Tom Gaunt

POSITIVELY GROWING HIS BUSINESS

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by Dawn Townsend Photography & Design

Tom Gaunt leads his life with positivity. His first two years at Keller Williams Showcase - Commerce Township, he was voted the happiest agent in the office. He is also the current president of the Huron Valley Optimist Club and an active member in Optimist International, which is a 100-year-old charity helping children in local school districts. Tom enjoys bringing happiness to his clients and leads his business and community involvement with a happy heart.

Tom was born and raised in Chelsea, Michigan, by loving parents who impressed upon him the value of hard work, positivity and giving back to the community. After years as part-owner of a wholesale floral corporation and after the passing of both his parents, Tom decided it was time to try something new. He was 50 years old. “My dad got his real estate license at age 65,” Tom shared. “I viewed this as a sign that it was something I should pursue.”

As with many new real estate agents, Tom initially found the business to be overwhelming. “There were so many different ways to develop my business,” Tom recalled. “The best advice I got was from Steve Stockton who guided me to pick a path, write it down, hold myself accountable for daily actions and just simply work hard.”

After a year, Tom watched his business take off. His tenacity and optimism led him to meeting and exceeding his personal goals. He has been recognized as a top agent in “Hour Detroit” and a 2018 recipient of the State of Michigan Cultural Ambassador Award for Keller Williams where he was acknowledged among other agents from around the world.

Whether his clients are listing or buying, Tom treats all his clients like family. “There is a level of stress in almost every transaction,” Tom said. “It is my goal to bring a little relief to those situations along with positive energy and of course, some smiles — it’s what I love about being a real estate agent.”

Nearly 80% of Tom’s business comes from referrals. He has built his career on a fundamental business model that consists of answering phone calls, accurate listings, listening to his clients’ needs, follow-through, and enthusiasm in every conversation. “My clients know I care about them,” Tom said. “I treat everyone with respect and kindness. I work hard for my clients and I am honest and genuine in my efforts. I not only build trust with my clients but also lifelong friendships.”

When Tom was in eighth grade, he joined the school swimming team. To this day, he attributes his goal setting, time management, and determination to the lessons his sport taught him. Additionally, after the birth of his two children — Chelsea, 29, and Nick, 27 — Tom developed a level of gratitude for life’s precious moments. “My life experiences have made me who I am today,” Tom stated. “I’ve always been a really positive person and I tend to see the good side in every human being.”

Real estate is a great environment for Tom to share his smile and laughter with others. He is passionate about helping people realize their dream of finding a home and handles most of his transactions on his own. “I have no desire to build a team,” he said. “I do, however, lean on another agent in my office, Rick Barren, who helps cover me when I’m on vacation or have multiple listings that need assistance. He’s also about 20 years younger than me and helps me see the business from a different perspective.”

Tom is an avid sportsman. He plays basketball several days a week, he is in golf and bowling leagues, and he still finds time to travel and ride his motorcycle. He and his wife, Laura, have been married for eight years, and together they enjoy gardening, playing with their two German Shepherds and making each other laugh.

In 2014, both of Tom’s parents died within five weeks of each other. While this was a difficult time in his life, Tom’s optimism prevailed. When he first began his real estate career, he honored his parents — who were very charitable people — by donating at least $100 from every closing to his optimist group. “Since that time, I’ve increased my giving and added Lakeland High and Milford High athletics to my donations.”

Any client working with Tom is guaranteed a lot of laughter and smiles. “I’m a happy person,” Tom said with a smile. “One of my life’s goals is to bring a smile to every person I meet — even if it’s only for a brief moment.”

Agent on the Rise - Tom Gaunt