Grand Rapids Real Producers November 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 .

TOP PRODUCER

DARIN ELLIOTT

Photo by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC

NOVEMBER 2021

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MEET THE

GRAND RAPIDS REAL PRODUCERS TEAM

Chris Csotty Publisher

April Shanne Subiera Publishing Assistant/Reprints Specialist

Terra Csotty

Erika Kruse

Publisher

Event Coordinator

Jane K. Asher, Ph.D. Managing Editor

Amanda Matkowski Editor/Writer

Phalesha Kyes

Relationship Manager

Robbyn Moore Writer

Jeanne Monillo Ad Strategist

Jacob Harr

harr Creative LLC Photographer

Dom Lombardo

West & Main Photography Photographer/Videographer

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS 04

06

10

Meet the Team

Preferred Partners

Top Producer: Darin Elliott

16

20

26

Partner Spotlight: Anthony Mosley, VanDyk Mortgage Corporation

Around Town

Agent Spotlight: Sara Suidinski

If you are interested in contributing or nominating someone for a feature, please email us at 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 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

PREFERRED PARTNERS

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 7

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 9

top producer

By Robbyn Moore Photos by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC

DARIN ELLIOTT A BUSINESS BUILT ON GOOD OLD-FASHIONED HARD WORK

10 • November 2021

@realproducers

F

or nearly 20 years, Darin Elliott — also known as the guy with two L’s and two T’s — has been a top-producing real estate agent at Greenridge Realty, Inc. in Ionia, Michigan. His business has been built on lasting relationships and good old-fashioned hard work. His experience includes everything from selling haunted houses, to taking over a closing after an intoxicated closer passed out at the closing table, to having a FedEx truck run into one of his listings that had just gone pending. While he jokes he could write a book about his unusual real estate encounters, Darin’s greatest stories come from his knowledge of real estate legislature, financing, foreclosures, property values, taxes, residential and commercial property, and most of all, from his experience of building trusting relationships.

Growing up in a lower-middle-class family with three other siblings, Darin mastered the understanding that if he wanted or needed anything in life, he would have to work for it. “I also figured out how to become a people person and that if you take care of others and treat people with respect, the same will be reciprocated,” he said.

Darin’s path to real estate began after graduating from Ferris State University with a degree in business management. His interest was in engineering with a focus on the automotive industry. He worked at Harold Zeigler Ford in Lowell, Michigan, as a technician, and then

moved into service advising, warranty administration and assistant service managing. Darin also continued to work for a small motorcycle/lawn and garden shop, a job he had since middle school. However, it wasn’t until a friend’s grandmother gave him a box of real estate books that his real estate curiosity began to pique.

“Initially, I was interested in the idea of investment properties and some basic knowledge of the real estate market,” Darin recalled. “I never thought it would turn into an actual career, but here I am.”

After a few months of working two jobs and starting a new career at Greenridge Realty, Darin was encouraged by the brokerage owner to either take his real estate efforts to the next level or pursue something else. “It was strongly suggested that I put any parttime jobs on hold, and I was given a quota to meet,” Darin explained. “The owner also showed me examples of how to ‘play in traffic’; however, I worried that if I failed to meet the sales quota by the end of the set time frame, Greenridge would ask me to pursue a more suitable field.”

Darin took the advice seriously and gave it his best shot. While he was able to put several transactions together, he came up slightly short on the goal. “Instead of Greenridge firing me, I was encouraged to stay the course and continue doing what I was doing. I was fueled by the support and enthusiasm,” he said.

For the past 10 years, Darin has held his position in the top 10 at his brokerage, and since launching his career in 2003, he has been a consistent top 100 producer in Western Michigan, garnering a career volume of more than $160 million.

“Launching a career in real estate is a slow burn,” Darin said. “I always tell new agents to have realistic expectations when they’re getting into real estate. No one’s going to turn into a top producer overnight, and it could even be several months before earning that first paycheck. However, if you stick to it and push forward, real estate will eventually accelerate, and you’ll find yourself meeting and exceeding your initial goals. The key is to stick to it.”

Darin’s primary office is in Ionia, where he frequently recruits other agents to assist him with showing houses and running errands. “I have solid relationships with other real estate agents and, as a result, I am able to put more buyer deals together in a competitive market and get a ton of referrals every year from these relationships,” he said. “Peer referrals are a huge honor, which shows that I can get the job done, and is a source of business that is often overlooked.”

Early in his career, Darin discovered the importance of building strong relationships not only with agents but also with title, mortgage, inspection, appraisal and other professionals

I also figured out how to become a people person and that if you take care of others and treat people with respect, the same will be reciprocated,

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 11

within the industry. “My mortgage and title connections have been crucial to the success of my business over the years,” he shared. “My title company friends frequently joke about getting on my payroll.”

One of the real estate perks Darin embraces is the ability to control how he runs his business and manages his schedule. As the father of two boys — Landen, 4, and Lochlen, 2 — Darin fights for and cherishes his family time. Both of his sons — who also happen to share a birthday on February 14, exactly two years apart — love going to parks, exploring

the woods and taking bike rides.

Recently, Landen demanded his own briefcase and paperwork so that he could be just like his daddy.

When Darin’s parents first moved to Ionia, they enrolled him in the Greater Ionia Youth League, which he’s proudly supported since his first year in real estate and was asked to throw out the first pitch at the opening ceremonies this year.

He’s also a board member for the Greenridge Dream Team Foundation.

Partnering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Greenridge Dream Team has donated over $1 million and

has granted more than 150 wishes.

Additionally, Darin sits on the board for the local Travelers Protection Association, a national organization that promotes child safety and specializes in helping children with hearing needs.

More than ever, Darin’s biggest challenge is securing homes for his buyers. “I always do everything I can to utilize my experience and relationships with other real estate agents to give buyers a chance at homeownership,” Darin said. “I’m also passionate about promoting friendly homeownership legislation. I’m proud

I have solid relationships with other real estate agents and, as a result, I

am able to put more buyer deals together in a competitive market and get a ton of referrals every year from these relationships.

12 • November 2021

@realproducers

to be a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and a supporter of the REALTORS® Political Action Committee.”

Darin’s forward approach to his business is in sync with his clients’ needs and accessibility to information. “While social media does not play a big role in my business and success, it is a great tool, especially for new agents looking to leverage their business and attract new clients,” he suggested. “It makes more sense to pull away from paying a ton of money for lead generation and other marketing programs and invest directly into clients. For example, giving a past client $1,000 toward a new front door replacement will pay in dividends over time rather than spending the same $1,000 with Zillow.”

“There is no doubt that my life experiences have influenced my passion, drive and success,” Darin said. “I often think of past conversations with clients, co-workers, family, friends, business partners and vendors who have inspired me to be a better friend, dad and real estate agent. Sometimes it is the little, simple things that make the largest impacts.”

Darin said he sees his current real estate career as a stepping stone for unlimited future business opportunities, partnerships and friendships. “My ultimate goal is to be known by my colleagues and clients as the person they could count on for anything,” Darin said. “I’ve worked my butt off to be a stand-up guy in this business.”

realproducersmag.com

Grand Rapids Real Producers • 13

14 • November 2021

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 15

partner spotlight

By Amanda Matkowski Photos by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC

Anthony Mosley

VanDyk Mortgage Corporation A Passion for Always Being Better Than Yesterday VanDyk Mortgage Corporation has spent over 30 years providing exceptional service for clients. With more than 90 branches across the United States, the family-owned business has over 200 experienced loan originators who are ready to help people through the mortgage process. Anthony Mosley, VanDyk Mortgage regional manager for West Michigan, is passionate about creating a team that clients can turn to for trustworthy advice.

“I believe our business still feels like a family-run business,” Anthony said.

“We get to voice our opinions and ideas, and this makes for constant change — to be better and to improve for our clients every day.”

VanDyk Mortgage has proudly earned many awards for its dedication to customer service. They have received a 99% customer satisfaction rating in addition to an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. In 2018, VanDyk Mortgage was a Top 100 Mortgage Lender by Mortgage Executive Magazine and Scotsman Guide. In that same year, Mortgage Executive Magazine also named VanDyk Mortgage one of the 50 Best Companies to Work For, and in 2021, National Mortgage News recognized 16 • November 2021

VanDyk Mortgage as one of the best companies to work for as well.

Although Anthony did not seek out the mortgage industry after he graduated with a degree in sociology, his passion for people never wavered. “I have always had a strong interest in people,” he recalled. “I love the underdog, and I love helping people build their

legacy — whether it is the homebuyer/ consumer or the industry professionals building their businesses and personal lives.” At the beginning of his career, Anthony spent five years as a loan originator, educating himself on everything he could about lending. He then spent the next 16 years learning how to lead, motivate and support a team as well as how to run a successful business. @realproducers

We need to serve our clients in a way that a machine cannot.”

Because VanDyk Mortgage is constantly finding ways to improve, Anthony admits that it can be difficult to step away from work. “Not working is an art, and I am learning how to be good at it,” he said. Although he’s still “practicing” the art form, he likes to spend his free time listening to music, making beautiful food and being in the company of others.

Anthony credits many mentors — some past and some current — for teaching him how to become a leader in the mortgage business. “It takes great people around you to help you understand who you are,” he said. “Through my journeys, I am fortunate enough to have great mentors.” Multiple real estate agents and lenders encouraged Anthony to participate in additional training and to jump into business coaching, which is where he found his coach, Wayne Salmans, from Hero Nation.

He also appreciates how Loralynne Ball, senior vice president of national sales, allows him to express his own leadership style.

Leading a successful business that gets clients to the closing table, however, is a group effort. “We focus a lot on the health of our strategic partners’ businesses,” Anthony explained of VanDyk Mortgage’s strategy. “We believe that being a partner is truly that — a team effort. This is part of the reason I became a certified real estate agent coach. We want to see agents as well as the customers we represent succeed.”

For Anthony, seeing the transaction “story” from start to finish is fulfilling. “Every loan is different, and even

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Most of all, when Anthony is not working, he enjoys being with his family. “They are my core, and we spend a lot of time together,” he said.

His wife, Tricia, is a kindergarten teacher who just launched an incredible fitness business. The couple has three children aged 15, 12 and 8 who keep them “sharp” every day. “They each have a very amazing individualism, yet fit together like the perfect puzzle,” Anthony added.

though there can be bumps from time to time, it is worth everything when you get to the closing table. The story of the real estate agents, the consumer and the loan process is a tale to be told,” he said.

Anthony has noticed an alarming amount of people relying on technology to replace the roles of real estate agents and loan originators, which doesn’t provide the type of expertise that VanDyk Mortgage brings to clients. “We must prevent this from happening by being better than we have ever been,” he said. “Every day, we are discussing, planning and implementing new ways to be better than yesterday.

“I want to be remembered as a good father who would do anything for his children. I want to be recognized as someone who was not afraid, and as someone who failed over and over again and never gave up,” he said. “Success to me is being comfortable with being yourself while achieving your goals and dreams. The world needs more of you and less of the same.”

Anthony uses that determined mindset to make sure that clients are getting the best service possible from VanDyk Mortgage. “I am on a mission to give business-motivated mortgage and real estate professionals the resources and support to be confident and proud, building the legacy that their business will leave for them and for the clients they serve,” he concluded.

For more information on VanDyk Mortgage Corporation, visit vandykmortgage.com.

Grand Rapids Real Producers • 17

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 19

20 • November 2021

@realproducers

agent spotlight

By Amanda Matkowski Photos by Jacob Harr with harr Creative LLC

Sara Suidinski

A LO V E F O R FA M I LY, C O M M U N I T Y A N D R E A L E S TAT E Real estate has always been a family endeavor for Sara Suidinski, so when she officially joined the industry, it felt natural. “My husband encouraged me for years to get into real estate,” Sara explained. “He saw my potential and love for homes and design and thought that it would be a great fit. He was right. I got my license in 2015 and haven’t looked back. I love it!”

Although her husband, Kurt, has sold real estate for 28 years, Sara got her first taste of the industry through her parents. Both hardworking entrepreneurs, her dad was a builder and her mom is an interior designer. While Sara was growing up in Grandville, Michigan, each of her parents owned

their own company, and, as a result, Sara watched them experience all the good — and bad — aspects of business ownership. “They sacrificed a lot to pursue their dreams and taught me invaluable lessons about commitment and seizing opportunity,” Sara said.

When Sara began her journey into real estate, she was initially uncertain about taking the leap. Like many agents during the downturn in 2008, Kurt struggled in real estate, which made it a difficult time for Sara and her family. To help make ends meet, Sara sold credit card processing part time while also raising their two young children. “We saw some tough times when the bottom fell out of the market,” she recalled.

“It was a big reason I was hesitant at first to get my real estate license. I was fearful of what could happen to both of our incomes if something like that happened again.”

Seven years later, Sara and her husband now own Suburban Realty Group (SRG). As an agent and REALTOR®, Sara has achieved a career volume of over $55 million — $12.5 million of which she generated in 2020. For the past three years, she has also been recognized as a Top 100 REALTOR® in the Greater Regional Alliance of REALTORS®.

Suburban Realty Group is a small brokerage with eight agents, one full-time assistant and one marketing “guru.”

“We do not have a team structure: We are a group — we all work to help each other, but we each have our own business within the group,” Sara explained.

She has discovered that being a business owner is incredibly rewarding and is proud of how the group has grown from two agents to eight. “We are thankful for the people we have in place within Suburban,” she added.

As a group, SRG supports many charities and organizations such as Eastern Ottawa Young Life, Grace Adventures, The Road men’s ministry, the Hudsonville Athletic Boosters

Photo by Nathaniel Foster with Firestorm Photography

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 21

Photo provided by Sara Suidinski

and the church that the Suidinskis attend in downtown Grand Rapids. “I feel that giving back to our communities, either financially or by time spent volunteering, is so rewarding,” Sara said. “SRG’s focus in the next year is to choose one specific nonprofit to support as a group. We are working through that vision now and are excited about opportunities to come.”

Within her business, Sara is very passionate about building relationships. “It is the number-one thing I love about my job.

I have made lasting friendships while helping people make one of their biggest decisions of their lives,” she explained. Sara also loves being able to visit a variety of homes, checking out new trends, and helping clients reimagine old spaces and turn them into their dream homes.

When Sara is not working, she enjoys cooking and playing golf. She is also an avid reader who loves magazines — Southern Living is her favorite — as well as thriller and mystery books. In addition to reading, she absolutely loves watching cooking shows. “I don’t get starstruck much, but if I ran into Ina Garten from ‘Barefoot Contessa,’ I would definitely need an autograph!” she joked.

Like Sara, Kurt is also a great cook and frequent golfer. The couple has been together since Sara was 16 years old. Their daughter, Samantha, is currently an interior design student in her second year of college. Their son, Cody, plays varsity golf for Hudsonville and helps Kurt part time with his business. As a family, they like to travel. “We really want to focus on showing our kids as much as possible while they still want to hang out with us,” Sara said, laughing. They also like to try out the newest restaurant hotspots in Grand Rapids.

22 • November 2021

Photo by Nathaniel Foster with Firestorm Photography

Sara looks forward to actively selling and investing in real estate for many more years to come.

She feels very blessed by all the support she has received over the years from her family and community, and she hopes that she will be remembered for doing the right thing and for running her business with integrity. “We are part of one of the greatest industries in the world,” Sara said, “and I hope when I am ready to finally put the signs and key boxes away for good someday, I will have left a little impact, and someone will remember me and be thankful that I led them in the direction of a home where they made a lifetime of memories.” @realproducers

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Grand Rapids Real Producers • 25

around

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Amy Garcia from Bellabay Realty — Caledonia & Relationship Manager Dina Ranieri

Brad Ditmar from KW Grand Rapids East & Relationship Manager Dina Ranieri

Bryant Mitchell from KW Rivertown — Grandville & Relationship Manager Dina Ranieri

Drew Denham from Key Realty — Grand Rapids & Relationship Manager Dina Ranieri

26 • November 2021

Pam Merriman from 616 Realty — Grand Rapids & Relationship Manager Dina Ranieri

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Abbey Vogelaar from City2Shore Real Estate — Grand Rapids

Terrence O’Neil from Mitten Real Estate — Grand Rapids & Relationship Manager Dina Ranieri

Danielle & Tim Miller from Steve Volkers Group — Grand Rapids with Relationship Manager Dina Ranieri

realproducersmag.com

Jessica Smith from Mitten Real Estate — Grand Rapids & Relationship Manager Dina Ranieri

Travis McIntyre from Bellabay Realty — Caledonia & Relationship Manager Dina Ranieri

Grand Rapids Real Producers • 27

Do YOU want to

NOMINATE

someone to be featured?

Email nominations to terra.csotty@realproducersmag.com.

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With every closing, we’re

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Stacy Miller-Kuiper VP, Branch Manager NMLS: 503826

616.430.4141

stacy.miller-kuiper@ruoff.com Ruoff.com/stacymillerkuiper Ruoff Mortgage Company, Inc., d/b/a Ruoff Home Mortgage, is an Indiana corporation. For complete licensing information visit: http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/COMPANY/141868. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. All loans must satisfy company underwriting guidelines. Information and pricing are subject to change at any time and without notice. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS#141868. 06262020

realproducersmag.com

Grand Rapids Real Producers • 29

There are Mortgage Lenders

AND THEN THERE’S US

Ed Napieralski

GREG CLAUSEN

BEN KAKKURI

NEIL SIEBERT

Loan Originator NMLS# 1527296 616-970-9800 ed.napieralski@primelending.com

Loan Originator NMLS# 1065023 616-901-0690 greg.clausen@primelending.com

Production Manager NMLS# 728157 616-822-6557 ben.kakkuri@primelending.com

Loan Originator NMLS# 136552 616-450-7886 neil.siebert@primelending.com

Our core purpose is working together to have a profound and positive impact on the lives of all we serve. With our national strength and local expertise, you can feel secure.

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