Grand Rapids Real Producers May 2021 Issue

GRAND RAPIDS

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 .

MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL EDITION

MOM BOSS DUOS AND FAMILIES Photo credit: Jacob Harr harrcreative.com

M AY 2 0 2 1

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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.

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS 06

08

14

Preferred Partners

Mom Boss Duo Amy Jo Weller & Nico Feliciano

Mom Boss Family Team Donna, Tim, & Shaun Anders

20

24

28

Mom Boss Duo Michelle & Amanda Gordon

Mom Boss Laurie, Alyssa ZokoeHunter, Scott Zokoe

Mom Boss Duo Jodi Smith & Julia Reigler

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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Amy Jo Weller & Nico Feliciano KELLER WILLIAMS positions until I realized that Real Estate would be my true passion.

Name: Amy Jo Weller Brokerage: Keller

Williams Rivertown How many years as a REALTOR®? 4 What awards have you achieved individually? ALC (Agent Leadership

Did you always know/hope that one of your children would go into real estate given your success? Not at

Council) 2017, 2020, 2021, BOLD Graduate 2017, 2020, GRARLA (Greater Regional Alliance Leadership Academy) 2018, GRAR Grievance Committee 2019, 2020, 2021, GRAR top 10% 2018-2019, GRAR Top 5% 2020 (volume sold)

all. I actually didn’t think of it much until Nico approached me. Of course, I was excited and encouraging. I knew he had the drive and tenacity to be successful. He has always been a hard worker and willing to learn new things and accept new challenges. And so far, after just over a year in Real Estate, Nico has excelled and I know he will continue to grow.

How many years have you been in business together? 1 What did you do before you became a REALTOR®? Before Real Estate, I

was in Operations Management for nearly 20 years for a local alarm company. For a short stint after that, I held other director/management

What are some things you have learned from your son/daughter in regards to Real Estate? I took on

a whole new set of “worries.” I feel more responsible for an area of his life

I didn’t before. I learn on a daily basis from him, his outlook, his acceptance of change, his ability to teach me how to embrace technology.

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

passionate about being more intentional and growing together and accomplishing new Real Estate goals as a team.

Our focus is on marketing and branding our business together and, of course, escalating to new heights.

What is your favorite part about working with your son? Nico is fun,

he makes me laugh on a daily basis.

Laughing at some of the crazy things that happen in Real Estate is a great way to get through it and learn that it’s just all part of the process.

Nico is fun, he makes me laugh on a daily basis. Laughing at some of the crazy things that happen in Real Estate is a great way to get through it and learn that it’s just all part of the process.

8 • May 2021

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mom boss duo Photo credit: Jacob Harr harrcreative.com

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 9

What ways does your son encourage you the most? Nico has more con-

fidence in me than I have in myself sometimes. Whether it’s preparing for a listing appointment or learning new tricks and tools utilizing technology that I am not aware of. He is there to encourage, teach and lend a hand.

What are you most proud of when you think of working together with your son? Because Nico has always

enjoyed hard work and satisfaction of accomplishment, he brings that to the table daily. His drive keeps me going and enjoying the work we do and can do together. We both have high expectations so I appreciate that he pushes me to continue to be the best we can possibly be, together.

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

was in High School, he worked sometimes two to three jobs and moved out when he was a senior in high school. He lived in an apartment with a friend and paid his own bills. At the time, I didn’t approve and I didn’t like it. Today, I believe it added to his strength and character.

Our family is a blended family. My husband and I each have brought two boys and a girl to the family and all of the kids went to Jenison High School.

Now, when we all get together, it is a house full with six kids and their spouses and six grandkids. It’s our prefect chaos.

Name: Nico Feliciano Brokerage: Keller

Williams Rivertown How many years as a REALTOR®?

Just over one year!

What awards have you achieved individually? BOLD Graduate 2020 How many years have you been in business together? Just over one year

– whole time I’ve been in Real Estate!

10 • May 2021

What did you do before you became a REALTOR®? Prior to Real Estate, I

worked in Hospitality Management for nine years and held different positions from Operations Manager to General Manager.

Did you always know you wanted to go into Real Estate given your mom’s chosen career? No! To be completely

honest it wasn’t until my mom got into Real Estate about four years ago that I discovered my passion. I couldn’t have imagined leaving the restaurant industry until I was able to see the impact that Real Estate had

on my Mom’s career and personal life. I started asking questions, doing my research, and after a couple “job shadows” I was HOOKED! What are some invaluable things you learned from your mom in regards to Real Estate? There are almost

too many to list. Two in particular that stand out are “connection” and “consistency.” She’s taught me that building relationships is the “core” of what we do. From establishing a solid communication with your clients to ensure all of their needs and goals are met to cultivating relationships with

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Seriously though, I

thank God every

day that I have the opportunity to be in business with my mom. lenders, vendors, and other agents. Building solid relationships allows you the opportunity for greater knowledge of the industry and gives you the ability to better serve your clients. Remaining consistent and building good habits is incredibly important to be successful in Real Estate. She has helped me build good habits, continues to help me learn and, of course, holds me accountable as any mom would.

What work characteristics do you feel you’ve inherited from your mom? When we started working

together I noticed right away where I got my communication skills, independence, and strong work ethic from. If you’ve ever met my mom you’d know that she’s incredibly driven to be more successful every day and I definitely got that from her!

We’re invested in seeing each other succeed and I couldn’t be more excited for the future!

In lieu of Mother’s Day, is there anything else you want others to know about your mom? That my

mom is a badass! Every day she continues to inspire me. She approaches every situation with a level head, great attitude, and willingness to “get uncomfortable” if the occasion requires. From working through complicated negotiations to zip-Lining through the jungles of Thailand, she will make you have a good time! She’s open to just about anything – she was even a semi-finalist on Survivor (season 9)! She’s also “#1 Mom,” but that’s according to me!

What is your favorite part about working with your mom? I get to work with one of my favorite people

every day! Seriously though, I thank God every day that I have the opportunity to be in business with my mom. Through the years I’ve learned that if you want to consistently get better and gain more knowledge you need to find a solid mentor.

Someone that has integrity, business ethics, and of course is top of their industry. I’m just lucky enough to call that mentor “Mom.” She continues to help me grow my business and continues to teach me the value of learning.

What ways does your mom encourage you the most? She encourages me all of the time! From

simple things like calling out my successes to showing me how to navigate different situations. My mom makes Real Estate fun and engaging. It’s both encouraging and inspiring!

What are you most proud of when you think of working together with your mom? I’m proud that every day

I feel we’re getting better. I feel like we consistently teach each other new things and get each other out of our “comfort zones,” and experience new heights.

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 11

12 • May 2021

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 13

mom boss family team Photo credit: Jacob Harr harrcreative.com

ANDERS Donna, Tim, & Shaun Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

Name: Donna Anders Brokerage: Berkshire Hathaway How many years as a REALTOR®?

together, and rocking! love to see how they take care of their clients!

33 years

What ways does your son/daughter encourage you the most? Just to con-

What awards have you achieved individually? Chairman’s circle – five

years, Top Office Producer How many years have you been in business together? 22 years What did you do before you became a REALTOR®? Florist, teacher, and

houseparent in a children’s home.

Did you always know/hope, that one of your children would go into real estate given your success? Yes, hop-

ing, knowing that it would be a great life for them also!

What are some things you have learned from your son/daughter in regards to real estate? I have learned

from both boys to be open to new ideas and ways to reach out to past clients!

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

Spoiling our past clients – how to reach out to them and appreciate them!

What is your favorite part about working with your son/daughter?

The fun – life is a party when we are

14 • May 2021

tinue to be who I have been through the years – do what I know to do – be myself – help mentor the team!

Team members with their transactions and problems! She lives in the Detroit area--we would all be “non-functional” with out her!!

Name: Tim Anders Brokerage: BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY How many years as a REALTOR®?

22 years What are you most proud of when you think of working together with your son/daughter? The wonderful

way my sons take care of their clients, and the great work ethic they have!

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

amazing thing about my boys is that I have always felt so protected and loved by both of them...they still kiss me each time they come in, and they always protect me and help me when I am struggling with a client, or situation, etc...we are very good about bouncing ideas off each other, and building each other up...I learn so much from them every day! I feel extremely blessed to have them both in the business with me!

My daughter, their sister, Liz, is also in the business with us--she is our Team Coordinator--helping each

What awards have you achieved individually? Rookie of the Year, Top 100

GRAR for years, Top 100 Nationally in BHHS Network for years How many years have you been in business together? 22 years What did you do before you became a REALTOR®? I was a super athletic

and stunning senior at Rockford High School, Go Rams!

Did you always know you wanted to go into real estate given your mom’s chosen career? Yes, around the fresh-

man, sophomore year of high school I realized that the scheduling and ability of earnings was an amazing opportunity in the business. It was a pretty easy jump into the industry at that point. She was already a great producer at the time so I had a great mentor to watch in my early years.

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 15

What are some invaluable things you’ve learned from your mom in real estate? Learning to move on from

the bad clients, they are always out there and we have to be able to “fire” ourselves from that situation to save our own mental health. The ability to make a deal work when it’s at its darkest, she has an amazing ability to bring a deal together that is seemingly dead. She amazes me every day with her work ethic and hope I can fill those shoes.

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

both care more about our clients than ourselves, that is the hard part, we both “take home” our work and can’t shut it off. We have both had many of sleepless nights worrying about deals that don’t seem right or we cannot work through.

What is your favorite part about working with your mom? That I get

to see her almost every day, I can tell she’s in the office from the sound of her footsteps or the slightest sound of her voice and it really makes the office feel like home.

What ways does your mom encourage you the most? She is always my

biggest fan, there is never a moment that she doesn’t have my back in a situation. Always there to vent too when I am getting frustrated with other people as well.

What are you most proud of when you think of working together with your mom? When we first started to

work together we basically were a small little team that grew and grew, she allowed my dream of growing a team to flourish. I am so proud of how she remains the professional in every situation and then is also more caring and loving than anyone I know.

16 • May 2021

Name: Shaun Anders Brokerage: Berkshire Hathaway

In lieu of Mother’s Day, is there anything else you want others to know about your mom? She is just the best

Home Services Michigan

mother I could ever have and I don’t even need to say that to your readers, because I am reminded daily by fellow agents that she is...just want her to know she’s the BEST and I love her!

What awards have you achieved individually? Diamond Award ($500k–$749k GCI) in 2014, Platinum Award ($750k–$999k

How many years as a REALTOR®? 14

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“My mother is a sweet and most generous person who instantly lights up the room when she walks in! She cares so much for her clients and protecting their interests above all else.”

GCI) in 2016, Pinnacle Award ($1M+ GCI) in 2016–2020 ALL IN New York City How many years have you been in business together? One year with my mother What did you do before you became a REALTOR®?

I had a couple jobs at some direct sales firms, maybe about a year, then got into real estate shortly thereafter in NYC.

SHAUN ANDERS Did you always know you wanted to go into Real Estate given your mom’s chosen career? I knew

“She is just the best mother I could ever have and I don’t even need to say that to your readers, because I am reminded daily by fellow agents that she is...just want her to know she’s the BEST and I love her!”

there was a good chance that I would end up in real estate, but went to school for Aviation, tried my hand in a few different industries, but found my way into real estate as a natural fit.

TIM ANDERS

What work characteristics do you feel you’ve inherited from your mom? Her diligent “can make

What are some invaluable things you learned from your mom in regards to real estate? Her patience

and grace...she is so kind and patient with her clients, and then the grace she grants to make things happen for her clients.

anything work” attitude, along with her kind spirit when interacting with clients.

What is your favorite part about working with your mom? Being around and learning from the best, and

getting to see her all the time!

What ways does your mom encourage you the most? To remain consistent in my work ethic and

striving to do things the right way, every time.

What are you most proud of when you think of working together with your mom? How amazingly

energetic she is, even after all this time in this industry, being an industry that can wear you out. She continues to push harder each day, and be relentless in her passion to do what is right for her clients.

In lieu of Mother’s Day, is there anything else you want others to know about your mom? My mother

is a sweet and most generous person who instantly lights up the room when she walks in! She cares so much for her clients and protecting their interests above all else.

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 17

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Michelle & Amanda GORDON

20 • May 2021

mom boss duo

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GREAT PROPERTIES BY THE GORDON GROUP Name: Michelle Gordon Brokerage: Great Properties

by the Gordan Group How many years in business? 19 What awards have you achieved individually? Good Neighbor Award

-Good Neighbor Award recognizes REALTORS® who make extraordinary commitments to improving the quality of life in their communities.

Society of Distinguished Real Estate Professionals (SODREP), Tech Committee award How many years have you been in business together? Eleven years in a

business partner situation – but she worked with me at the age of 13, putting flyers in flyers boxes, address and stamping postcards, signing people in at open houses, or talking to them on tour...people loved her!

What did you do before you became a REALTOR®? Interior design – this

is my degree. I was a single mom when I went back to school. My son was about 5 at the time. I worked in a restaurant at night while I got my associate’s. Once I graduated, I worked at a graphic design center. However, sitting at a desk was not for me. Then I took a job as a staff designer for an Amish-owned furniture store in Lancaster, PA. I used to work with the builders. This was when builders had big budgets and tax write-offs! Some of you will remember those. They would buy the furniture, and I would hire the painter and pick the flooring.

Tax structure changed, and so did spending budgets! Very fun, I do miss this, However now I get to practice my skills with the people I work with and help them envision their home.

Sometimes it can be challenging to see past someone else’s stuff.

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The first time I even dare to dream it, was when Josh, my son, was about 3. I will never forget this. I sat across an extensive desk from a century 21 guy. He was big in so many ways.

He told me he never has to leave his desk as the people called him now. He wore what I thought was expensive jewelry, and he appeared to eat well.

As a single mom, I was too scared to go without an income and did not want to leave my son by working two jobs. So I put it on hold. It was not till I married and my husband realized my dream. He was very supportive about me pursuing it. Once we moved to Grand Rapids, it seemed like the perfect time for a new career - as we were getting a fresh start.

Did you always know/hope, that one of your children would go into Real Estate given your success? I always

hope my children will live their dreams, no matter what that is. I am so very proud my daughter is in Real Estate and wants to work with me. It is not easy to work together or closely with anyone, much less with your family. We work together on nearly every deal. (I still do a few of my own) I had seen so many successful agents before they retire, and their business gets liquified to the hungry agents.

This way, our families can stay with our family when and if I retire.

What are some things you have learned from your son/daughter in regards to Real Estate? Not to give an

inch! She is much more of a bulldog than I. She will hang in there till the end and make sure she gets everything our client asked for. She will compromise where it makes sense, but some things need to be done because it is the right thing to do, and she will hold her ground! I think the

younger generation has not lost too much, so their expectations are much higher. It’s nice to have that uncured mind battling it out.

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

just opened our own brokerage, which will be Amanda’s one day. So we are very eager to grow it. Local first has become a passion of ours. Shop - eat local. We want people to understand local services are important too.

What is your favorite part about working with your son/daughter? That I get

to see her every day. I love watching her grow and watching her take the reins, and making our clients happy.

When a client tells her how glad they are with her or that she is fantastic, I beam! It makes me so very proud.

Name: Amanda Gordon Brokerage: Great Properties By How many years as a REALTOR® ?

7 years How many years have you been in business together? Feels like since

she’s started real estate. But since 2008, right after high school.

What did you do before you became a REALTOR®? Your typical high school

jobs: waitressing, hostess, paper route when I was 13, LOL! But I did work three summers in the back office of my mom’s brokerage, KW East at that time, as office help. Filing, organizing, or any odd jobs that needed to be done that the full-time office staff didn’t have time for. This how I got to understand Real Estate contracts.

I was so interested I would just read them like a person would read a novel. When I graduated high school I became my mom’s personal admin.

Grand Rapids Real Producers • 21

I always hope my children will live their dreams, no matter what that is. I am so very proud my daughter is in Real Estate and wants to work with me.

Did you always know you wanted to go into Real Estate given your mom’s chosen career? ABSOLUTELY,

1000%. Like I said above I was my mom’s admin right out of high school.

Before I even graduated, I would tell my parents I want to get into Real Estate and get my license ASAP. My parents strongly advised I went to college for a year before deciding to make this my career choice and begrudgingly I agreed, because who actually knows what they want to do as a teenager LOL.

What are some invaluable things you learned from your mom in regards to Real Estate? Communication with

the client at all times. I can’t tell you how much my clients appreciate this skill I have.

What work characteristics do you feel you’ve inherited from your mom? Thinking up creative solu-

tions to problems that arise. As most REALTORS® know, no two deals are ever the same. I’m constantly thinking outside the box on how to get the buyer client’s offer accepted or how can we make a buyer request for our sellers where it’s a total win situation for our sellers.

Another very important characteristic I inherited from my mother is sticking to the code of ethics not only set by our peers but the code we set for ourselves as a team. A long time ago we wrote out what was most important to us and I will never forget that.

22 • May 2021

@realproducers

What is your favorite part about working with your mom? That I get to build

this amazing business with my best friend. This is my true passion in life and I’m so happy I get to do that with her. Most people aren’t even able to say they love their job, but I’m enough that I get to share that with my mom.

What ways does your mom encourage you the most? In every way,

whether it be a little text saying how well I did on a deal, a Facebook post saying how proud she is of me, or if I’m having a hard day she’s always there to remind me of how great I’m doing despite the circumstances, which on those days is really where I need the encouragement LOL!

What are you most proud of when you think of working together with your mom? The type of Real Estate

business we have. Our Real Estate business is based on the relationships we have with our clients. We aren’t trying to be that real estate machine that is all about the numbers. We are most happy when our clients are happy. I really think that stems from our relationship as a mother-daughter.

In lieu of Mothers Day, is there anything else you want others to know about your mom? Just how much she

actually cares for people, not just in the real estate community or our clients. She generally wants to see everyone succeed and see everyone live their best true authentic life.

Another very important characteristic I inherited from my mother is sticking to the code of ethics not only set by our peers but the code we set for ourselves as a team. realproducersmag.com

Grand Rapids Real Producers • 23

&

mom boss duo

Photo credit: Jacob Harr harrcreative.com

Jodi Smith Julia Reigler KELLER WILLIAMS

Name: Jodi Smith Brokerage: Keller Williams GR How many years as a REALTOR®?

some very helpful skills that help you in all areas of your life.

many topics! And I think she likes all the free lunches.

25 years

What are some things you have learned from your son/daughter in regards to Real Estate? I’ve learned

What ways does your son/daughter encourage you the most? She compli-

What awards have you achieved individually? From GRAR: Most Congenial

2009, REALTOR® of the Year 2017, currently the GRAR President for Board of Directors – The SPIRIT of Cooperation is one of my goals to spread within our industry.

How many years have you been in business together? Shy of two years What did you do before you became a REALTOR®? I was an industrial

designer for interior displays and signage. Our clients included grocery stores, hospitals and book stores. I have a creative and technical mind, which fight with each other sometimes.

Did you always know/hope, that one of your children would go into Real Estate given your success? I think

this depends on the personality of your children. This job takes a bit of patience and tenacity. You never know what you or your children are capable of until you’re in it. The uncertainty of pay is a big one for me as a mom. I didn’t want Julia to feel the discomfort of the fluctuating pay.

Though I want her to see the value of investing in real estate. I’m thrilled she is working alongside me to learn

24 • May 2021

that each generation sees things differently and their priorities are different too. She relates much better to the younger buyers than I do. I’m too much of a mom to the younger buyers, I guess. Also, I’m a bit slower in technology, though I think I’m doing pretty good.

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

slow down and be in the moment with our clients. We are all feeling rushed and distracted so taking a deep breath and having more intentional conversations with our clients. This helps us as much as it helps our clients. It’s the way I did the business for years and I’m so happy to be back to it. More business with less relationship-based is not comfortable to me.

ments me a lot now that she sees how I work. She can’t believe how much I remember – such as; names and details of the transaction. I get a kick out of that. I’m very hard on myself and she keeps reminding me I’m doing okay.

What are you most proud of when you think of working together with your daughter? It’s wonderful to have

someone from your close family to see what you do! Most people don’t understand what this career entails and it’s a blessing that my own daughter can see the challenges and rewards that I’ve been experiencing for a long time. Many of my clients have known me for a long time and they are thrilled to work with my daughter too…some of them remember her as a small child.

What is your favorite part about working with your daughter? Her dad

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

and I split when she was 2 years old.

I only saw her half the time her entire childhood. I cried a lot. I’m so blessed to get this time with her as a young woman and watch her grow. I always love our deep conversations about

been a gift-giver and Julia is too! It’s not about the value of the gift but the thought. We both personalize our gifts to our friends, family and clients.

We are also givers to strangers. Last summer, we both were passing out

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 25

This job takes a bit of patience and tenacity.

You never know what you or your children are capable of until you’re in it. food and necessities to homeless people the same week separately – we found out later that we both had the same idea! We have more than we need, so giving back is very important to us.

Name: Julia Reigler Brokerage: Keller Williams GR How many years have you been in business together? Almost

two years What did you do before you became a REALTOR®? I started

cleaning dorms at GVSU at 15 years old, continued onto a receptionist in high school.

During college at MSU, I worked in the gardens at Frederik Meijer Garden and Kellogg Biological Garden. After college, I worked as a surveyor for two years where I learned about property boundaries and easements.

Did you always know you wanted to go into Real Estate given your Mom’s chosen career? Yes, I

always considered it but decided to try to forge my own path first involving art, engineering and plants. I love helping my mom with her life’s passion helping others find housing.

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

has made me aware of many important life and finance skills with regards to hard assets and investing. She fostered my shy personality to help relate and help

26 • May 2021

@realproducers

I am most proud of how I am able to help her at times she needs two Jodis to take care of business. other people. She has taught me stewardship and community-based thinking with respect for local cultures.

What work characteristics do you feel you’ve inherited from your Mom? She has always demonstrated

an authentic and honest personality with everyone equally which I admire. I strive for her multi-tasking capabilities and positive endurance through the business.

What is your favorite part about working with your Mom? FREE lunches.

Her hard work ethic that always strives to be the best REALTOR® for her clients who rave over her services and special people skills. I see her as a working mother differently.

What ways does your Mom encourage you the most? The amount of encour-

agement I get is abundant when I am able to be honest with her without any fear of backlash, other people knowing or maybe when she just says exactly what a mother should. I wish I had her word selection sometimes.

What are you most proud of when you think of working together with your Mom? I am most proud of how I am able

to help her at times she needs two Jodis to take care of business. I love helping her life become a little bit easier.

In lieu of Mothers’ Day, is there anything else you want others to know about your Mom? She is the most

open-minded and supportive mom I could ever ask for. She shows me her inner strength every day.

realproducersmag.com

Grand Rapids Real Producers • 27

mom boss family team

Laurie Zokoe, Alyssa Zokoe-Hunter, Scott Zokoe

FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE Photo credit: Jacob Harr harrcreative.com

Name: Laurie Zokoe Brokerage: Five Star Real Estate How many years as a REALTOR®?

20 years What awards have you achieved individually? Top 5 at Five Star for several

years and #1 Agent at Five Star.

How many years have you been in business together? Alyssa and I have

been together for seven years. Scott was an agent with me for about five years while he went to GVSU, and has recently returned.

What did you do before you became a REALTOR®? When I had small chil-

dren I was fortunate to be able to stay home with them (worked in mortgages prior to having a family). Then when they were young school age, I started working part-time for my brother who had just started a tool and die business and that grew into being his office manager for 10 years.

Did you always know/hope that one of your children would go into Real Estate given your success? I really

didn’t think years ago any of them would have, given the paths they were taking. When Alyssa graduated from GVSU she started working for me in the office, while she looked for a job in her career field. After a few months,

28 • May 2021

a couple of team members said to me that she should just stay and get her license. Scott worked for me to help pay for his college, but then left to go to Meijer. I always secretly hoped he would come back. And our oldest daughter has talked about it but is very successful at Design One, and for the time being that is best for her with her small children.

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

life! Or at least I am trying to learn this lesson from them!

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

The vision we have for our team!

Although they are family, our entire team is a “family” and they want to see us grow and expand but with keeping the values that I started with 20 years ago.

What is your favorite part about working with your son and daughter? Love

the time I get to spend with them on a daily basis, but also watching them grow and mature in their business and watching how they are transforming this into their business also.

What ways does your son/daughter encourage you the most? They both

are encouraging me to take a deep breath, and let the team handle some of the details. I am OCD with and have a hard time letting go but they, along with the entire team, have shown me that I can give the Laurie Zokoe experience to our clients without myself actually being involved in every detail.

What are you most proud of when you think of working together with your son/daughter? How protective

and driven they are to help me with my business. I have been blessed to be one of the top agents, but with that comes sacrifices of my time and energy. Growing up they were the typical siblings that would drive each other crazy, but watching them now working together along with the team makes me so proud to see what great adults they have grown into.

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

aren’t many secrets about our family!

Along with Alyssa and Scott, I have a daughter Amanda and my husband Todd. We love to hang out, and often

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realproducersmag.com

Grand Rapids Real Producers • 29

are called the Zokoe Zoo. All three of our children are married and we have three grandbabies that are the love of my life! We work hard, but also find time to hang out all the time. My family are all really my very best friends.

Name: Alyssa Zokoe-Hunter Brokerage: Five Star Real Estate How many years as a REALTOR® ?

7 years How many years have you been in business together? 7 years What did you do before you became a REALTOR®? I graduated from Grand

Valley State University in 2014 with a hospitality degree. Initially, I was working as a paralegal for a law firm downtown but quickly decided to join my mom and begin my real estate career.

Did you always know you wanted to go into Real Estate given your Mom’s chosen career? No! I was going to spread

my wings, move across the country, and start my own career outside of real

estate. However, after graduating college and seeing what my mom had worked so hard to build and the success she had had, I wanted to give it a try. I haven’t looked back since!

What are some invaluable things you learned from your Mom in regards to Real Estate? Everything.

My mom is a machine. And I mean that in the nicest way possible. She is someone who puts her whole heart and soul into this job and it is something I strive to do as well. She always says, “Don’t get attached to the paycheck,” meaning; work hard, be honest and sincere and always treat clients and others with respect and the business will come. Don’t get so hooked on the paycheck that you lose sight of how meaningful our involvement with our clients is throughout this process. We are so much more than just real estate agents to our clients. We are friends, a shoulder to cry on, a facilitator of the impossible!

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

Problem solving, tenacity, competitiveness (though she may say she got that from me!), and the love of cheetah print.

What is your favorite part about working with your Mom? I am so

proud of her, everything that she has accomplished. She inspires me every day to be a strong and successful woman. I love learning from her and I love that she calls me now to collaborate on strategies or asks my opinion on a sales price. Though we did butt heads in the beginning, I have found a whole new level of respect and awe for my mom that working together has created. It has brought us so much closer not just in work, but our personal lives too.

What ways does your Mom encourage you the most? She built her

business up from the ground. She encourages me every day to push myself and believe that I too can achieve any goal I set for myself. She does it too without the obvious “rahrah.” She encourages any creative ideas that I have for marketing, is always supportive of new tactics, and 100% has my back along the way.

What are you most proud of when you think of working together with your Mom? I have said it multiple

times how proud I am of her. Growing up, she was the mom that sewed pajama pants and worked part-time doing payroll. She got into real estate as a necessity when my dad lost his job and she put in the work. She went months without a paycheck, but never gave up. She has built an entire empire off of pure determination and being a genuine person. It is incredible to see where she started to where she is now. And now to have my brother and I working together with her is something truly special.

30 • May 2021

@realproducers

In lieu of Mother’s Day, is there anything else you want others to know about your Mom? I couldn’t imagine

working alongside anyone else or having any other mentor in this business. I am so blessed to have her as my mom.

Name: Scott Zokoe Brokerage: Five Star Real Estate How many years as a REALTOR®? Four years in college and

now back on for the last 2 months.

How many years have you been in business together? Four years in col-

lege, just came back to the busine ss after spending four years at Meijer corporate.

What did you do before you became a REALTOR®? Before becoming a

REALTOR®, I went to work in the marketing department at Meijer Corporate.

There I spent time in social media and customer care working to better the customer experience online.

Did you always know you wanted to go into Real Estate given your Mom’s chosen career? Growing up it always

felt like my path was destined for real estate. When I got the opportunity to do it in college, I still was not sure if that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. After spending four years in corporate America, I knew it was where I was supposed to be.

What are some invaluable things you learned from your Mom in regard to real estate? Don’t worry about the

paycheck – take care of people, and the money will follow. Laurie treats clients like family, whether you are buying a half-acre lot, or a half a million-dollar house. Work hard, but don’t forget what really matters. Laurie works a lot, but still makes time for the things that matter most: family, friends, and faith.

Real estate boils down to trust. If people trust you, they will use you for their real estate needs, and tell their friends and family about you.

realproducersmag.com

What work characteristics do you feel you’ve inherited from your Mom? Hard work, integrity, compas-

What are you most proud of when you think of working together with your Mom? I’m proud to be back on

sion, listening skills – people want to feel like they’re actually being heard and cared for.

the Zokoe Team. I’m proud of the community involvement that Laurie is involved in and even more proud of how much she does behind the scenes.

She cares deeply for each one of her clients, team members, family/friends and the community we reside in. I’m proud of what she’s built and the reputation she has established, and it’s an honor to work alongside her.

What is your favorite part about working with your Mom? Family

has always been important to me, so working with her and my sister aligns closely with my core values.

It also doesn’t hurt she’s one of the best to do it, so learning from her has been something I think I took for granted until I went full time with the team.

What ways does your Mom encourage you the most? Mostly through

her actions. It amazes me daily how she can balance so much between work and personal life, yet still give everyone her full self in the moment.

She encourages me to give it my all and don’t settle for anything less.

In lieu of Mother’s Day, is there anything else you want others to know about your Mom? If you know Laurie

even a little bit, you probably think of her as your friend. I would want people to know that she genuinely thinks of you in the same way. This is so much more than real estate to her, and she takes pride in treating everyone like they’re a part of the Zokoe clan.

Grand Rapids Real Producers • 31

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 33

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