Real Estate Rock Stars 2020

REAL ESTATE

ROCKST RS

REAL ESTATE

ROCKST RS KEY PLAYERS & PERSONALITIES IN THE VALLEY'S REAL ESTATE MARKET

WHEN IT’S TIME TO BUY A HOME

– a first home, a new home, a cozy cottage to retire in, a lakeside cabin for long Wisconsin weekends with family and friends – it seems as though there are almost as many real estate agents, lenders, and professionals to guide you as there are homes to choose from. How do you find the right person, with the right personality, to help you on one of the most important adventures in life? A great real estate

professional knows how to make things easy for customers: They let people know who they are and exactly what they’re all about. Cue: REAL ESTATE ROCKSTARS! These Chippewa Valley personalities are ready to get to know you and help you take those crucial steps toward homeownership, and they’re going to start by letting you get to know them. Find out how long they’ve been in the business, what their style is, and what their values are before you even pick up a phone. How easy is that?

SPECIAL SECTION PRESENTED BY

+ INDIVIDUAL PROFILES ARE PAID FOR BY THE PARTICIPATING RE ALTORS THEMSELVES.

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REAL ESTATE

WISH COME TRUE

BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY

ROCKST RS C&M REAL ESTATE

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS C&M’S KNOWLEDGE OF NEW CONSTRUCTION IS AN ASSET TO ALL KINDS OF HOMEBUYERS

C&M REAL ESTATE 6176 SANDSTONE ROAD, EAU CLAIRE (715) 861-6410 CHRIS@CANDMREALESTATE.COM CANDMREALESTATE.COM

C &M RE AL E STATE HAS A NOT- SO SECRE T WE APON in helping get clients into the homes of their dreams: Their affiliation with C&M Home Builders, one of the Chippewa Valley’s premiere home construction firms.

Interested in a brand-new home?

Considering their construction arm builds roughly 140 new homes annually, C&M Real Estate is perfectly positioned to manifest your vision. Want to buy an existing home? C&M’s experienced Realtors have a deep understanding of the local real estate market.

Not sure which path to pursue?

C&M can help with that, too.

“It’s really the best of both worlds, because so many people don’t know what they want,” explains Chris Becker, C&M’s managing broker.

“Are they looking at new construction or should they buy existing? We can help them make that decision by asking the right questions.”

Becker and the team of Realtors she leads – Brian Vitale, Scott Knepper, Leslie Ische, and Laura Andrews – can help ease the process and connect clients with C&M’s design and construction teams.

“People have needs and wants and

PHOTOS BY LACI EBERLE PHOTOGRAPHY

affordable, pretty simple, pretty slick process.”

wishes, and where does that fit?

If they can get (those elements) in something that’s brand new, they would prefer that,” Becker says.

When it comes to new construction, homebuyers have several options: One is purchasing a “package home” – a new home and a lot in one of C&M’s many new neighborhoods.

“People don’t have to go through the whole process of a custom home where you’re doing every little detail,” Becker says of this approach.

“You’re still able to pick out some of the selections that you want, but everything is move-in ready … It’s an

C&M can also build 100% custom homes for clients, catering every detail to the buyers’ wishes. A sophisticated software tool allows customers to follow along with each step of the process.

Increasingly, clients are also turning to C&M to buy and sell existing homes. Becker says C&M’s experience with construction is an asset in these situations, too. “We’re able to give such an overall view of the market,” she says. “We come with this market knowledge because we’re on top of what’s new in the community.

Because of the new construction we’re able to see where you are going to get the most value in the area where you’re purchasing.”

Becker has worked in the real estate business for 22 years, nearly six of them with C&M. She loves the business because it allows her to focus on customer service. “What does that entail?” she asks. “At C&M, we like to dig a little deeper, because there’s a lot of wants and wishes that people come in with, and we kind of really nail that down by asking the right questions.”

Real estate can be a stressful, emotional business, and yet ultimately, Becker says, that’s what makes it rewarding. “At the end of the day, I can say that I thoroughly enjoy seeing it come together,” she says. “There’s a sense of accomplishment in seeing the relief and joy on people’s faces and with their families and their kids when they can finally walk through the door and it’s theirs.”

“ AT C & M , W E L I K E T O D I G A L I T T L E D E E P E R , B E C A U S E T H E R E ’ S A L O T O F W A N T S A N D W I S H E S T H AT P E O P L E C O M E I N W I T H , A N D W E K I N D O F R E A L LY N A I L T H AT D O W N B Y A S K I N G T H E R I G H T Q U E S T I O N S . ” PARTNER

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ROCKST RS

D M

25 YEARS OF SUCCESS

PHOTO BY J. SCHWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

MARY F. RUFLEDT • ELITE REALTY GROUP

DOING IT FOR THE PEOPLE FOR MARY RUFLEDT, TRUST AND EXPERIENCE COME FIRST M A R Y F. R U F L E D T | E L I T E REALT Y GROUP 4410 GOLF TERRACE, SUITE 125, EAU CLAIRE (715) 828-9347 INF O@MARYRUFLEDT.COM MARYRUFLEDT.COM

FOR MARY RUFLEDT, NEARLY 25 YEARS OF SUCCESS IN THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS comes from planning ahead: She typically buys a yearly planner in the summer and fills it out on Thanksgiving, adding all of her standing appointments for the coming year.

But Rufledt isn’t just a planner. She’s a doer: As broker and owner of Elite Realty Group in Eau Claire, she closes about 250 deals a year, working with all kinds of clients to buy and sell all kinds of property.

Rufledt’s drive for success began in

her childhood, when she learned the value of hard work, and was honed in early adulthood during a successful retail career, when she learned how to put in long hours and forge connections with customers. “You don’t do this business for the money,” Rufledt says. “You do it for the people. Money comes when you do the right thing.”

And while she’s earned numerous awards – including her recent induction into the National Realtors Political Action Committee’s Hall of Fame – being in the real estate business isn’t really about the accolades for Rufledt: “I don’t need another plaque on my wall. I just need to be able to stay healthy and be able to help people, and the rest falls in line.”

For Rufledt, staying happy and

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This year Rufledt even launched a podcast, titled “That Wisconsin Girl,” where she shares her thoughts about everything from fitness to food to finance. And while you can listen to her on the Internet, Rufledt prefers to do business in person, not online.

“THE KEY COMPONENT IS PEOPLE. YOUR BEST DEALS ARE ONE-ON-ONE, FACE-TOFACE, PUTTING THINGS TOGETHER.”

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healthy means taking time to eat right and exercise – workouts are scheduled in her planner, she ran her first marathon at age 40, and at 46 competed in the 2018 Wisconsin Warrior Natural Strength Fitness Show – and advocating for what she believes in: “People need to get back to the basis of what built this country, which was a lot of hard work, and you better thank your lucky stars,” she says. “People before us that have fought to be able to keep our rights that we have.”

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“The key component is people,” she says. “Your best deals are one-on-one, face-to-face, putting things together.”

For Rufledt, real estate is about helping people, whether the deal is large or small. “That’s very important because I don’t just stick with one level of society,” she says. “I help everybody” – from those buying a $5,000 lot to those purchasing a $1 million home, from easing the transition for retirees who are downsizing to lending a helping hand to people struggling with financial and personal crises.

Rufledt advises that people looking for a real estate agent to work with should find one who is busy (“They’re very busy for a reason,” she explains), experienced, and trustworthy.

“The first thing is trust,” she says.

“You’re not going to just sell something to sell something – that person trusts you. You put yourself in their shoes. They’re going to look for you for every avenue: location, price, the pros and cons between picking one or the other.”

a q p y n t t p w G

J e r s t e b h u R s – t s a

“ d J w i s o

O p w m b a h

REAL ESTATE

AN EYE FOR DETAIL

BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY

ROCKST RS JOHN GYORFI • RE/MAX

EVERY STEP OF THE WAY JOHN GYORFI IS PASSIONATE AND EAGER TO SHOW OFF THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY JOHN GYORFI 4260 SOUTHTOWNE DRIVE EAU CLAIRE (715) 559-6102 MAKINGWIHOME@GMAIL.COM

DIPPING A T OE INT O THE HOU SING MARKE T – buying or selling – is often an anxious experience. So many questions. So many steps in the process. Where do you start? Well, you’re going to want someone with not only the knowledge, but the skills to give you good tips throughout the entire process. That person, without a doubt, is John Gyorfi.

John’s a seasoned expert in everything related to buying and selling a house – floor to ceiling. If that’s not enough, the man has built several custom homes from the ground up himself. He’s a Realtor, a fantastic consultant, a home-builder – and he’s eager to get to know new buyers and sellers all over the Chippewa Valley and beyond.

“I THINK I’M GONNA R AISE THE BAR ON WHAT A REALTOR CAN BRING TO PEOPLE.” see everyone happy.”

“I look at myself as just being able to do a lot more than the average agent,” John said. “What I know, having worked on houses, electrical, flooring, insulation … I could build a house from scratch. I think I’m gonna raise the bar on what a Realtor can bring to people.”

scene, the thrills of the great outdoors, our abundance of health systems and good schools. For John, it’s not just about the house – he’s selling the Chippewa Valley experience.

Having raised four kids here alongside his wife Brenda, John is nothing but sincere about the positive vibes he sees coming from this place. After all, he’s lived it.

One of John’s strong suits is his passion for the Valley and all the wonders and beauty of our big community. He often takes prospective buyers from other places on car rides around Eau Claire to check out the highlights – our dynamic restaurant

“I enjoy it. Going through, there’s just a lot of different things I can help people with, based on what they want, what their budget is, what their tastes are, what their goals are,” he said. “It’s a personalized relationship; everyone’s different. I just want to

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In addition to being a top Realtor in his own right, John’s unique skill set as a custom home-builder allows him to expertly evaluate a home’s value when selling. He can guide you through the whole process step by step, and will have a sound strategy to get top dollar when listing with him. He knows the value range of household amenities. He knows houses and the local market better than anyone. You’ll find John to be professional and passionate every step of the way. And if you’re a buyer or looking to build, you’ll find he is a problem solver with a great eye for detail and a heart for finding his clients a home they’ll enjoy for years.

“If someone wants to remodel an

existing home, redesign, or build new; with my background, me working with them and the builder can really be beneficial in making sure my clients are protected and represented.” John says. “I can talk the language and have many ideas.”

Talking with John, you’ll find him to be warm and inviting, friendly and focused. He’ll dive deep in getting to know you, your interests, who you are as a person, your needs, what you’re looking for, what your goals are. It’s all a part of the process. To connect with John is to have someone on your side through and through. His extensive market resources and expertise will set your mind at ease so you can focus on what is most important to you – your life, your home, and your future.

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BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY

ROCKST RS COPPER KEY HOME SOLUTIONS

FINDING THE PERFECT FIT AT COPPER KEY, IT’S ALL ABOUT BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH BUYERS AND SELLERS

COPPER KEY HOME SOLUTIONS 3310 MILLER S T., SUI T E C EAU CLAIRE (715) 514-4616 AUDREY@COPPERKEYSOLUTIONS.COM COPPERKEYSOLUTIONS.COM

THE “C OPPER KE Y ” IN C OPPER KE Y HOME SOL U TIONS ISN’ T JU ST A C AT CHY NAME AND A PRE T T Y L OGO. The key is a symbol of the philosophy behind the Eau Clairebased business, which offers boutique-style real estate brokerage services to the Chippewa Valley.

“I love copper as an element in the way that as it ages and changes; it’s beautiful and it’s ever-evolving,” explains Audrey Borcherding, who started in the business with her husband, Josh, about 13 years ago. Just as the patina of copper changes, so has the business: The couple began by buying multifamily properties as well as restoring and selling homes, which they still do – but Copper Key has evolved into something much more: A real estate brokerage helping clients through every step of the process.

Buying, selling, investing, restoring – it’s all part of Copper Key’s mission.

And that’s where the symbolism of the key comes in, Borcherding says: “We’re looking at being the key piece for people to come and figure out their best solution for their issue or for their challenge or for their next step.”

VOTED THE BEST

Audrey is Copper Key’s owner and a licensed broker, and in recent years the business has expanded to a team of six. The team leader is Nate Moquin, a Chippewa Valley native who’s been a realtor for seven years and who has landed in the top three several times in Volume One’s Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll.

The other agents include: Matt McElroy, who has broad experience with home flipping, renovation, rental ownership, and who can offer real estate advice for buyers, sellers, and even investors.

April Sydow, who explains that “it’s amazing to walk into a house with homebuyers and see that light come

“ I T ’ S A M A Z I N G T O WA L K I N T O A H O U S E W I T H H O M E B U Y E R S A N D S E E T H AT LIGHT COME ON IN THEIR EYES WHEN T H E H O U S E I S ‘ T H E H O U S E .’ ”

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on in their eyes when the house is ‘the house.’”

Sarah Harris – who has more than 20 years of experience in the housing industry and owns a construction company with her husband – likes to bring her own personal energy into helping buyers and sellers.

Lucas Duce, whose goal is to take the stress out of the process of buying or selling a home and ensure clients have a positive experience.

Copper Key’s agents strive to create connections, ensuring that they are building relationships, not simply conducting transactions. This, Borcherding says, leads to repeat customers and referrals. “For me, it is really still having conversations with people, making sure that we’re sitting down and actually meeting them or going to their homes and

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actually understanding their situation,” she says.

And throughout the challenges of 2020, Cooper Key has redoubled its efforts at communicating with clients.

In particular, considering how quickly homes have been selling in the Chippewa Valley lately, they’ve been educating prospective buyers how to be fully ready to make an offer when they find the perfect home.

“I think the biggest reward is, in the end, seeing people just so happy that you were there and that you took the time to listen and really understand what they needed and where they needed to be and to actually see that all come together,” Borcherding says.

REAL ESTATE

BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY

ROCKST RS SCOTT KNEPPER • TRILLIUM COMMERCIAL REALTY

BEST IN BUSINESS SCOT T KNEPPER KNOWS COMMERCIAL RE ALT Y SCOTT KNEPPER | TRILLIUM COMMERCIAL REALT Y 6176 SANDSTONE ROAD, EAU CLAIRE (715) 861-6422 SCOTT@TRILLIUMCOMMERCIAL.COM TRILLIUMCOMMERCIAL.COM

LICENSED C OMMERCIAL RE AL E STATE AGENT Scott Knepper works every

There are many things that education and real estate have in common, and among them are ethics and trust, Knepper says. Now, Knepper applies his education background to help guide first-time business owners through the often-confusing jargon of business. It’s something the Trillium team values: advocating for buyers and sellers, and ensuring both parties are informed about the entire process. Amid the pandemic, Knepper helps business owners navigate various grants and PPP loans. “I enjoy the business aspect,” Knepper says, “of the buying, the selling, the leasing, the managing, doing all the financial analysis on businesses.”

day to make a difference. With 25 years of hands-on experience in owning and operating small businesses and local franchises – with 14 businesses in five states – Trillium Commercial Realty currentKnepper and his business partner ly oversees the property management Cody Filipczak work with Trillium of 26 property units throughout the Commercial Realty to help Chippewa Valley. local business owners make Knepper helps business owntheir dream businesses a ers by doing important homePASSION reality. work ahead of time: conduct FOR BUSINESS When it comes to property a market analysis, study the management, “I’ve been competition, take a look at there,” Knepper says. “I’ve surrounding leases, and make a won, I’ve lost. I’ve leased mulfinancial analysis to determine if tiple spaces personally. And when I the business plan will be profitable talk to tenants, I say the same thing: enough to invest in. “It’s not always about what you like and what you I understand.” want,” Knepper added. “It’s about Knepper grew up in Eau Claire what the customer wants and likes.” and holds a business degree from The most gratifying part of his job, UW-Stout. After receiving his masKnepper said, is driving past successter’s degree in education from St. ful start-up businesses, or running Mary’s University, he moved to into the people he’s leased to or sold California, where he worked as an to and knowing that he supports a educator and school administrator in local business and a local family. low-income districts for eight years.

“ I E N J OY I T. I T D O E S N ’ T F E E L L I K E A W O R K DAY. I T ’ S M Y PA S S I O N . ”

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Trillium is thrilled by the addition of local colleague Kevin Feather, a third-generation realtor, to the Trillium team in November.

“I enjoy it,” Knepper says of his job.

“It doesn’t feel like a work day. It’s my passion. I enjoy what I do.”

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ROCKST RS

MORTGAGE MASTER JEFFREY SPROUL • ROYAL CREDIT UNION

COMMUNICATION IS KEY A DECADE OF MORTGAGE LENDING AT ROYAL CREDIT UNION FINDS JEFF SPROUL RE-DEDICATED TO HIS COMMUNITY-MINDED ETHOS

“ FOR ME , IT ’S ABOUT COMMUNICATION

JEFFREY SPROUL ROYAL CREDIT UNION

… IT COMES DOWN TO TR E ATING

4501 ROYAL DRIVE, E AU CL AIRE

PEOPLE WITH R ESPEC T AND

( 7 15) 833-727 7

BUILDING THAT TRUST.”

JEF F RE Y. SP ROUL @RCU.ORG to make their members’ money moves easy, every step of the way.

W W W.RCU.ORG

I T ’ S BE E N A W IL D Y E A R F O R JE F F R E Y S P R O U L and the mortgage loan office at Royal Credit Union. The pandemic hitting this spring has rippled into a whirlwind year of record sales in the local housing market. Houses are listed and within a day, sometimes even less, they’re sold.

Luckily, Jeffrey is a seasoned expert in getting people the flexible options they need for buying, selling, or refinancing. And doing it quickly. The office is busier than ever, but also as dedicated as ever

Celebrating his 10th anniversary at the credit union this year (nearly to the day), Jeffrey’s hard work this year is indicative of the efficient and friendly service that’s been the backbone of Royal’s community-minded ethos since day one – neighbors helping neighbors. And with rates at historic lows in an unprecedented year, people are refinancing like never before – and Jeffrey’s working like crazy to make sure everybody’s taken care of and feeling good about their finances.

“For me, it’s about communication,” Jeffrey said. “Getting back

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to people right away, establishing that relationship … it comes down to treating people with respect and building that trust.”

Normally, meeting with people face to face to discuss their mortgages and financial situations makes an anxious situation a bit easier.

In 2020 though, Jeffrey’s working extra hard to make that connection and to feel that sense of calm via email and over the phone. It’s not easy, but it’s clearly working, as his return customers are ringing him up after good previous experiences.

“Most of my business this year is people coming back,” he said. “It’s that personal service … the num-

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ber one advantage is everything being local.”

Jeffrey’s been in the game for almost 30 years, so he knows the challenges and the nervousness people face when dealing with such big numbers and big commitments. But he’s quick with a joke and a talkative, friendly guy ready to just talk everything out, put people at ease, and let them realize they’re in good hands.

And that’s really what’s at the heart of Royal Credit Union’s philosophy, something Jeffrey has championed even before he started working for Royal: We’re all living here and working here together. We’re all local. We should treat each other like neighbors because that’s what we are, this year and every other year.

So if you’re looking to buy or sell a house, or refinance a loan, go with somebody you can trust to have your best interests at heart. Go with Royal Credit Union and go with Jeffrey Sproul.

REAL ESTATE

BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY

ROCKST RS JERRY ANNIS + JANE SEYMOUR KUNICK • DONNELLAN REAL ESTATE

A PERSONAL TOUCH DYNAMIC REAL ESTATE DUO LAUNCH PODCAST, K E E P I T F R E S H A M I D H O T H O M E M A R K E T JERRY ANNIS + JANE SEYMOUR KUNICK | DONNELLAN REAL ESTATE 715-836-8080 JERRYA@ECDRE.COM JANEK@ECDRE.COM W W W.DONNELL ANONLINE.COM

JANE SEYMOUR KUNICK AND JERRY ANNIS – DYNAMIC DUO AT DONNELLAN REAL ESTATE – bring their bright-

would want someone to not only treat ourselves, but our children, parents, and family.”

Jane and Jerry are more than your dynamic duo when it comes to buying and selling residential homes. Their knowledge of all aspects of home ownership are a real selling point when helping families navigate the competitive real estate industry. “I love meeting new people and working with lenders, title companies, inspectors, and buyers and sellers,” Seymour Kunick said. “I enjoy the hunt for the perfect home for buyers.

Sometimes buyers feel defeated after getting out-bid on several homes. I always tell them: it always works out how it is supposed to, and it always does.”

eyed and bushy-tailed enthusiasm to their work in the real estate business, where they have formed tight relationships with the Chippewa Valley community after over two decades in the business. “We have a genuine compassion for our people and work,” Jerry said, “but more importantly, we do whatever is necessary for our clients – above and beyond, all with a personal touch. It is not uncommon for us to help paint “Jane Seymour Kunick truly rooms, mow yards, move is the ‘Freddie Mercury’ of DREAM furniture, stage homes, or TEAM realtors in the Chippewa whatever is needed. The Valley,” said Krisan Hug, bond and friendship that a client of Jane and Jerry. develops through this process “She worked tirelessly until is a pleasure that is better than she found me my forever home! any type of compensation. Our cliBecause of her work ethic, integrity, ents become our friends.” desire to please, and knowledge of Jerry and Jane grew up together, the area, I now own my little slice of went through confirmation togethheaven. I will be eternally grateful er, and even joined a church band for her talents. She makes dreams together in middle school. “We come true!” laughed a ton when we were younger, “I felt like family with Jerry,” said but I think we laugh even more now,” local Heather Morgan “He always did Jane said. “We not only want to make and still does make me feel importa sale, we want to create a great ant! There were no other options relationship and experience along the way. We treat everyone how we with an agent once I met him.”

“Jane is simply the best,” said local Brad Stoughton. “She is extraordinarily knowledgeable, helpful, friendly, and compassionate. I love that she truly knows the Eau Claire area, its neighborhoods, and its people.”

“Jerry went above and beyond in every respect!” said locals Jeff and Hayley Kazmierski.

“We will remember the amazing service he provided. We’ve worked with numerous realtors and Jerry was in a class all of his own! Just outstanding!”

Jane and Jerry go to show that realtors do more than just show houses. They negotiate on your behalf and make sure everything is ship-shape for closing day – they’re looking out for you to make sure you don’t lose your dream property while also not overpaying for it either. And, in the case of Jane and Jerry, they make sure to guide you through every step of the way. They recently made the real estate business

a little more accessible through their new podcast, “Eau Claire is Here, and You Should Be Too,” which highlights the music, arts, restaurants, shops, sporting events, bike trails, and scenery that makes Eau Claire the best little city in Wisconsin. It’s also a way for them to connect with their community more.

“In our profession, I believe many agents get routine with the process,” Jerry said. “They forget what the buyers are feeling, the stress and the anxiety they may be experiencing. I offer the guidance and direction, but also take plenty of time to educate about the process, timelines, expectations, and that we are walking this path together until the closing date.”

They seek every opportunity to add a personal touch to their business.

For example, Jane’s dad personally paints a watercolor of each property she sells, which Jane gifts to the homeowners. “Buyers and sellers often cry when I give them it at the closing,” she said.

“Buying and selling a house is a big moment in people’s lives,” she added, “and I am proud and happy to help people through the process.”

“ W E T R E AT E V E R YO N E H O W W E W O U L D W A N T S O M E O N E T O N O T O N LY T R E AT O U R S E LV E S , B U T O U R C H I L D R E N , PA R E N T S , A N D FA M I LY. ”

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BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY

ROCKST RS SHAWN BERGEMAN • EAU CLAIRE REALTY

A STAR AMONG THE STARS WITH 17 YEARS IN THE REAL ESTATE BIZ, SHAWN BERGEMAN HAS SEEN IT ALL SHAWN BERGEMAN | THE BERGEMAN TEAM | EAU CLAIRE REALT Y 3420 MALL DRIVE, EAU CLAIRE ( 7 15) 57 7-7 727 SHAWN@SHAWNBERGEMAN.COM W W W.T HEBERGEMAN T E AM.COM

WHEN IN THE MARKE T F OR A HOU SE , PEOPLE HAVE NO SHORTAGE OF QUE STIONS about the tricky and often confusing process of home ownership. How do you start the pre-approval process? How does the inspection process work? What is a contingency, and how does it play a role in the home-buying process?

When it comes to Shawn Bergeman, managing broker of Eau Claire Realty, answering these questions is a piece of cake. His knowledge of the real estate industry through 17 years of hands-on experience makes him stand out among other real estate agents.

“Making sure our clients are happy and feel comfortable during the home buying and home selling process from the start to finish, brings the most enjoyment to our team. We treat you the way we would want to be treated with attention to detail, open communication & dedication.”

school for becoming a police officer.

In March of 2000, Bergeman got in a bad car accident that caused him to reevaluate his career; he pivoted to real estate and hasn’t looked back since.

Now, Bergeman retains his jack-ofall-trades skill set as he specializes in commercial, multi-family, investment, residential, development, and new construction properties.

“There isn’t much I don’t do,” Bergeman said. “There’s not much that I haven’t seen or done or been involved with in this business.

That is a big reason why I took JACK the position as managing broOF ALL ker at Eau Claire Realty; to TRADES be a resource to other agents, to help guide them in their business so they can become the “They’re dealing with somebest resource to clients. No one body that is going to be there agent can help every single person and be able to answer most every in the Chippewa Valley, but if I can question that could ever possibly help educated other agents, it will come about,” he said. “That makes benefit everyone.” them feel incredibly secure with the decision that they’ve made to work It’s this experience that has landwith me.” ed him in the top ten in the MLS Bergeman’s experience is somefor sales in the past 15 years. thing his team at Eau Claire Realty Bergeman said many homebuyaffirms, with their team motto that ers feel immensely reassured by it’s not about the number of homes his experience, as he helps guide sold but the quality of service that homebuyers to make educated decitruly matters. sions about the home or investment

Before becoming a real estate agent in 2004, the Chippewa Falls native worked a handful of blue-collar jobs after graduating from Chi-Hi. He served in the U.S. Navy for four that is right for them. years as an airplane mechanic – serving in the Desert Storm, then worked at “ SPECIA LIZING IN COM MERCIAL , Leinenkugel’s brewery, the Eau MULTI - FA MILY, INVESTME NT, Claire airport, Pepsi Co., in the R ESIDE NTIAL , DE VE LOPME NT AND siding and roofing industry, and he even went to NE W CONSTRUC TION PROPERTIES.”

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“(Bergeman) has unbelievable knowledge of the real estate industry and always takes the time to educate buyers, sellers, and other realtors as well,” said

Katie Warner, fellow realtor. “From the day a property is listed to closing day, it’s all about teamwork.

Real estate agents, no matter what brokerage they work for, all work together – and by helping each other, it makes the process smoother and less stressful for all parties.”

Bergeman has always stressed the importance of communication.

Being a real estate agent is a 24/7 job, especially in today’s market when properties are flying off the market within 24 hours. “If you have worked with me, you know, you will never have to worry about me not getting back to you in just a short period of time.”

When Bergeman isn’t navigating the real estate industry, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 27 years, Karen, and three children: Breanna, Brooke, and Bailey. He also enjoys hunting and fishing, and pontooning on Lake Wissota.

| OCTOBER 22, 2020

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