Sherri Gramlich

An Allegiance to Real Estate and Veterans

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by Jermaine Buie with Perfect Light, LLC

Recent world events have brought to light the many faces of everyday heroes: healthcare workers, police officers and even teachers. Adding to these wonderful heroes are military veterans who live in our communities. As a way to give back to the many brave men and women who have sacrificed their time, energy and lives, Sherri Gramlich aligned herself with Downriver for Veterans (DFV). At the same time, she also launched her real estate career. Sherri provides support through personal contributions, volunteer work and 10% of her real estate commissions when she works with veterans.

With a passion for real estate and an allegiance to the military, Sherri found an opportunity where she could combine the two together and make a difference in her community. Along with her daughter and son-in-law,

Sherri is a three-year veteran who strongly believes in helping to improve the lives of other veterans and their families in the downriver area. She provides assistance with cleaning and stocking kitchens, and shopping for clothing and school items for veteran families. She is a resource for local real estate support and, with the help of Downriver for Veterans, aids in connecting veterans who need help with closing costs. Additionally, Sherri personally donated a car to assist a local veteran with transportation needs.

Sherri’s parents raised her to treat people the way she wanted to be treated. As a result, this later became her basic business model as an associate broker with eXp Realty. Moreover, Sherri took that mentality a step further by focusing on families and treating other families the way she would want her own to be treated. “If I do business honestly and ethically, my referrals will always be there, and my clients will remember the experience for years to come,” she said.

At one point in Sherri’s life, she was a single mom raising four daughters. “I had a hard time financially and emotionally,” Sherri recalled. “There wasn’t an organization like DFV to offer support or assistance, so I worked my tail off to keep things afloat; I was very fortunate.” Sherri’s personal experiences as a parent and a veteran inspired her to find a way to give back and support others who may be going through similar situations. “While many people do work hard, sometimes there aren’t enough resources to make ends meet,” she added. “Having an extra meal or a home repair is oftentimes the supplementary need that makes life a little bit easier.”

With so many veterans and their families suffering and needing assistance with basic essentials such as food and clothing or home improvements, Sherri’s efforts are having an impact on her life and others. “A veteran gave their all for our well-being and should not suffer,” she said. “They deserve to get assistance when they are in need. I believe that every little bit makes a huge difference. I know that because I, myself, proudly served my country, and I needed extra help at times. Our local veterans don’t have much for resources; DFV helps to provide everything from food to PTSD support.”

In 2019, Sherri fused together her appreciation for her real estate clients and advocacy for DFV by hosting a client appreciation dinner. She invited her clients and their families — many of whom are veterans — for an evening of fun and celebration. Gift baskets were donated and raffled to guests in attendance. The money raised was donated to the organization, and the dinner was personally paid for by Sherri.

“The benefit dinner was an opportunity to celebrate my clients and honor veterans while raising funds and awareness for a cause I believe in very deeply,” Sherri said. “Beyond a wonderful evening of fun, I think the event was successful because my clients are like family, and they know our relationship doesn’t stop at the end of a sale.”

In 2021, Sherri was working with a buyer, and before they had a house under contract, the buyer — a U.S. Air Force veteran and mother to a 2-year-old daughter — found out that her cancer had returned for the fourth time. “She had over 22 tumors in her brain, and cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and spine. I was heartbroken for her,” Sherri said. “I knew I couldn’t do anything to help her get better, so I decided to hold a spaghetti dinner fundraiser to alleviate some of her financial burden.” Through the donations of local businesses and Downriver for Veterans, 100% of the proceeds from the spaghetti dinner fundraiser — over $11,000 — went to the veteran’s family to assist with medical and daycare costs.

The greatest satisfaction for Sherri is seeing the results of her efforts and the impact it has on veteran families. “When kids get a new winter coat and I see their smiling faces, it brings me such joy,” Sherri said. “Similarly, I find great satisfaction knowing DFV put smiles on their parents’ faces because we were able to assist with items they might not have afforded on their own or surprised them with a gift of a roof, a ramp or a stocked kitchen.” Sherri said the genuine appreciation is priceless.

Recently, Sherri and her brother — also a veteran — arranged for a van to take veterans struggling with PTSD to a local farm. “As a group, we took a field trip and allowed the veterans to care for the animals,” Sherri said. “Sometimes, just a simple act of kindness can have the biggest impact.”

In both her real estate work and her commitment to helping veterans, Sherri has led by example. “I follow my heart and let what’s important guide me,” she said. “I stay true to myself while working hard to be authentic in my actions and dedicated to my relationships. I believe if I’m helping with a pure heart, my efforts will be noted and respected.”

For more information on how to get involved or to support Downriver for Veterans, go to downriverforveterans.org.

Sherri Gramlich - Making a Difference