Linda Leporowski

POSITIVELY PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST

By Jane K. Asher, Ph.D.

Photos by Jermaine Buie with Perfect Light, LLC

Photos taken at Montcaret in Northville by Cranbrook Custom Homes

Linda Leporowski is a high-energy, positive-spirited woman who is at her best when she is surrounded by people and sharing her cheer with them in any way she can. Given her charisma and penchant for uplifting anyone she comes in contact with, it’s not surprising that Linda’s approach to business mirrors her approach to life — she puts people first.

“I love every aspect of real estate, but my favorite part is the people,” Linda said. “I love meeting different people from all walks of life and listening to their stories. I love helping them find their dream home no matter how large or small their budget is. It puts a smile on my face to bring joy and happiness to people’s lives.”

Before becoming a real estate agent, Linda enjoyed a 17-year career at Bank One/Chase Bank where she served as an executive assistant in various departments, including trust files, property management, public affairs, and private banking and investments. During her last stint with the company, Linda worked as a training specialist in the commercial banking and training department. In this position, she had the responsibility of identifying and providing the appropriate training for commercial bankers in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Chicago.

“My experience as a training specialist helped me identify my strongest skills and potential in sales,” Linda said. “Sales came naturally to me because I am a people person who has the ability to provide customer service, foresee potential problems, remain organized and drive myself to succeed. My time in the banking industry also fueled my love for friendly competition and my passion for helping people.”

In 2000, when the bank was undergoing a merger, Linda was given the opportunity to stay or take a severance. She opted for the severance and returned to college to finish her bachelor’s in business management. “During that time I decided to get my real estate license,” Linda said. “No regrets — I just love what I do.”

Since entering the real estate industry in 2001, Linda has achieved a career volume of $125 million, placing her in the top 1% of agents in Wayne County and in the top 5% in southeast Michigan. She has also earned the title of Hour Detroit Real Estate All-Star, REAL Trends America’s Best Real Estate Professionals, and Zillow 5-Star Agent, as well as multiple Keller Williams and RE/MAX platinum awards.

“I am very passionate about providing a high level of service to my clients and peer agents — I am committed to being the best at what I do,” Linda said. “I feel that you need to adhere to a high standard, as well as have great core values and integrity in order to provide this service.”

Linda’s greatest business challenge was finding the “right” real estate professionals who share her drive, passion, integrity and commitment to stellar service — and building Team Leporowski. “I became so busy so fast that every waking second was put into working the business. I worked 14- to 16- and even 18-hour days, just killing myself and my health,” she said. “I didn’t have enough time to research or even look into how to build a team. Then I got sick and realized that I could not continue to do what I was doing.”

It was this realization that led Linda to Keller Williams Advantage, the company that provided her the necessary resources and tools to build a solid team. After making the move, Linda met Jeanine Ciccone, who now serves as the operations manager of her team. Jeanine, who holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Northwood University, spent nine years working in the title industry before becoming a licensed real estate agent in 1999.

“Jeanine is an amazing right-hand person for me. When the two of us got together, my business increased dramatically — we were unstoppable,” Linda said. “We then added a buyer agent, a showing agent and our own in-house marketing specialist who does a fabulous job on the social media and marketing end.”

Jeanine Ciccone, Team Operations Manager

Linda and her team work with “patience, integrity and love” to build their clients’ trust and respect. “Clients know when you genuinely care about them and have their back,” Linda said. “I want my clients to know they can trust me in any situation and that I will be confident and protect them — you need to be strong, you need to be a leader, you need to be organized and you need to be fearless.”

Linda’s lust for life and high energy extend beyond her business: She has an active lifestyle and likes to bowl, workout at the gym, run 5Ks and golf. Linda also enjoys listening to Audible books; some of her favorites include “No Excuses!: The Power of Self-Discipline” and “The Psychology of Selling” by Brian Tracy, “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne and “The Millionaire Real Estate Agent” by Gary Keller. “I listen to these books over and over again,” she said. “They really keep your mindset on track in your work and personal life.”

Additionally, Linda enjoys hosting holiday gatherings, cooking and spending time with friends and family. Her oldest son, Michael, lives with his wife in Royal Oak and works as a commercial real estate appraiser. Her other son, Mitchell, is pursuing his bachelor’s degree and working as an estimator at a construction company. “We love to spend the holidays and birthdays together and go on family vacations in the summer,” Linda said. “My sons play hockey, softball and golf, and we are all very active. I always hope that one day they will decide to join my team. They would make a perfect fit — they are hardworking, outgoing boys.”

Linda is a proponent of giving back and regularly supports Toys for Tots, the Detroit Goodfellows, the Susan G. Komen Foundation and St. Jude. “I believe that when you are successful, it is important to give back to the world. There are so many people struggling in the world who need our help and support,” Linda said.

In business and in life, Linda wants to be remembered for her trustworthiness, honesty, hard work and dedication to others. “Real estate is a lifestyle for me — I have a passion for helping people find their dream home,” she said. “I love the hustle and negotiating for my clients. I draw energy from people, so the busier I am, the happier I am.”

Top Producer/COVER: Linda Leporowski