARDY COSGROVE May 2020 Photo by Fabrizio Costantini Photography

ALEX NUGENT November 2020 Photo by Stylish Detroit

GARY BRINCAT & SCOTT FADER October 2020 Photo by Stylish Detroit

MICHAEL MASON April 2020 Photo by Jermaine Buie with Perfect Light, LLC

22 • January 2021

TOP

EMILY FORD September 2020 Photo by Jermaine Buie with Perfect Light, LLC

@realproducers

PAUL MRUK December 2020 Photo by Stylish Detroit

STACY MILLETI March 2020 Photo by Eugen Muntean with Square Tangerine Productions

JEFF BARKER & MATT BARKER August 2020 Photo by Stylish Detroit

PRODUCERS AT T H E T O P O F T H E I R G A M E I N 2 0 2 0

JEFF GLOVER July 2020

realproducersmag.com

ALEX CHAPMAN January 2020 Photo by Eugen Muntean with Square Tangerine Productions

Oakland County Real Producers • 23

real inspiration — partner spotlight

By Robbyn Moore Photos by Jessica Laine Photography

CONCLUSIVE INSPECTION SERVICES A S TAT E O F M I N D Joseph Leo is a shining example that defeat occurs only if it is accepted as the truth. His relentless pursuit to rise above adversity is more than a state of mind: It is the reality that saved his mind.

At the beginning of 2011, Joseph weighed 240 pounds and trained several days a week. He ate well, got plenty of rest and believed he was bulletproof. However, by December of the same year, Joseph dropped down to 140 pounds. After numerous suggestions from friends and family, Joseph was finally convinced he needed to go to the doctor.

With his blood pressure dangerously low, Joseph was immediately admitted to the hospital. Two days later, the doctors came back with a 24 • January 2021

diagnosis of Hepatitis C. At the time, there wasn’t much concern; however, as a precautionary measure, he stayed for additional testing. This time, doctors came back with another diagnosis – inoperable brain cancer.

Hearing the doctor’s diagnosis left Joseph with scores of emotions: disbelief, denial and a will to survive. “They told me if the chemotherapy didn’t work, I would be dead in six weeks,” Joseph recalled. “Two weeks after the diagnosis, they informed me that the chemo wasn’t working, and they wanted to radiate my brain. I told the doctor, ‘That didn’t sound very good’ — he agreed.” Joseph was given the hope that the surgery would allow him another eight months to live.

As serendipity would have it, Joseph’s ex-wife Karen worked at Karmanos Cancer Center. Despite their divorce, they have remained friends, and as a friend, Karen advised Joseph to go to Karmanos to see what they could do.

It was determined by his doctors that Joseph needed surgery to remove a tumor from the middle of his brain.

During the surgery, three additional tumors were found in the back of his brain. Two days later, he was back home; however, the next morning, Joseph woke up with incredible stomach pain that sent him back to the hospital — he had developed diverticulitis with a perforation. “I was rushed into the operating room for emergency surgery,” he said. “When I awoke after surgery, I had a colostomy bag attached to me.” Feeling vanquished, Joseph knew he was going to have to dig deep to stay positive. “I tried to stay focused on my recovery and ignore the doctor’s grim prognosis. I’ve always leaned on my faith, but this time, my prayers were kicked up a few notches,” he said. @realproducers

As consistent as the sun rises every morning, so too were Joseph’s mother and his business and life partner Karen. They were sources of strength, comfort and reliance that fueled him to keep moving forward. “They never wavered,” Joseph said of his mother and Karen’s support and steadfastness. “Together, our focus was on getting me better.”

The stomach surgery put everything on hold until Joseph recovered enough to continue chemotherapy. After four weeks, chemotherapy resumed, but it was beyond a miserable experience for Joseph. “The form of chemo I received was so strong that it had to be out of my system before I could go home,” Joseph explained. “At the beginning, it would take six to seven days to get out of my system, and I would go home feeling extremely drained. Then, just when I was feeling stronger, I would have to go back into the hospital for another dose of chemo.”

Due to the delays, it took over a year to complete the chemotherapy treatments. “One good thing about 2012 was that after seven months of the colostomy bag, the doctors were able to stitch me back together and remove the bag – but this also delayed my chemo,” Joseph said.

The remaining tumors were finally erased by the massive high doses of chemotherapy. “My friends and many family members thought I wasn’t going to survive,” he shared. “After I was well enough to stop the chemo and only return to the hospital for monthly evaluations, everyone thought that I fought so hard and was so strong. My reply was and still is, ‘My part was easy: God took care of the hard part.’”

As the owner of Conclusive Inspection Services, Joseph was able to resume home inspections on a part-time basis during the 15 months of chemotherapy and surgeries. Other inspectors stepped up and filled in for realproducersmag.com

Oakland County Real Producers • 25

Joseph when he wasn’t able to work.

“Due to the illness, I was only able to work on a limited basis for that year-and-a-half,” Joseph said. “The business didn’t grow, but fortunately we had been established for over 10 years, and we had a solid client base.

Without Karen at the helm while I was sick, the business would not have survived. She single-handedly ran every aspect of the company and still tended to all my medical needs.”

While Karen and Joseph never doubted for a minute that he wouldn’t pull through, most of his friends weren’t so sure. “Their doubt actually made me extremely motivated and mentally stronger,” he said.

Joseph attributes his success to the support he received from the women in his life: his partner Karen, who was at his side every moment; his ex-wife Karen, who actually saved his life with her medical referrals — thus the title “the two Karens” emerged; and his mother, who provided him with constant motivation and homemade Italian food.

Looking back, Joseph said he wished he would’ve gone to the doctor much sooner. “It would have prevented quite a bit of pain and suffering,” he said. “I also tell people to always get a second option.”

Not surprisingly, the most difficult moment in Joseph’s life was when he received the inoperable brain cancer diagnosis. However, what did surprise him was the realization that the world around him could function without him. “I saw that I wasn’t invincible,” he said. “This acknowledgment put things into perspective. Things that I thought were stressful before this ordeal suddenly became unimportant.”

When the chemotherapy ended, Joseph focused on sharing his

26 • January 2021

message of never giving up, no matter how bad the circumstances.

“I overcame my physical hardships and was more motivated than ever; I was energized,” Joseph said. “From receiving a death sentence in 2011 to being able to return to normal physical activities and doing things I enjoy, it’s truly a miracle. I feel that I have been healed, and now it’s my job to spread the word.”

Joseph is a believer in making things happen rather than letting things happen. “Staying positive and having a strong mental attitude are powerful tools for healing. My state of mind literally saved my mind.”

Today, it has been nearly eight years since his last chemotherapy session. Joseph shares his story to churches, cancer groups and various other groups as living proof that there is always hope.

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RISING STARS AGENTS ON THE RISE hitting their stride in 2020

AVI KNOPF January 2020 Photo by Jermaine Buie with Perfect Light, LLC

KELLIE AIKEN March 2020 Photo by Jermaine Buie with Perfect Light, LLC

JAMES DANLEY March 2020 Photo by Stylish Detroit

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PHIL CINI May 2020 Photo by Stylish Detroit

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30 • January 2021

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KYLE DESMOND September 2020 Photo by Stylish Detroit

DENISE BELLORE July 2020 Photo by Jermaine Buie with Perfect Light, LLC

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LISA LIPARI October 2020 Photo by Jessica Laine Photography

TOM GAUNT October 2020 Photo by Dawn Townsend Photography & Design

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BIA SIMINOVICH November 2020 Photo by Jessica Laine Photography

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DANIEL SALMO December 2020 Photo by Dawn Townsend Photography & Design

Oakland County Real Producers • 31

Christopher Wallington

SEIZING & SHARING

STRENGTH

32 • January 2021

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real inspiration

By Jane K. Asher, Ph.D. Photos by Jessica Laine Photography

ON A SPRING MORNING IN 2016, CHRISTOPHER WALLINGTON AWAKENED TO A TERRIFYING NEW REALITY THAT WOULD ULTIMATELY CHANGE THE COURSE OF HIS PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE. AS HE HELD HIS BABY DAUGHTER IN HIS ARMS AND ATTEMPTED TO GET OUT OF BED, HE WAS UNABLE TO STAND OR WALK. HIS WIFE RUSHED TO HIS SIDE OF THE BED TO CATCH HIM AND HIS DAUGHTER BEFORE THEY FELL TO THE BEDROOM FLOOR.

A few days later, Christopher underwent appendix removal surgery, and about a week later, he was diagnosed with stage 1 appendiceal cancer, a very rare cancer — less than 6,000 known cases at the time — that often triggers few symptoms and goes undetected in its early stages.

realproducersmag.com

“My diagnosis came by total surprise to me and my wife,” Christopher said. “We had just had our baby girl less than a year ago, despite the doctors telling us that we couldn’t conceive. It had also been about 20 days since we closed on our first home together. This disrupted life as we knew it and took a major toll on my mental, emotional and physical well-being.”

As Christopher slowly regained his strength, he had good days sustained by his faith in God, bolstered by prayer, and bad days filled with depression and self-isolation. On the bad days, sometimes Christopher’s wife Tia would come home to find him in bed, curled up under the covers, or sitting in the corner of a dark room — situations which, from time to time, prompted her to encourage Christopher to seek out the help of a therapist.

Following surgery, Christopher spent 11 days in the hospital and 3 1/2 months recovering. “Mentally, I still have days and moments when those memories of surgery and the recovery resurface: being in the hospital learning how to walk again, sitting in the bed with multiple IVs in my arms and back, having to wait for the medical staff to come and assist me with everything — moments when I couldn’t control how bad I felt, moments when I wanted to shut everyone out and just be alone.”

“Me being a man, I kept saying, ‘Oh, I’m okay — it will pass, it’s just a moment that I’m going through, I’ll be good,’” Christopher explained.

“Well, that obviously was not the case because, despite putting on a mask to hide the pain and depression, I found myself falling into a deeper and darker place. My anxiety became unbearable to where it affected my driving,

Three-and-a-half weeks later, when Christopher underwent heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) surgery to remove the cancer, it had progressed to stage 2.

Oakland County Real Producers • 33

walking on stairs, reaction to heights and eating. I felt like I was dying inside ... and I was afraid to show it.”

Realizing that he needed to find a healthier way to cope, Christopher eventually took Tia’s advice and sought counseling, which he says allowed him to open up, release his pain, express his true feelings and discover a new and honest version of himself that he was unable to see on his own. “I made it through this battle because of my belief and faith in God, along with the support of my wife and my godbrother Ken,” Christopher said.

“During my sickness and recovery, the people I thought would be there were nowhere to be found. Tia and Ken were there from the beginning and remain by my side today. Around them, I wasn’t allowed to feel defeated or overwhelmed; they are the true definition of love, support and family.”

Christopher’s many emotional hardships incited him to evaluate his relationships with others and release himself from the unproductive and toxic friendships that were burdening his spirit. More so, his battle with cancer transformed his entire outlook on life. “It put me in a position to trust God — and myself — and gave me the motivation to go after those things that I wanted in life. I stopped being afraid of failure, and I stopped doubting my ability to succeed at my ventures,” Christopher said. “It made me work harder — now, at this point in my life, I feel like I can conquer anything, big or small!”

After a three-year career in the title and mortgage industry where he worked as an escrow refinance closer and communication trainer, one of those things that Christopher wanted in his life was to be his own boss and the ability to control his happiness and peace. So, in 2018, he seized his professional dreams and entered real

34 • January 2021

estate as an agent at Real Estate One, where he was honored with Rising Star, Rookie of the Year and Integrity & Teamwork awards in his office.

Now with KW Domain, Christopher continues to share his passion for making the impossible possible through homeownership and to build a thriving business through his sphere of influence and referral network. “I absolutely love real estate and being an agent,” Christopher said. “Real estate allows me to be that helpmate, resource, friend and guidance that people are looking for.”

Today, despite some lingering health issues from surgery, Christopher says that if he could go back to that May morning of 2016 and do things differently, he wouldn’t change a thing. “That time allowed me to grow into the person I am today — I can proudly say I have been cancer-free 4 1/2 years and that I am a stronger person because of the many struggles I encountered to get to this point,” Christopher said. “My experience changed me for the best: It made me less afraid to take risks, and it placed me in a position to help others on so many different levels.”

Christopher wants others to learn from his trials and triumphs, to believe that they can overcome anything and to know that they don’t have to be afraid or ashamed to reach out for help. “Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength,” he said.

It takes a strong person to candidly and publicly share the personal experiences responsible for cultivating their strength. Throughout his battle with cancer and depression, Christopher bravely seized his inner strength, and, today, he continues to boldly share his fortitude with others — and encourage them to find strength — through his story.

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36 • January 2021

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Oakland County Real Producers • 37

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40 • January 2021

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real inspiration — behind-the-scenes all-star

KIMBERLY WOLFF P U S H I N G FO R WA R D W I T H FA I T H A N D F E R VO R

Position/Title: Listing Manager Office/Company:

Thrive Realty Company How long have you been working with the person who nominated you?

Two years How long have you been working in the real estate industry? Three years What was your greatest hardship or challenge over the past year?

Over the past year or so, I relocated from New Mexico. Within a few months of living here, I had Bell’s palsy and persevered through my recovery while also adapting to my new life and career in Michigan. And impactful life events continued to happen, paired with personal growth ...

I got engaged, and our plans were to get married in New Mexico. Instead, we had to move our wedding to Michigan, leaving me with three weeks to reorganize everything.

A few weeks into the stay-at-home order, I got a call informing me that my dad, who had been sick for a week, was headed to the hospital and things weren’t looking good. Because of COVID-19, we weren’t allowed to visit him. Once he went on hospice, we fought for visitation and spent many nights in the hospital parking lot. My 53-year-old dad passed away due to endocarditis. realproducersmag.com

Experiencing three big life changes — a move across the country, the death of a parent and getting married — within a short time was very emotional. I had to make the decision to either sit in fear and remain paralyzed by emotion or to feel, be present and keep pushing forward. I chose to keep pushing forward with faith.

How did you press on during this difficult time?

I leaned on my support system — my family, friends, husband and work-family bolstered and supported me during this period of change and continue to do so throughout the grieving process. My personal and professional life overflow into each other: It’s unique to receive understanding, support, comfort, encouragement and accountability from all areas of my life. Everyone who surrounds me makes me feel loved and capable of getting through any type of challenge.

What did you learn about yourself throughout your recent hardship?

I have learned that we experience the ebbs and flows of life each day, and we have the freedom to choose how we respond. We can choose to use these experiences as an excuse, or we can choose to embrace them and let them fuel us to become better versions of ourselves. I am growing each

day, and hard times give me the power to understand. If I can change the way I look at things, the things I look at change. I know empathy now. And through uncertainty, I chose faith over fear.

What did you do before you began working in your current position?

I was a licensed real estate agent in New Mexico.

I moved to Michigan to start a new chapter of my life with my fiancé Steve, a Michigan native. That’s when I found The Woodbeck Team.

Oakland County Real Producers • 41

What does your typical workday look like?

My typical day consists of leading our 66-Day Real Estate Boot Camp. This boot camp is focused on learning to execute lead-generating activities. In addition to leading training, I also am the right hand to our director of sales, Justin Woodbeck. I ensure that I am partnering with him through all of his transactions along with supporting our real estate partners. I work closely with our transaction coordinator to ensure all of our team’s transactions are running efficiently to the closing table. And my last area of focus is our listing. I handle the coordination of all of our tasks from photos to ensuring the listing is live on the market, in addition to marketing our listings on our social tools.

How would you describe your job in one word?

Why do you think you excel at your job?

I excel because I have surrendered to coaching. I have a “yes and how?” mindset, and I take extreme ownership of my role and who I am as a person. And I care about my team members — their success is my success.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The most rewarding aspect of my job is seeing an agent’s excitement when they succeed as a result of training and coaching — and seeing them win overall!

Enjoyable What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

The most challenging aspect of my job is learning how to effectively lead others to success and to be the best versions of themselves.

When you’re not working, what do you like to do for fun?

I like to adventure outdoors and explore new places.

How do you feel about being nominated as a Behind-the-Scenes All-Star? Honored and Grateful Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I am proud and appreciative to be a part of a team and brokerage that strives to be the most trusted, empowering and results-oriented company in order to serve their agents and clients at a high level.

Our mission aligns with who I am and with where I want to go. I have searched my whole life for a team of people and a company that truly cares about me as a person and appreciates my hard work. Amy, Stevie and the whole company inspire me to be a better person.

Jessica Woodbeck, founder and CEO of Thrive Realty Co. and The Woodbeck Team, says that Kimberly deserves recognition for her incredible work ethic and strong will to do her best.

“Kim’s dedication, effort and perseverance never cease to amaze me, our team and our clients,” Jessica said. “Following the unexpected loss of her father and during the month-long hiatus she spent with her family in New Mexico, Kim continued to keep a pulse on her work regardless of how much we wanted her to disconnect — she attended meetings, supported the operations team carrying her load and maintained a degree of professionalism that most would not be able to fathom during such hardship.”

According to Jessica, Kimberly “runs her role like a CEO” and exceeds expectations when it comes to how much she cares.

“Whether it’s taking an elderly client out for lunch to break up the stress of moving or having a tough conversation with a team member to assist them in breaking through that next level, Kim’s heart shows up in her work,” Jessica said. “She’s worked countless hours to bring a project or deal to fruition and to ensure it’s done with the utmost care and attention. That’s something money can’t buy — it can’t buy a passion for excellence and growth.”

“Kim is family — from the moment I interviewed her, I knew she was special, talented and someone our organization would thrive with!”

Jessica said. “Boy, have we been in for a treat the entire ride — we’re in year three of this partnership, and I can firmly say she’s a lynchpin in our lives.”

Do you work with someone who truly makes a difference in the industry, in your business or at your office? Email Terra Csotty at terra.csotty@realproducersmag.com to nominate them to be featured as a Behind-the-Scenes All-Star in an upcoming issue.

42 • January 2021

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Oakland County Real Producers • 45

TERRY HARDY THE COMEBACK KID:

A Story of Persistence

46 • January 2021

@realproducers

real inspiration

was pulling Terry’s focus away from his work and his ability to maintain his record-breaking pace.

By Robbyn Moore Photos by Dawn Townsend Photography & Design

Within two months, Terry was recovered and reenergized. “I didn’t let my situation take me down,” he said. “I was determined to come back stronger and better at my job, and ready to set new goals with my work.”

Once again, Terry’s energy and mindset put him on top of the leaderboard. Six months after returning to work, he was honored with the 2019 ISA of the Year award by his brokerage. “I was on fire,” he shared excitedly. “I loved what I was doing, and I felt supported by my team. My efforts to build relationships and accomplish goals were starting to pay off.”

In early 2020, Terry once again found himself experiencing significant leg swelling and excruciating foot pain. “I was familiar with what was happening to my body, but this time, I felt there was something more serious happening — more extreme,” Terry said. To make matters worse, the world around Terry was also deteriorating with the advent of COVID-19. “Doctor offices were closing, and appointments were being canceled or conducted over the phone,” he said. “I was panicking because antibiotics weren’t helping, and the pain was getting worse.”

Photos of Terry’s foot and toes were submitted and reviewed by his doctors. Three days later, he was admitted to the hospital for immediate surgery. Terry’s first toe and a portion of his foot were amputated.

In 2017, when Terry Hardy began his real estate career, he had everything going for him: a great position as an inside sales agent (ISA) at MARK Z Real Estate Experts eXp Realty where he was winning awards, a caring and supportive wife, and a family who loved him.

It was during Terry’s second year at his current brokerage when he began exceeding his goals and breaking office records, setting 43 appointments in one month — 33 of which turned into listings. “I was so proud of my hard work,” Terry said. “I was fairly new in the real estate business, so this filled me with a great sense of accomplishment.” realproducersmag.com

Shortly after Terry began hitting his stride in his ISA position, he started to notice a recurring swelling in his leg. “I had a brief infection in my foot once that caused extreme pain and discomfort,” Terry recalled. “I was treated with antibiotics, and shortly thereafter, it cleared up — and that was that.” This time, however, Terry’s infection was much worse — so bad that he was hospitalized and required to stay off his foot for two months.

He was diagnosed with a medical condition called lymphedema, which creates swelling and small cracks in the skin that cause extreme pain and can lead to infections and other major problems. Needless to say, the setback

“I was devastated,” Terry shared. “Right away, the depression and fear set in, and a million questions ran through my mind: Will I be able to walk? Is this the first of many amputations? Will this ultimately be what takes me out?”

With so many unanswered questions, Terry felt hopeless and uncertain of his future. His everyday activities came to a screeching halt, and his dependency on his family for the simplest of needs left him feeling helpless.

“The entire healing process was mentally grueling,” Terry said. “Believe it or not, the most difficult thing for me was doing absolutely nothing for months.

I’m an active, social person, and I could feel myself sinking down a rabbit hole, never to return.”

Oakland County Real Producers • 47

Because of the medications Terry was taking, it was nearly impossible for him to focus on work or simple daily tasks; he even bathed out of a bowl because showering was too strenuous of an activity.

Through all of this, Terry’s wife April was a constant rock in his life. “I don’t know where I’d be without her by my side,” Terry said adoringly of his wife.

“Of course, she helped me with all of my essential needs, but she really helped me mentally. She was constantly assuring me that everything was going to be all right and that I still had worth, telling me I would be back at the top of my game in no time.”

At the time, Terry’s professional life was almost nonexistent. With the exception of a few follow-ups, his pipeline to new business had nearly dried up. He had to rebuild his

48 • January 2021

network from the ground up and get things moving again — something very familiar to Terry.

I couldn’t come back stronger and better, and I pushed myself in ways like never before.”

With the support of the MARK Z team and encouragement from his wife, Terry slowly began to believe in himself again. “One of the greatest gifts anyone could give to another person is to believe in them,” Terry said. “I wasn’t able to believe in myself; however, I had — and still have — the most amazing support from friends and family. Without them, I don’t think I could have pulled myself out of my funk.”

The team at MARK Z Real Estate was encouraging and ready for Terry’s return. “My brokerage is like family,” Terry said. “I’ve had other jobs where nobody cares if you’re there or not — this is different; I feel very much appreciated here.”

Terry learned the value of having a strong group of supporters around him who genuinely wanted to see him succeed. “I’ve been knocked down before, but this one really took me down,” he confessed. “I had to dig really deep and make the decision that I was going to rise above this and push forward.”

While there is no cure for Terry’s illness, he said his misfortune has given him a new perspective on life: family is a treasure like no other, and when life gives you a setback, persistence will bring you forward.

Terry decided “what’s done is done” and shifted his mindset. He leaned on others to keep him on track and looked inward to cope with his reality.

“I learned I was stronger than I thought I was,” he said. “I tuned out the ‘noise’ that was telling me

For the third time, Terry is climbing up the ladder of success. This time, however, he’s not only winning awards in his profession; he’s also winning in life.

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Oakland County Real Producers • 51

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Oakland County Real Producers • 53

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WELLNESS WARRIORS OF ROCHESTER

Combating Mental Health Stigma with Community Conversations In March of 2019, following a string of teen suicides that rocked the Rochester community, four concerned mothers banded together to break the stigma of mental health in their community and created a platform for families to engage in meaningful and relevant discussions about mental health.

“We could no longer sit back and wait for the next tragic event to happen, and the bond of four friendships created the group we have today: The Wellness Warriors of Rochester,” said Real Estate Agent Kinsley Brann from The Kinsley Collection, 54 • January 2021

Keller Williams Lakeside. “We want to normalize the struggles that so many people face and let them know that it’s okay not to be okay.”

Wellness Warriors President Kelly Kruse and founding members Kinsley, Kelly Kuhlman, Heather Cicco and Janelle Napolitano — mothers in the Rochester community who have children ranging from 5 to 17 years old — were surprised to learn individuals of all backgrounds and ages struggle with mental health issues. “Early negative thoughts and feelings can start much earlier than what most would think,” Kinsley said. “Children as young as 8 years old have reported having thoughts of wanting to take their own life.”

In addition to de-stigmatizing mental health, the nonprofit group promotes wellness and emotional @realproducers

charity spotlight

By Jane K. Asher, Ph.D. Photos by Devin Parrish Photography

resilience in families. Their Facebook page — the group’s main social media platform — serves to connect community members to local resources and live Facebook events featuring therapists, organizations and personal stories from individuals who have navigated troubling times, all of which members can watch at their convenience and in the privacy of their own homes. In addition, Wellness Warriors hosts face-to-face events like parent-teen yoga to promote wellness and strengthen family relationships.

As the group has evolved, they have realized that there is power in numbers and have partnered with various groups and organizations with similar missions. Recently Wellness Warriors teamed up with Ascension Providence Hospital in Rochester by serving on their Community Health Needs Assessment workgroup. This workgroup conducts surveys to determine the community’s current health needs and then creates an advisory board that is responsible for allocating the funds provided by The Ascension Providence Rochester Foundation.

“As members of the Rochester community and members of a nonprofit committed to raising realproducersmag.com

awareness about mental health, we have been able to have a voice as to where the funds should be dedicated, and we are working on implementing and scheduling several mental health training programs with the funds,” Kinsley said. “We are thrilled to see the power of two organizations come together for the well-being of our Rochester community.”

Wellness Warriors also adopted Prepare U Mental Health Education Home Edition, an extension of a program that is integrated into the health curriculum of several Michigan school districts and is swiftly spreading across the country due to its success. “It has been a game-changing program that has provided many of our members with lifelong tools for navigating hard times and building resilience in their children,” Kinsley said.

The group is in the beginning stages of fundraising and aims to create multiple opportunities to engage families in mental wellness experiences and activities throughout the year. “Ultimately, we would love to be able to provide financial support for families to get treatment,” Kinsley said.

“Our organization is local, and we are passionate about making our community a better and more accepting place — we encourage those who live here to support our cause and navigate life alongside us,” Kinsley said. “You may not be individually Oakland County Real Producers • 55

struggling or have a family member going through something at this time, but the reality is that in your lifetime you will and we want to be there to support you and guide you to ‘see both sides’ of mental health.”

“As a growing organization, we could always use more hands on deck,” Kinsley said. “Our ultimate goal would be to start Wellness Warriors in communities across Michigan and in the rest of the U.S., and we would be happy to share our footprint with you so you can start a group in your community.”

Kinsley incites individuals to be “wellness warriors” at home and in their day-to-day interactions with others. “Engage with your kids on a daily basis in relevant and meaningful conversations — allow them to have a space where they feel they can trust you and feel loved,” she said. “Check in on your friends and family to get a pulse on how they are doing. A daily check-in has shown to make a powerful, positive impact on those who struggle. Simple acts of kindness can go a long way.”

Wellness Warriors is a public group and welcomes anyone to join.

To learn more and receive updates about upcoming events and fundraisers, follow Wellness Warriors of Rochester on Facebook. If you are interested in getting involved or would like to donate, please contact Kelly Kruse at wellnesswarriors.rochester@gmail.com.

56 • January 2021

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At our November Issue Release Party, the features from our November issue as well as a few preferred partners gathered together to have some fun and connect with one another on a smaller scale. Thank you to Great Oaks Country Club in Rochester for hosting us and providing appetizers. Check out these photos taken by Sasha Marceta with Skyview Experts.

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

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