Grand Rapids Real Producers June 2021

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FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL EDITION TOP FATHER/SON TEAMS Photo Credit: Jacob Harr harrcreative.com

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2 • June 2021

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(616)719-0819 4124 KENOWA AVE SW GRANDVILLE, MI 49418 rentsg.com Grand Rapids Real Producers • 3

MEET THE

GRAND RAPIDS REAL PRODUCERS TEAM

Jodie Hawkins Publisher

Jacob Harr Photographer

Troy VanLangen

Production/Videographer

Lindsey Wells Writer

Chris Menezes Writer

If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at jodie.hawkins@realproducersmag.com.

4 • June 2021

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS 04

06

10

Meet the Team

Preferred Partners

Sponsor Spotlight Bob Wuerfel

14

20

24

Top Father/Son Team Don King and Austin King

Top Father/Son Team Vito Dolci Sr. and Vito Dolci Jr.

Top Father/Son Team Dale Stuckey & Stephen Stuckey

If you are interested in contributing or nominating Realtors for certain stories, please email us at jodie.hawkins@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 Grand Rapids 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.

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 5

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8 • June 2021

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 9

BOB Wuerfel Lighthouse Title Group

sponsor spotlight Photo credit: Jacob Harr harrcreative.com Written by: Lindsey Wells

10 • June 2021

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REALTORS® are vital to moving a real estate transaction from Point A to Point B. There is, however, much more to buying and selling a home than the marketing of the property and the delicate negotiations between the buyer, seller, and their respective agents. There are many other players in the game, such as mortgage lenders, appraisers, and home inspectors, to name just a few. Perhaps one of the most prominent players is the title company, which, in some ways, tie the entire transaction together.

Lighthouse Title has been providing remarkable title services and real estate closings to residential and commercial customers since 2001. The company’s owner and President, Bob Wuerfel, is just as passionate today about his customers and employees as he was two decades ago.

While it has been 20 years since Bob founded and opened Lighthouse Title, his experience in the title insurance agency spans back to the year 1988 when he took his first job at a title agency following college graduation.

Things have certainly changed in 33

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years; Bob started at the company the same year it received its first thermal fax machine, allowing clients to fax an order in. “Back then, the thermal paper curled up and would go black if left in the sun,” Bob recalls. “And the commitment forms were triplicate (white, pink, green) with one for the title agency, one for the customer, and one for the underwriter. We have indeed pivoted from those times; now, everything is conducted via secure email/mobile communication.”

a similar situation arises. After 33 years, I’m still learning and reviewing areas to enhance our agency for our clients and their customers.”

Those choosing to place their trust and business in Lighthouse Title are gifted in return with a wealth of experience, innovative thinkers, and established best practices that have been combined to provide the highest level of

For 13 years, Bob worked for a couple of title agencies, studying and learning the ins and outs of the industry, before venturing off on his own and becoming an entrepreneur.

He created Lighthouse Title, Inc. in 2001. What began with one location 20 years ago has grown to over 30 locations in two states (Michigan and Wisconsin), over 115 team members, and over 375,000 completed transactions. “This growth has not come without wrinkles to iron out,” Bob said. “I find that I look at issues along the way and ask what we can learn to make us better the next time if

Grand Rapids Real Producers • 11

service possible. The company’s family of offices has an abundance of great personalities and smiles, too, making the complex nature of real estate transactions more enjoyable. Lighthouse Title also works with seven of the top underwriters in the nation.

Last year, Lighthouse Title rolled out a new mission statement that it has wholly embraced: To Lead

• Our team strives to be a leader in providing real estate services in a professional and friendly manner.

To Engage

• We keep the human element at the center of all our title services and community involvement.

To Protect

• Peace of mind through our title products, best practices, and technology.

“Our Lighthouse Title team of experienced professionals work hard behind-the-scenes with REALTORS® and lenders to resolve title issues found on properties and produce timely closing figures so that their customers can successfully close, and that really is the end goal,” Bob said. With five area Grand Rapids locations in Cascade, Grandville, Kentwood, Plainfield, and Wyoming, Lighthouse Title is always within 10-15 minutes of any area of the county.

about his team. In 2020, to say “thank you” to his team for providing amazing service despite the challenges the year brought, he shipped every team member a honey-baked turkey for Thanksgiving and a honey-baked ham for Christmas.

When he isn’t working, Bob enjoys spending weekends at Chippewa Lake with his wife of 30 years, Shayne.

They can usually be found fishing, boating, skiing, tubing, relaxing around a campfire, or reading on their screened-in porch. Bob and Shayne have three children, Corinne (and a son-in-law Matt), Alex, and Anna. Even as the kids get older, the family still enjoys taking vacations together. Over the years, they’ve traveled to such places as Yellowstone,

Grand Canyon, Disneyland, Sequoia National Park, Disney World, and Outer Banks in North Carolina. Bob and Shayne celebrated their 25th anniversary in Hawaii in 2016.

Bob said he simply wants to be remembered for just being himself.

“I have enjoyed the growth of our title agency, but I’m still the same guy I was in 1988 when I started in the industry and in 2001 starting Lighthouse Title,” he said. “It’s easy to look at the accolades, but I strive to stay grounded and remember where I came from to get here.”

Visit www.lighthousetitle.net or call 888-782-3210 for more information.

Bob enjoys leading a title group that has evolved over 20 years that not only strives to provide great title and closing services but also continues to give back to its communities. The company donated over $75,000 in 2020 to non-profits in their 30 communities, and locally donated to and volunteered with several Kent County nonprofits. “We are more than a title agency; we want to make an impact on the communities we serve,” Bob added. He is also passionate

12 • June 2021

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 13

Don King Austin King AND

B E R K S H I R E H AT H AWAY H O M E S E RV I C E S Name: Don King Brokerage: Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

What are you passionate about right now together in your business?

of Michigan

I am excited to watch him grow not only in numbers but also with his relationships with others, his wife, family and friends. He has great knowledge, a strong desire for success and willingness to be compassionate.

How many years as a REALTOR? 32 What awards have you achieved individually?

Certified Residential Services, Legend Award of 25 Years, Chairman’s Circle, BHHS Hall of Fame, Many More How many years have you been in Business together? 5 What did you do before you became a REALTOR?

Graduated from Canaseraga High in 1981, Joined the United States Marine Corp in August 1981-1992, Received my Real Estate License in 1989 Did you always know, or hope, that one of your children would go into Real Estate given your success?

I did not know that any of my 3 children would work in my profession, they went to college, one in Education, one in Art and other as a Child Life Specialist. I worked hard to establish my business with over 2000 past clients and had hope that someday one of my family members would be interested.

What are some things you have learned from your son in regards to Real Estate?

Austin is very compassionate, intelligent and respectful. He has a strong desire to learn, to be personal and understands that each transaction may be one of largest investments any one person may make in their lifetime. We share new ideas, success stories and strengths.

14 • June 2021

What is your favorite part about working with your son?

I am blessed to have this opportunity. We have very similar goals, enjoy meeting people and understand each others way of thinking.

Together we can brain storm and work through issues. Also we enjoy our time away with our families whether camping, hunting or golfing etc.

What ways does your son encourage you the most?

He has a positive attitude, always wants to help and has the willingness to learn. He has the mentality for attention to detail and ethics are amazing.

What are you most proud of when you think of working together with your son?

I am blessed to have this opportunity to work and enjoy my off time with my best friend.

I am excited to see him succeed not only financially but spiritually and emotionally.

Real Estate can be demanding, intriguing and rewarding! He has a plan and it has been a pleasure watching him succeed.

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top father/son team Photo Credit: Jacob Harr harrcreative.com

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 15

WE SHARE NEW IDEAS, SUCCESS STORIES AND STRENGTHS.

In the spirit of Real Producers: What is something that not many people know about your family?

Coming from a small town in New York to a new city and new occupation with no experience was a challenge. With the traits the Marine Corp instilled in me “Learn to Overcome, Adapt and Improvise” and with the continuous support of my family I choose to be successful. I put in the time yet learned to take time for family functions/events. I believe in continued education to this day and I chose to surround myself with people that had the same goals, beliefs and success.

Thank you! I cherish and am very thankful for my family, friends, clients and colleagues.

I have had a great career and so excited to see my son do the same.

Name: Austin King Brokerage: Berkshire Hathaway Home Services How many years as a REALTOR? 5 Years What awards have you achieved individually? Real Producers 13

What are some invaluable things you learned from your Dad in regards to Real Estate?

I graduated from Aquinas College with a Bachelors in Education.

I worked in the Rockford School District and EDU Staff. I was also coaching baseball at Aquinas College.

Literally everything. He has been an idol for me in this business. I have been extremely fortunate to learn from one of the best in the industry in West Michigan. The attention to detail, communication, and service back to the community are just some keys that have helped me achieve success in Real Estate. We relish our sphere of influence and our continued referrals are our “Lifeline” and biggest compliment.

Did you always know you wanted to go into Real Estate given your Dad’s career choice?

What work characteristics do you feel you’ve inherited from your Dad?

No, actually as a kid during the “take your child to work day” I was brought to the office and never saw myself doing this as an occupation. Of course, all I saw at that age was the office side of the job and not actually what the full job description of a Real Estate Professional or REALTOR included.

A few of them are patience, attention to detail, communication, and the “cooperative work approach”. Also included are educating, informing, and becoming an expert in the market and our service area. Invest into your business and help

Under 30, Grand Rapids All Stars How many years have you been in Business together? 5 Years What did you do before you became a REALTOR?

16 • June 2021

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others do the same. Sharing our investment approach and ideas with our clients. The investment approach to real estate is not only a key to our future and retirement but our clients as well. Lastly, how to love. How to love your job, your wife, your friends and family, and to love yourself. How to love clients and strangers. Everyone is your friend. Build bridges, don’t break them.

What is your favorite part about working with your Dad?

Getting to spend a lot of quality time together and bouncing ideas off of one another. Being able to have an incredible mentor and an Idol to talk to about business tactics and strategy. Our relationship is one of the strongest out there. His knowledge of 35 plus years in the business mixed with my generational knowledge and ideas have allowed for continued success.

What ways does your Dad encourage you the most?

In the toughest times of this business, which we all know can be overwhelming, he is there to talk, guide, and assist me. He always has had confidence in me and boosts that through continued referrals, communication, and positive reinforcement.

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What are you most proud of when you think of working together with your Dad?

Just the leader in the industry that he has become. He gives back to GRAR, works on committees, continued success in the business itself, and most importantly still being a loving husband and father to his wife and 3 kids. His family is by far number one, but his business, friends, and clients are SO important to him. He just recently became a 25 Year National Legend in Real Estate. An incredible feat that will never be taken from him and something he has worked so hard for.

He is the hardest working, yet most humble, and most caring person I know. Personally, I would say he is a super hero.

In lieu of Father’s Day, is there anything else you want others to know about your Dad?

Congratulations on all of your Real Estate Achievements over the years. It is something very few have done and will do. You are the hardest working person I know. But more importantly, thanks for being my Dad. We have been through a lot together from baseball, golf, cabin buddies, and working together. I cannot thank you enough for teaching me all the valuable lessons, caring for me, guiding me, and most of all loving me. Your family, friends, clientele, and co-workers are so proud to know you. Have a great Father’s Day!

Grand Rapids Real Producers • 17

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&

top father/son team Photo credit: Jacob Harr harrcreative.com

Dale Stephen STUCKEY

GREENRIDGE REALTY 20 • June 2021

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Name: Dale Stuckey Brokerage: Greenridge Realty /

Team Stuckey How many years as a REALTOR®?

31 years What awards have you achieved individually? 2019 GRAR REALTOR®

of the Year How many years have you been in business together? 5 years What did you do before you became a REALTOR®? I was a mechanic for

VW, then left to go into Amoco service station business with my older brother. Eventually, Steve ended up at the same dealership (Betten Imports) and worked in the VW service department (I was no longer there when he came to work at Betten Imports).

Did you always know, or hope, that one of your children would go into real estate given your success? I’ve

always encouraged them to follow their own passions, three of my kids expressed interest but Steve is currently the only one.

What are some things you have learned from your son in regards to real estate? I need to listen more and

be more understanding.

What are you passionate about right now together in your business?

Assisting families with the largest and most important purchase in their lives.

What is your favorite part about working with your son? Spending

time with him and seeing him flourish within the industry.

He reminds me of myseIf in my early years of real estate. Very passionate about the business and always available to his clients and customers.

What ways does your son encourage you the most? To retire! He says he

can handle ALL of the business, NOT YET, KID! What are you most proud of when you think of working together with your son? Him taking an interest in

the local, state and national industry issues. He’s risen through the ranks fast at Greenridge now managing the Grandville office. He also was the

“Rookie of the Year” for Greenridge his first full year.

In the spirit of Real Producers, what is something that not many people know about your family? I’ve always

wanted to be a REALTOR® shortly after buying my first house at the age of 19, but knew I was too young to be taken seriously so I waited for the right moment. Age 29...I have six children, 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

I’VE ALWAYS ENCOURAGED THEM TO FOLLOW THEIR OWN PASSIONS, THREE OF MY KIDS EXPRESSED INTEREST BUT STEVE IS CURRENTLY THE ONLY ONE. realproducersmag.com

Grand Rapids Real Producers • 21

MY FATHER IS A VERY HARD WORKER. HE ALWAYS PUTS IN 110% NO MATTER WHAT HE DOES. Name: Stephen Stuckey Brokerage: Greenridge Realty How many years as a REALTOR® individually? 6 What awards have you achieved?

Rookie of the Year Award, Presidents award x2, GRARLA, Real Estate All-star 2018, 2019, 2020, GR Real Producers Top 300 for 2018, 2019 & 2020 How many years have you been in business together? 6 What did you do before you became a REALTOR®? Before real estate, I was

in the automotive industry for nearly 20 years. I owned my own small import dealership for over five years.

Did you always know you wanted to go into real estate given your Dad’s career choice? No, quite the contrary.

It wasn’t until the later part of my auto career that I showed interest in real estate. Obviously, I just needed some nudging from my father. Which he did a great job! Because here I am, crushing it with him.

What are some invaluable things you learned from your dad in regards to real estate? What haven’t I learned

from him would be a much shorter list. The man is a plethora of knowledge and has been a beacon of my great success. I would not be where I am today without him.

What work characteristics do you feel you’ve inherited from your dad?

My father is a very hard worker. He always puts in 110% no matter what he does. This is one of my greatest assets in life. You get back what you put in. We truly care about what we do and how we do it.

22 • June 2021

What is your favorite part about working with your dad? As a son,

the highest level of gratitude you can receive is the respect of your father.

To be able to walk beside him as a partner, a friend, and an equal is one of the greatest feelings in the world. I hope that one day my son will become a part of “Team Stuckey” like I did.

What ways does your Dad encourage you the most? My dad is my coach,

my mentor, and my rock. He is always there for me. He is great at making sure I know I’ve done a good job but not afraid to give me the kick in the pants that I often need.

What are you most proud of when you think of working together with your dad? I am proud of what we have done.

Separately we are great Agents, but together, we are an unstoppable force.

In lieu of Father’s Day, is there anything else you want others to know about your dad? I want to wish my

father a happy fathers day! And I want him to know how proud I am of all his accomplishments in life.

Watching his personal and business growth has been a key in my livelihood. I am truly blessed to call him my dad and I wouldn’t change a thing.

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 23

Vito Dolci Sr. & Vito Dolci Jr.

top father/son team

Photo credit: Jacob Harr harrcreative.com

FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE

Name: Vito Dolci Sr. Brokerage: Five Star Real Estate How many years as a REALTOR®?

34 years What awards have you achieved individually? Several top sales awards How many years have you been in business together? 21 years What did you do before you became a REALTOR®? I managed a bakery

from 1972-1987. I was 17 years old still in high school. I increased the sales from$10,000 a year to $350,000 selling 25 cent donuts and 79 cent loaves of bread. In today’s money that would be $825,000 in sales. There were two delivery trucks on the road servicing restaurants and grocery stores. I had 20 employees and a 24-hour operation. In 1987 the bakery was sold. It was time to start a new career, my family always did a lot with commercial real estate, it was not much of an adjustment to go into real estate sales.

Did you always know, or hope, that one of your children would go into real estate given your success? I

believe and always knew that one, if not all three, of my children would be involved in some facet of the real estate industry. My son Vito worked with me through high school, through college and when he graduated from Grand Valley he obtained his real

24 • June 2021

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 25

estate license. As my children were growing up I held no information back from them. I knew if they were going to be successful I had to be an open door. I made sure they knew what I did, how I did my business, sales, and how much money was earned, what I did with my money, what real estate investments I invested in, donations giving back to God. I let my children be part of the business decisions. This was not hard to do, this is how I was taught from my father.

What are some things you have learned from your son in regards to real estate? My son Vito is amazing

(takes after his mom). Working with him on a daily basis puts a smile on my face. He has shown me the benefits of using technology to our advantage. in 2008 newly licensed, the listings were 80% foreclosures. Vito comes up with the idea/design of a website GR Foreclosures where he pulls foreclosure homes then places the homes on our website. That first year we received 26,000 hits, AMAZING! What are you passionate about right now together in your business? Right

now, not only are we interested in increasing our sales volume, we want to

invest more into purchasing real estate, construction and rehab properties. We want to be part of what we sell.

What is your favorite part about working together in your business? My

favorite part about working together is the ability to see Vito on a daily basis. I like to listen to him when he is speaking to a customer or client.

He is compassionate and concerned about the need of who he is speaking to. To me, that’s not a weakness it is a great strength. This is how a business is built, with compassion, concern and love for the people we serve.

What ways does your son encourage you most? My son encourages me

the most when he starts his day at the office at 7:00 am. He is always thinking how to serve our clients even better, streamlining systems already in place. He makes it exciting for our team and clients by setting up events to have fun. He has an incredible ability to lead a team.

What are you most proud of when you think of working together with your son? Vito works his business

diligently...From projects to transactions, and not letting go until the job is finished, I saw this tenacity

in him as young as 5th grade when playing football.

In the spirit of Real Producers, what is something that not many people know about your family? I’m a blessed

man with a loving wife for over 41 years, with three beautiful children who have married three fantastic spouses and to be a grandfather to 12 wonderful grandchildren. On Sundays they come for pasta dinner. The house comes alive with food, activity and fun. It’s not uncommon to talk about real estate because that is our family business. Before my children and grandchildren were born I prayed for them. One of my favorite verses in the bible is Exodus 20:6, showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. In my daily prayer, I pray for my wife, my children, spouses, my grandchildren and the next thousand generations. For me, it is important my family knows and hears Jesus throughout their day. I remind God daily of his promise for my family, not because I think he may have forgotten because I want God to know I did not forget his words. I rise every morning with excitement to enjoy the real estate business and the people I will meet that day. God Bless

My son Vito is amazing (takes after his mom). Working with him on a daily basis puts a smile on my face. - Vito Dolci Sr.

He has an abundance of knowledge in the real estate industry. It’s always good to talk to him about situations that occur and he is able to provide knowledgeable discussions. - Vito Dolci Jr.

26 • June 2021

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Name: Vito Dolci Jr. Brokerage: Five Star Real Estate How many years as a REALTOR®?

13 years What awards have you achieved individually? Five Star Top 20,

GRAR top 50 How many years have you been in business together? 21 years What did you do before you became a REALTOR®? I worked in the real estate

industry with my father throughout high school and college. I also worked with my brother in various rental investments and remodeling projects.

After graduating from GVSU in 2007, I went full-time into real estate.

Did you always know you wanted to go into real estate given your dad’s career choice? I always knew I would

be involved with real estate in some way. As I went to GVSU for a business marketing degree, I realized I can apply those principles in becoming an agent.

What are some invaluable things you learned from your dad in regards to real estate? My dad has an amazing

relationship with his clients. He truly cares about knowing them on a personal level and looking out for their best interest. He has taught me that it’s more about the client then a sale. Maintaining the relationship is always the goal.

What work characteristics do you feel you’ve inherited from your dad?

Developing lasting relationships is something I have inherited from him.

I would watch him talk for an hour with a client about nothing to do with real estate. Then finally, he would talk about writing the offer. He truly cares about his clients. He has the ability to develop relationships in everything he is involved with, including his church, judo, and other social gatherings.

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What is your favorite part about working with your dad? He has an

abundance of knowledge in the real estate industry. It’s always good to talk to him about situations that occur and he is able to provide knowledgeable discussions.

What ways does your dad encourage you the most? He encourages me to

always grow and always develop. The system can always be improved and relationships can always grow stronger.

What are you most proud of when you think of working together with your dad? Being able to help the kids

of some of my dad’s past clients has always been a proud moment. It shows that family trusts both my father and me.

In lieu of Father’s Day, is there anything else you want others to know about your dad? I think he is a great

role model for anyone to look up to.

He has a passion for developing relationships with others, he volunteers his time at his church, and prays with the sick. Also, when he was a kid he competed in Judo competitions and to this day he still goes to practice for Judo, however, I can take him.

Grand Rapids Real Producers • 27

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 29

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