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C O N N E C T I N G .
E L E VAT I N G .
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SEPTEMBER 2021
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Wayne County Real Producers • 3
TA B L E O F
CONTENTS 08
11
12
Preferred Partners
Meet the Wayne County Real Producers Team
Real Producers of Wayne County’s First Charity Event
14
20
24
Top Producer: Jessica Tremonti
Partner Spotlight: Lombardo Homes
30
34
Celebrating Leaders: Lisa LaRowe
Agent Spotlight: Jaime Burkhart
Rising Star: Steve Mann
around
town
38 Around Town
If you are interested in contributing or nominating someone for a feature, please email us at Chris.csotty@realproducersmag.com or 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 Wayne County 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. NOTE: When community events take place, photographers may be present to take photos for that event and they may be used in this publication.
4 • September 2021
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6 • September 2021
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Wayne County Real Producers • 7
PREFERRED PARTNERS
This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses, and thank them for supporting the real estate community!
ACCOUNTING Virginia A. Klein (734) 513-9802 APPRAISAL SERVICES/ PERSONAL PROPERTY Anne Zielke (734) 335-4435 ATTORNEY/ LEGAL SERVICES Laura M. Walesch, PLC (734) 357-8970 CBD PRODUCTS CannaCore Organics (586) 615-8749 www.cannacore organics.com/terra CONCRETE SERVICES Gabbert’s Concrete Products (313) 563-1224 CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS Cranbrook Custom Homes (586) 781-2316 Toll Brothers (248) 305-4004 DESIGN/BUILDERS Detroit Build Seabrook Satterlund (248) 677-0551 DRONES Downriver Real Estate Photography (734) 624-8220 Hommati (248) 550-0515 Stylish Detroit (313) 799-3686
8 • September 2021
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MOVING & STORAGE Morse Moving & Storage (734) 484-1717
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PHOTOGRAPHY Hommati (248) 550-0515 Jessica Laine Photography (586) 855-3822 PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY Downriver Real Estate Photography (734) 624-8220 Perfect Light Photography Jermaine Buie (517) 515-1910 Starloft Photography (734) 335-0213
WayUp Media (248) 924-1011 PRINTING/MARKETING/ DESIGN/SHIPPING Imperial Press (734) 728-5430 RESTORATION Preferred Home Construction (855) 844-4245 ROOFING/SIDING Preferred Home Construction (855) 844-4245
TITLE COMPANY Alliance Title of Michigan Kelly Anderson (586) 238-4400 Alliance Title of Michigan Mary Reed (586) 238-4400 ATA Title (248) 341-5077
Title Solutions (734) 259-7130 VIRTUAL 3-D TOURS Hommati (248) 550-0515 Stylish Detroit (313) 799-3686 WayUp Media (248) 924-1011
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Wayne County Real Producers • 9
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10 • September 2021
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M E E T T H E W AY N E C O U N T Y R E A L P R O D U C E R S T E A M
Chris Csotty Publisher
Terra Csotty Publisher
Jane K. Asher, Ph.D. Managing Editor/Writer
April Shanne Subiera
Amanda Matkowski
Jermaine Buie
Tracie Seeley
Publishing Assistant/ Reprints Specialist
Perfect Light, LLC Photographer
Editor
Downriver Real Estate Photography Photographer
Dina Ranieri
Relationship Manager
Robbyn Moore
Jeanne Monillo Ad Strategist
Andy Schwartz
Writer
Stylish Detroit Photographer/Videographer
Jennifer Arnett
Brandon Ramsay
Starloft Photography Photographer
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Wayne County Real Producers • 11
event announcement
Real Producers of Wayne County’s
FIRST Charity Event supporting
Thursday, October 14, 2021 1-3 p.m. The Shenandoah at Montcaret by Cranbrook Custom Homes and Lombardo Homes 19089 Chaumont Way, Northville, MI 48167 Wear PINK and join us for an afternoon of food, beverages, drawings and amazing people while we support a great local organization. Valet will be available. Register at rpwayneevents.com. If you can’t attend, please consider donating to The Pink Fund. Venmo: @RealProducers-donate Paypal: @RealProducersDonate
Questions? Reach out to Terra at 586-615-8749 or terra.csotty@realproducersmag.com
12 • September 2021
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14 • September 2021
@realproducers
Jessica top producer
By Jane K. Asher, Ph.D. Photos by Stylish Detroit
Tremonti PROVIDING THE BEST POSSIBLE EXPERIENCE — AND OUTCOME
Oftentimes, when Jessica Tremonti is working with her clients, she is reminded of two key childhood experiences that forged her path into real estate and continue to shape the way she runs her business: her house burning to the ground when she was 6 years old — which forever reminds Jessica of the “importance of home” — and the “terrible process” that Jessica’s hardworking single mother encountered when she was finally in a position to buy her first home. “I remember that the real estate agent my mom was referred to was less than the best — and the frustration that my mom endured as a result,” Jessica said. “I was only 12 years old at the time, but that was what gave me the bug to become a real estate agent, and that is the story I remind myself of when I’m with my clients and working hard to ensure that they have the best possible experience.” Despite becoming interested in real estate at an early age, Jessica did not immediately pursue a career in the industry. After receiving her bachelor’s in merchandising management from Michigan State University, Jessica spent eight years working in various sales and marketing positions. Then, in 2009, she was ready to make a change and was intent on seizing her dreams as a real estate agent. “Even though real estate wasn’t doing well in the Detroit area at the time, I just decided I would finally do what I always wanted to do,” Jessica said. “I love the idea of having my own business and doing everything from client retention to marketing to selling.” Since becoming a full-time agent in 2010, Jessica has sold almost $100 million — $16.5 million of
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which she generated in 2020. She has also consecutively reached CENTURION status each year since 2017 and earned the title of Hour Detroit Real Estate All-Star for the last five years. Jessica is an individual agent who works with the “best of the best” at CENTURY 21 Curran & Oberski, including her full-time assistant, Nancy Lindo. “Nancy has a great history in the industry, and we have an amazing dynamic,” Jessica shared. “I am very lucky to have such awesome support staff with Nancy and my colleagues at C21.” Given that she remembers when her mom purchased their first home — and the happiness and security that it brought them — Jessica has a soft spot for first-time homebuyers. “I love to see a first-time buyer get into their home, but what is even more fun is when those buyers hire me to sell their first home, and I get to hand over a nice profit check,” she said. Jessica also focuses a lot of her attention on the investment aspect of real estate. “I am passionate about helping my clients make wise purchases, assisting them with renovation decisions, and then watching them gain equity and purchase investment properties,” she shared.
Wayne County Real Producers • 15
small wedding ceremony in New York City with their closest family and friends on September 18, 2021, and a big reception in Michigan on New Year’s Eve. In addition to spending quality time with family and friends, Jessica enjoys listening to podcasts and tending to her bees — she became a beekeeper a couple of years ago. “It has been so rewarding,” she said. “I am a complete amateur, but I did manage to get about five gallons of honey from last year’s harvest.” Jessica has also been coaching competitive cheer for about 20 years and recently became involved with the fundraising efforts of Leader Dogs for the Blind in honor of her mother
Jessica, who grew up Downriver and graduated from Allen Park High School, says that her dad’s innate business sense and her mom’s constant effort to care for her played a crucial role in her life and helped Jessica define her path. “As a result of my parents’ influence and support, I learned how to not only take care of others but also prepare a way for myself,” she said. Jessica’s path as a real estate agent has granted her the type of success that she has always wanted: experiencing “happiness while earning a nice wage, assisting others and becoming the best version of myself.” Of course, like most success stories, Jessica’s has included some challenges along the way, the greatest of which is time management. “I find myself working long hours and struggling to separate my personal and professional lives,” she said. “When I find out how to overcome that, I’ll let you know.” Outside of real estate, Jessica is all about spending time with family, most of whom live in Northern Michigan with the exception of a few family members who live in the southern U.S. “My family and I enjoy spending our time at Black Lake — it’s my favorite place on earth,” she shared. Jessica is thrilled that she will soon be adding one more special family member — Sean McStravick — to her life when he becomes her husband. Jessica and Sean are having a
16 • September 2021
@realproducers
“
I love the idea of having my own business and doing everything from client retention to marketing to selling.
“
who lost most of her vision a few years ago. For her birthday, Jessica created a Facebook fundraiser for Leader Dogs and pledged to match every dollar; she ended up raising $7,000. Now that she is thriving in a career that she loves and surrounded by “the best people” every day, Jessica says that she doesn’t have “dreams of retirement.” Instead, she plans to expand her real estate portfolio in order to continue to travel the world. More importantly, she hopes to leave a real estate legacy defined by her dedication to her clients and by the hard work that she puts in to help them actualize their goals and dreams. “From first-time buyers with $50,000 budgets to repeat buyers investing in large apartment complexes, I use my skills to successfully represent and provide the best outcome for every single one of my clients,” Jessica said. “If you make your clients your top priority, you will undoubtedly do well in this industry.”
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Wayne County Real Producers • 17
18 • September 2021
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TITLE SERVICES
It’s not closed..... until it’s INKED
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Wayne County Real Producers • 19
Lombardo partner spotlight By Jane K. Asher, Ph.D.
homes In the early 1960s, Cosimo Lombardo sold his electronics company in Canada and moved to Michigan so he could establish a building company to support his wife, Antoinette, and future family. Today, his legacy and company — Lombardo Homes — lives on through his oldest son and owner, Anthony Lombardo, daughters, Anna Lisa and Cathy Lombardo, and youngest son, Sebastian Lombardo. What started over 60 years ago as a company specializing in attached and courtyard condominiums now builds apartments, single-family homes, condominiums and luxury custom homes that span all of southeast Michigan, as well as a range of prices. “Lombardo Companies offers homes for every stage of life — we’re one of the few homebuilders who do that,” said Vice President of Marketing Melissa Cervin, who’s been with the company for nine years. “With new single-family homes and 20 • September 2021
BUILDING A FAMILY OF HOMES FOR EVERY STAGE OF LIFE
condominiums ranging from the $170s to over $500,000, we have a home perfect for a first-time homebuyer, a customer who’s on their second or third move-up home, or an empty nester looking to downsize into a condominium.”
fit a family’s needs, explore options to maximize space and functionality throughout a home, and even evaluate a family’s circumstances to account for future life changes.
Additionally, through Lombardo Apartment Communities, the company serves clients who prefer apartment living or aren’t quite ready to purchase their first home, as well as homeowners who have to move out of their existing homes before their new build is complete.
“Lombardo Homes takes the time to truly understand how you live in your home,” Melissa said. “Lombardo Homes knows they’ve done their job right when our customers are even more satisfied with their new home one year from closing than they were on the day they moved in.”
Lombardo clients — who have the option of building on their own lot or in a Lombardo Homes community — enjoy high-quality, new construction homes as a result of the company’s trademarked process: The Discovery Event by Lombardo Homes. Through this collaborative, home-discovery process, the Lombardo team closely works with homebuyers to identify their unique needs and build a home that not only complements their lifestyle but also continues to serve their needs as their family continues to grow. By working with the client to understand their family size, dynamic and lifestyle, Lombardo Homes can recommend floor plans to
From the sales and construction teams — who Melissa describes as the “superstars on the front lines” — to the main office personnel, Lombardo’s approximately 150 employees work to make a customer’s dream home a reality. “Lombardo Homes has a great company culture — it’s the perfect balance of family-owned business infused with corporate culture best practices,” Melissa said. “The Lombardo family is a @realproducers
part of the day-to-day business and can be found bustling around the office just like the rest of our team members.” Customer experience is also a cornerstone of Lombardo’s company culture, as well as the driving force of many of their internal decisions. By surveying each homeowner four times throughout their build experience, sharing the results in real-time with all employees and having the management team review the feedback on a weekly basis, Lombardo strives to deliver the best possible experiences to their customers. As a result of their stellar customer service and high-quality craftsmanship, Lombardo consistently ranks among
the top 100 builders in the nation according to Builder Magazine. The company’s commitment to their customers is enhanced by their ongoing support of the community and local charities. Lombardo has participated in several St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraisers, in which many team members shave their heads to raise money for a cure for childhood cancer. Additionally, the company has supported the MakeA-Wish Foundation — a portion of one of their donations funded a “Frozen”themed bedroom makeover for one lucky little girl. Lombardo Homes also donated the land for Lombardo Park in Shelby Township, contributed to the completion of the Veterans Tribute
of Oakland Township, and deeded the land for and financially contributed to the Michigan War Dog Memorial in Lyon Township. Lombardo even sponsors several community events, such as fireworks, farmers’ markets, concerts in the park and Christmas tree-lighting ceremonies. Lombardo has a lot of love for the real estate community, and it shows through their incentives and relationship building. One major incentive is the company’s tiered bonus system that financially rewards real estate agents — above and beyond commission — based on the number of Lombardo homes that they sell in a given year. “We are real estate agent friendly!” Melissa said. “We understand how vital real estate agents are to our dayto-day business and welcome them into our sales centers anytime.” From presentations at office meetings to hosting agent meetings at their model homes to one-on-one time with agents over coffee or lunch, Lombardo welcomes the opportunity to get to know local real estate agents and build relationships with them. “We’ve partnered with Real Producers because we know they are integral to the real estate community, thus giving us a platform where we can continue to network and expand our real estate relationships,” Melissa said. “We enjoy the events we’re able to attend as a Real Producers Preferred Partner, but we never turn down an opportunity to host an event or to meet and greet the real estate professionals who are so vital to our business.” As a forward-looking company, Lombardo continually evaluates and updates its floor plan lineup, as well as their available options, so that they meet homebuyers’ needs and wants. Lombardo recently added interactive floor plans, an exterior color tool and an interior room visualizer to enhance the overall build process, allowing customers to see their designs and color selections on digital renderings. “We’re proud of our portfolio and our ability to offer a wide range of homes, and we intend to continue to diversify our portfolio as time goes on,” Melissa said. “We are always evaluating land opportunities across southeast Michigan so we can find those perfect locations for new Lombardo Homes communities in the township and school district our customers desire — being able to build what people want where they want is crucial to us … and to our customers.”
To learn more about Lombardo Homes, visit lombardohomes.com. realproducersmag.com
Wayne County Real Producers • 21
Estate Liquidation • Consignment • Full Clean Out Service Serving Metro Detroit Area. Robert and Megan Lewis
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22 • September 2021
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Wayne County Real Producers • 23
rising star By Robbyn Moore Photos by Tracie Seeley with Downriver Real Estate Photography Photos taken at Cranbrook Custom Homes — Montcaret in Northville
24 • September 2021
@realproducers
TAKING CHANCES ON SUCCESS Throughout his life, Steve Mann has viewed his success as a continued journey rather than an achieved ending point. His inspiration comes from the words spoken by Winston Churchill: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it’s the courage to continue that counts.”
“I became a real estate agent because I wanted to be an entrepreneur with limitless options to launch and grow my own business,” he shared. “I believed I would be successful due to my extensive sales background, strong work ethic and desire to make a difference in my community.”
Prior to becoming a real estate agent with RE/ MAX Dream Properties, Steve was a sales director for a consumer products company for more than 25 years. In that role, he worked on national retail accounts such as Target, Costco and Best Buy, with responsibilities that included developing and implementing strategies that involved sales and management, and procedures to drive company and client growth in addition to profitability.
Since launching his career three years ago, Steve has earned the RE/MAX Children’s Miracle Network Agent award every year — an award that is achieved when an agent donates $500 in a calendar year to the Children’s Miracle Network. He was also recognized by RE/MAX with three multimillion-dollar-agent awards.
During his corporate sales career, Steve traveled 50% of the time, working 60-hour weeks while his wife, Rebecca, supported his efforts by staying at home to raise their twin girls, Allison and Lauren. “Over the years I talked about the idea of trading in my career for another occupation that would allow me to be home every day, especially when we became empty-nesters,” Steve recalled. In 2017, Steve found himself at a crossroads in his career, and as a result, he made the decision — after long discussions with his wife — to switch careers and fully commit himself to real estate. realproducersmag.com
Born and raised in Minnesota, Steve graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a bachelor’s degree in education. He moved to Michigan in 1989 for work but soon moved to Minnesota after he got married in 1991. In 2002, Steve and his wife moved back to Michigan where they found their “forever home.” Steve credits his core values to his parents and his deep-rooted faith to his wife. “Rebecca has influenced me on so many levels, but most importantly, she reconnected me to my faith,” Steve said. “Today, I’m very involved and active in our church as an usher, counter and concierge team member. I’m also the treasurer of a men’s group that provides support to the community. Through these efforts, I have received more than I have given.” Wayne County Real Producers • 25
Real estate has given Steve the opportunity to fulfill some of his life’s dreams and goals. “I’m passionate and focused about developing, implementing and obtaining my short- and long-term goals in life,” he said. “Whether it’s professional or personal, I am motivated by an objective that supports my life entirely. I see myself building a small team while still having a schedule that supports a ‘date night’ with my wife.” Steve and Rebecca will be married 30 years this November and plan to celebrate their milestone anniversary with a trip to Barbados. The couple has a Golden Retriever named Tilley, and together, they enjoy long walks. Beyond real estate, Steve has lots of hobbies and interests that include playing on a men’s hockey league, working out three days a week, and playing tennis and golf in the summer. This year, Steve and his daughter will be participating in a Tough Mudder obstacle course event. “In changing careers I took a chance, jumped in the deep end and bet on me,” Steve said of his move into real estate. “The most rewarding part of my business is building relationships with my clients who trust me during the selling and buying process. It’s truly a privilege to be a part of their life’s journey. I have definitely found success in the courage to continue moving forward.”
26 • September 2021
@realproducers
Since 1954 Realtors like you have counted on Morse Moving/Allied Van Lines as your trusted partner. Let your team count on our team to carry the load! We are there when you need us most!
Providing personalized service for all of your legal needs. Laura M. Walesch, PLC 794 S Main St Plymouth, Michigan 48170 (734) 357-8970 laura@waleschlaw.com
Thank you for your business The Morse Moving Family
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Wayne County Real Producers • 27
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Wayne County Real Producers • 29
Lisa LaRowe Creating an Inspiring Team of Agents Through Mentoring
30 • September 2021
@realproducers
celebrating leaders By Robbyn Moore Photos by Jermaine Buie with Perfect Light, LLC
Lisa LaRowe, associate broker at Lisa LaRowe Realty — eXp Realty, starts each day from a position of positivity. She mentally prepares her day with affirmations about herself and the week ahead. Her focus is on gratitude for her life and for the people in it.
“It’s imperative to take care of yourself and have fun every day,” Lisa shared. “Life is meant to be enjoyed. If you are not happy, it’s difficult to give your clients and colleagues the best version of yourself.” As an agent development and training manager, Lisa shares her mindset and optimism
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through her work as a mentor and trainer for the eXp offices in Trenton and Grosse Ile. She’s currently training 15 new agents directly and offers continuous training support to over 50 agents in other branch offices. “After 17 years of actively selling real estate, I’m privileged to offer my knowledge to others,” Lisa said. Since joining the agency in 2018, Lisa said she’s never been happier. “I’m surrounded with positive, brilliant, top-producing agents who fire me up. I get to train new agents and help experienced agents build their businesses. Since joining eXp, my business and training abilities took on a whole new level.” Prior to launching her real estate career in 2003, Lisa had plans of becoming a special education teacher. However, after much encouragement from her friends — who saw her potential in sales — Lisa decided to give real estate a try. “It’s funny that my original calling was to teach, and here I am doing my absolute dream job — selling and teaching,” she shared. “In addition to the thrill of finding dream homes for my clients, I feel so energized when I’m training new agents and watching them succeed.”
Wayne County Real Producers • 31
“
Life is meant to be enjoyed. If you are not happy, it’s difficult to give your clients and colleagues the best version of yourself.” during one of the most stressful and momentous times in their life,” Lisa said. “It’s a skill set that I am very proud of.” Moreover, Lisa applies her problem-solving abilities to the ever-changing world of technology. “When I started in the business, our purchase agreements were six carbon copies, and we would tell our clients to press hard when they signed,” she said, laughing. “So coming from that background, my challenge has been staying ahead of the most up-to-date tools available to ensure a seamless transaction for my clients.”
During the housing recession in 2008, Lisa worked with Michelle Saward, who demonstrated the benefits of hard work, the payoff of tenacity and most importantly, the significance of having a mentor. “At the time, Michelle was building her business,” Lisa recalled. “I watched her launch her business in the middle of a downward market and learned so many valuable lessons that I still use and share today. Her role in my life positively influenced my career and my life.” Lisa and Michelle went on to work together for 12 years. Lisa’s path has been defined by following her instincts and not the crowd. “My training style has been influenced by the many mentors I’ve had in my life,” she said. “I have taken bits and pieces from different trainers and top 32 • September 2021
agents, and developed my own style and approach to the business. I teach my agents to do the same: Take a little from each person, and make yourself into the agent you want to become.” One of the many things Lisa is grateful for at eXp is the shared mindset of collaboration. “The agency’s philosophy aligns with my own,” she said. “We don’t see each other as competition or a threat. Rather, we genuinely help and support each other because when one of us wins, we all win — it’s a refreshing approach to this business.” Lisa is a great problem solver and learned early in her career to address issues before they become difficult. “I learned to listen to my clients and give them what they need, especially
While technology is a part of everyday business, Lisa, by nature, is an outdoors kind of girl. She enjoys nature walks, in-line skating, boating, swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. She has a 20-year-old daughter named Ollie, who goes to the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. Lisa said Ollie is a great reminder to stop and enjoy the best things in life: looking at the moon or a butterfly, walking a little slower and enjoying life’s moments more often. “Real estate is a way of life for me,” Lisa said. “It’s so gratifying to help my clients achieve their real estate dream, and it’s definitely rewarding to see my agents fly and become the agents they want to be — it’s addicting to me, really.” Lisa’s future plans include building a strong team of agents at her Grosse Ile office. She is passionate about taking care of her clients and training and inspiring other agents. “It is so rewarding to watch a new agent — with very little knowledge — come into this career and see them excel beyond their dreams because of the tools we gave them.” @realproducers
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Wayne County Real Producers • 33
agent spotlight
A CAREER BUILT ON INTEGRITY, GRATITUDE AND ENTHUSIASM
JAIME BURKHART
By Robbyn Moore Photos by Jermaine Buie with Perfect Light, LLC
34 • September 2021
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J
aime Burkhart is affectionately known as “The Queen of Fun” because of her outgoing personality, charisma and humor. Her enthusiastic approach to life and business, coupled with her ability to find gratitude in every circumstance, has made Jaime a standout in all areas of her life.
Prior to launching her career in real estate 16 years ago, Jaime was a dental assistant, a certified massage therapist, and a full-time ICU and labor and delivery registered nurse. “The good news with me is that if you get sick, give birth or suffer from stress through the homebuying process, I’m a one-stop shop,” Jaime said jokingly. “Actually, I have a few clients who I’ve helped deliver their babies and found them a home!” No matter her occupation, Jaime has always had a passion for helping people by pouring 100% of herself into her efforts. In early 2005 — while she was pregnant with her son — Jaime acquired her real estate
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license to assist her then-husband with his real estate business. At the same time, her younger brother, Jeff Packer, was also getting his real estate license, and together, they supported each other as they embarked on their new journey. After her son was born, Jaime decided to put her nursing profession aside and focus on real estate fulltime. She went on to do a massive amount of short sales for eight years, working 60-75 hours a week. “During that time, I was dealing with 80-100 active short sales,” she recalled. “I think I have PTSD from those years.” As time went on, Jaime honed her real estate skills and prioritized her life so she could independently focus on her clients’ needs as well as her family. “I created a path of being in control of my own ‘ceiling,’ schedule and future,” Jaime said. “I dreamed it, and it happened. No one dictated my plans or when I should work or told me what my time was worth — that was on me. Real estate became very liberating.”
At the heart of Jaime’s life is her passion for continuous inward reflection and growth. As a pastor’s daughter, Jaime learned from her father the importance of having a strong faith and an appreciation for family and community. “I was always very active and social in our church, which helped with my communication experience and love for people,” Jaime shared. “We were also brought up in an environment that focused on our core values — that is the foundation of my life today.” As a real estate agent with The Packer Group at Coldwell Banker Preferred, REALTORS®, Jaime is surrounded by a team of individuals who care and support one another. The group includes eight agents and a full-time marketing director and photographer. “Working with integrity is our highest priority,” Jaime said of her team. “We want to strive to be the best at what we do, and we truly care deeply. Our clients aren’t just sales transactions; they are people with families and lives. We treat each client how we would want to be treated, and our referral percentage is a direct reflection of that mentality.”
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Jaime’s favorite quote is “Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you will look back and realize they were the big things.” She lives by these words in her professional life, and more importantly, her personal life. After years of working long hours while raising two boys, Jaime has found a good work-life balance thanks to her husband, Rob. The couple married three years ago, and they enjoy everyday moments. “Rob has taught me so much about slowing down to enjoy life’s moments,” Jaime said. “Just simply breathing in the lake air and having a glass of wine is how life should be enjoyed.” Together, Jaime and Rob have four children — twins, Lily and Brendan, 22, Landen, 15, and Beckham, 12. As a family, they spend quality time at their lake house on “Burkhart Beach,” and enjoy boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, surfing, kayaking, fishing, bonfires and soaking in the hot tub. Jaime shares her enthusiasm for lake living not only with her family but also with her clients. It’s not uncommon to see her cruising around the water, showing clients properties and helping them envision a resort-style life. “My all-time favorite home to sell is a lake home,” Jaime said. “It’s so much more than ‘just a home’; it’s a lifestyle that makes capturing family-time memories a daily event. Instead of a vacation a few times a year, why not enjoy it every day? Whether it’s a bonfire 36 • September 2021
at the end of a busy workday, a happy-hour sunset cruise around the lake, or a whole day with family enjoying the lake, I believe it’s one of the best ways to enjoy life to the fullest! To bring that dream to a reality is literally one of the best feelings in the world for a family.” This year — in particular with limited inventory — has been challenging to many real estate agents. As a result, Jaime and her team found new ways to stand out and make their clients’ dreams come true. “It’s no secret that real estate is an ever-changing business,” Jaime explained. “Over the years, the issues have changed, but being an innovative and smart agent is still a consistent factor for success. I will also say it’s important to not be a secret agent — tell everyone you know about your business and how you can help. Above all, be honest, be genuine and authentic.” Jaime said her real estate career has allowed her to take care of her family while also fulfilling her professional goals and her strong desire to help others. “With real estate, I am honored to be involved with one of the most important decisions in people’s lives,” she said. “It’s humbling, and I am in awe that this is what I get the privilege to do in life.” @realproducers
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Emily McNamee from Dwellings brokered by eXp & Relationship Manager Dina Ranieri
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38 • September 2021
Jay Fontaine from Fontaine Real Estate Group & Relationship Manager Dina Ranieri
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Wayne County Real Producers • 39
Nicole Elizabeth from eXp Realty & Relationship Manager Dina Ranieri
Trisha Dork from Elite Realty & Relationship Manager Dina Ranieri
Preferred Partner Nikki Mayes from InsideOut Inspections Plus & Lynn Stephens from eXp Realty
40 • September 2021
Stephen Hohl from Preferred, REALTORS® — The Packer Group & Relationship Manager Dina Ranieri
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Wayne County Real Producers • 43