Real Estate Moguls TFOCB Studios

Sherri Jordan, the dynamic force behind Suite 527 Realty Group, brings a compelling narrative of resilience and transformation to the Real Estate Moguls Podcast. Growing up in Chicago’s Englewood, Sherri experienced the true essence of community and witnessed firsthand the impact of home ownership.
 Her journey from a 15-year-old witnessing her mother’s first home purchase to becoming a real estate broker is nothing short of inspiring. Sherri’s story is one of overcoming adversity, marked by her personal experience with predatory lending and the 2008 market crash.
These challenges fueled her passion for educating others about the importance of home ownership, particularly in black and brown communities. Through her brokerage, Sherri is dedicated to not just transactions, but transforming lives by fostering financial literacy and generational wealth.

Her message is clear: With education and perseverance, anyone can achieve their dreams. Tune in to hear Sherri’s full story and gain valuable insights for your own real estate journey.

In the latest episode of The Real Estate Moguls Podcast, host Nick DeGregorio sits down with Blake Zack, a dynamic figure in the commercial real estate industry. Blake’s story is one of perseverance, strategic networking, and the relentless pursuit of growth. His journey from humble beginnings in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, to becoming a key player at Select Leaders is filled with inspiring lessons and actionable insights.
Blake's path to success was not straightforward. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in communications and a minor in marketing. He was deeply involved in various organizations, including serving as the president of Hillel, where he honed his leadership and networking skills. Reflecting on his college years, Blake shares, “Eastern Michigan taught me a lot of different skills that I never thought I would learn in the classroom. It was through involvement in organizations and hands-on experiences.”

After college, Blake faced his first major career challenge. He started at United Wholesale Mortgage during the pandemic, a time of great uncertainty. Blake recalls, “The environment of sales and mortgages wasn't something I was passionate about, but it was an opportunity I took advantage of during COVID.” His tenure at the mortgage company was marked by significant learning and growth, setting the stage for his future endeavors.

The turning point in Blake’s career came with a rejection from BizNow, a leading commercial real estate news and events company. This setback, however, fueled his determination. “Rejection motivated me,” Blake says. He eventually secured a role at BizNow and relocated to Chicago, a city he now calls home. His move to BizNow allowed him to leverage his skills in sales and networking, ultimately leading to his current position at Select Leaders, where he plays a strategic role in executive recruitment.

Nick DeGregorio, the charismatic host, expertly navigates the conversation, highlighting Blake’s resilience and adaptability. Nick’s engaging style brings out the best in his guests, and this episode is no exception. He delves into Blake’s experiences and extracts valuable lessons that are applicable to anyone aspiring to succeed in their careers.

One of the standout moments in the episode is Blake’s discussion about the importance of preparation and persistence. “Preparation is everything. If I'm not prepared, I'm not going to be successful,” he emphasizes. This principle is evident in Blake’s meticulous approach to his work and his dedication to continuous learning.

Blake also shares his passion for community building and collaboration. His initiative, Catapult CRE, aims to propel young careers in commercial real estate to the next level. “It’s about getting people back out there, not just sitting at home being remote,” he explains. This initiative underscores his belief in the power of networking and face-to-face interactions.

Throughout the episode, Blake’s humility and gratitude shine through. He credits much of his success to his supportive family and mentors. “I would not be here without my family and everyone who has been supportive throughout my career,” he notes. This sense of appreciation and the recognition of the role of community in personal growth is a recurring theme in Blake’s narrative.

Nick’s insightful questions and ability to relate to his guest make for a compelling episode. He draws out practical advice from Blake that listeners can apply to their own lives. Whether it’s using social media for networking or being persistent in the face of rejection, the lessons are clear and actionable.

Blake’s final words of wisdom resonate deeply: “Advocate for yourself. If you're not happy, speak up. And always be prepared.” His story is a testament to the power of resilience, strategic networking, and continuous...

In the latest episode of the Real Estate Moguls Podcast, Grigory Pekarsky, co-founder and managing broker of Vesta Preferred Realty, offers a rich tapestry of insights that interweave the hard-earned truths of the real estate industry with the personal growth that accompanies entrepreneurial ventures. 
Grigory’s journey from a potential veterinary path at Michigan State to leading a top real estate team in Chicago paints a vivid picture of how adaptability and resilience pave the way to success.

His story is one of transformation and tenacity. Born in Moscow and raised in Detroit before making a leap to Chicago, his initial career aspiration was to become a veterinarian. However, his true calling lay elsewhere. Grigory realized, “I love animals, not so much the pathway of being a veterinarian,” a revelation that led him to pivot towards finance and eventually real estate.

His philosophy extends beyond mere business metrics, focusing profoundly on personal fulfillment and mental well-being. Grigory’s approach is encapsulated when he explains, “It's almost like you have these alter egos; one of them is Party Greg, but there’s also Work Greg and Family Greg. You got to go all in for all of them.” This philosophy highlights the importance of balance and the understanding that success in any field requires a holistic commitment.

A cornerstone of Grigory’s success is his emphasis on the ‘why’ behind actions rather than just the outcomes. “We never focus on results... You can't control your results,” he states, underscoring a philosophy that values process over product. This mindset shift is crucial, especially in an industry as volatile as real estate.

Vesta Preferred stands out not just for its business achievements but for its rigorous selection process, emphasizing attitude and work ethic over mere experience. Grigory is clear on this, noting, “I don't care if you did $20 million in real estate... I’d rather take somebody that's fresh out of college, that is just hungry and wants to learn.” This approach ensures that the team remains agile and aligned with the company’s core values, fostering an environment where every member contributes to and benefits from the collective success.

The discussion also delves into the complexities of leadership within such a high-stakes industry. Grigory acknowledges the challenges and potential pitfalls of partnerships and recruitment. He candidly shares lessons from previous failures, emphasizing the growth that comes from them: “Fifteen years of failure will get you there... We've been pretty on fire for the last five years.” His story is a testament to the idea that enduring success often follows numerous trials and errors, each providing valuable lessons.

Moreover, Grigory’s narrative is a compelling reminder of the importance of authenticity and adaptability in leadership. His strategies for recruitment and team building, particularly in leveraging social media and digital platforms to enhance Vesta’s brand and attract the right talent, illustrate a forward-thinking approach to modern real estate practices.

Grigory Pekarsky’s episode offers more than just a glimpse into the life of a successful real estate broker—it provides a blueprint for personal and professional growth. His journey encourages us to embrace change, prioritize mental health, and always strive for a balanced life, lessons that are applicable far beyond the realm of real estate.

Dive into the inspiring journey of Cinny Chui
From mastering her studies to mastering the market, Cinny's story is a lesson in ambition and success.

Discover how she turned her real estate dreams into multi-million-dollar realities.

Don't miss out on her invaluable insights and tips!

In an inspiring episode of The Real Estate Moguls Podcast, Jennie Raymer delves deep into the world of real estate with her guest, Bob Tierney, who shares his remarkable journey from working in construction to becoming a real estate investor. Bob's story is not just a narrative of personal triumph but a roadmap filled with insights, wisdom, and actionable advice for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of real estate investing.
Bob's tale begins in the trenches of manual labor, where his passion for craftsmanship and architecture was born. He recounts the hardships of his early life, a testament to his resilience and determination.

It's through these formative experiences that Bob discovered the transformative power of real estate, not just as a means to personal wealth but as a way to make a meaningful impact on others' lives.

Jennie, with her keen understanding and genuine curiosity, guides the conversation to uncover the layers of Bob's success. One of the most poignant moments is when Bob discusses the epiphany that shifted his perspective: job security is an oxymoron. This realization propelled him into the world of real estate investing, where he learned to navigate the market's ups and downs with savvy and strategy.

Bob emphasizes the importance of education and mentorship in his journey. 

"We're limited by our own perspectives and what we think is true," he shares, highlighting the value of challenging one's beliefs and assumptions. His advice to Jennie's audience? Dive into learning, be open to new opportunities, and most importantly, surround yourself with people who have walked the path you aspire to tread.

The conversation takes a practical turn as Bob shares his strategies for success, from the power of short sales to the cash flow benefits of buy-and-hold real estate. Jennie skillfully extracts lessons from Bob's experiences, presenting them as relatable insights for her audience. It's clear that Bob's approach to real estate is about more than transactions; it's about transformation—of properties, lives, and communities.

Bob's story, as presented by Jennie, serves as a beacon for aspiring real estate moguls. It's a narrative filled with challenges, learning, and growth. "Focus on building a business that creates cash flow," Bob advises, encapsulating his philosophy in a simple yet profound statement. 

This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom, not just for real estate enthusiasts but for anyone seeking to build a life of purpose and prosperity.

In the latest episode of the Real Estate Moguls Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Nadiia Glavin, a beacon of perseverance, adaptability, and triumph in the face of adversity. Nadiia's journey from a non-English speaking student to a real estate mogul in Chicago embodies not just the essence of the American Dream but serves as a masterclass in resilience, tenacity, and the art of leveraging opportunities.
Nadiia's story begins in Ukraine, where she was born and raised, and traces her bold decision to explore life in the United States through a work and travel program. Landing in Daytona Beach, Florida, with limited English, she faced overwhelming challenges that could have easily deterred a lesser spirit. Yet, it was her indomitable will and a relentless pursuit of improvement that not only saw her through these trials but also paved the way for her remarkable success in the United States.

What sets Nadiia apart is not just her success in real estate but her profound understanding of the importance of struggle in achieving true satisfaction. "You can truly taste the success and enjoy the happiness if you fought for it and if you suffered or struggled at some certain points and then you finally got it. That's the only way," Nadiia shares. This insight is not just about real estate; it's a life lesson on the value of perseverance and hard work.

Her transition from working in hospitality to becoming a revered name in real estate was not a straightforward path. It required learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and mastering a new field—all of which she did with exceptional grace and determination. Today, Nadiia not only thrives in her career but also gives back to her community, exemplifying the power of resilience and the impact of giving.

Nadiia's story is a testament to the fact that success is not just about achieving your goals but about the journey you undertake to get there. Her advice for those starting in real estate, or any field for that matter, revolves around understanding your 'big why,' investing in yourself, and never shying away from the hard work required to turn dreams into reality.

In a world where success stories are often stripped of their struggles, Nadiia Glavin reminds us of the beauty in the battle. Her narrative is not just inspirational; it's instructional, offering actionable insights for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of career advancement and personal growth.