Steve Mann

TAKING CHANCES ON SUCCESS

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by Tracie Seeley with Downriver Real Estate

Photography Photos taken at Cranbrook Custom Homes — Montcaret in Northville

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.”

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

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.”

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.”

Steve Mann - Rising Star