September's REALTOR® Spotlight: Mike Rickerman
Mike, we are so excited to have you as our September winner and believe it's well deserved. Keep it up!
Professional Questions:
Tell us about your real estate career (title, office, years, specialties, designations, etc.)
I’m an Associate Broker with Town & Country Realty, LLC. I received my Real Estate License in 2008 and my Broker License in 2015. I have been with my current brokerage since the beginning - 2008! I specialize in residential waterfront, lake access and quality homes in Northern St. Clair and Sanilac Counties near Lake Huron.
You’ve been nominated for being such a kind, ethical and very hardworking man, where do these very positive qualities come from?
My Christian faith and my upbringing! My parents were amazing living examples of kindness, compassion, hard work and persistent diligence. They both worked in helping professions fields. My Dad as an educator/administrator and my Mom as a nurse. Colossians 3:23 was instilled to my core from the time I was little. I was taught to do all things, even the little things, with the greatest care by trying to love and serve others well. I don’t always live up to that standard, but I strive to.
Your nomination came from someone who appreciates how you always go above and beyond for you clients but also other agents in this industry. Can you share examples of how you go above and beyond?
I really don’t think I do much out of the ordinary – I simply try to be approachable and available. I have always had great mentors. Those mentors are the owners of my brokerage along with a great Realtor® mentor, Connie Marcus. Both have shared their wisdom and experience with me and helped me build my business. In turn, I am always happy to mentor agents in and out of our brokerage. From phone calls of encouragement to other agents, sharing wisdom, answering questions, sharing do’s & don’ts, ideas, thoughts, shadowing opportunities, etc. I try to make myself available and if someone has a need, I try to meet it!
How did you get started in the real estate industry?
My wife Beth and I bought our first home when we were both young teachers. We fixed it up, had kids, out grew our house, then sold it for a profit. We bought our next one, fixed it up, outgrew it, sold it for a profit, and the story goes on. We started buying rental properties and then I “caught the real estate bug.” So after 10 years as a teacher and school counselor, I jumped into real estate full time. I love everything about our profession - from the people to the brick & mortar side of the business.
Which professional achievement are you most proud of?
The one achievement I am most proud is not a real estate achievement at all. When I was a young teacher, I was honored to win a teaching award voted on by the families of that school. That one meant a lot and it showed me that all the wisdom my parents & my faith instilled was true. That being, work hard, do your very best, continue to be an active learner, strive to improve, put others interests ahead of my own, etc.. And by doing those things, our lives can & will bless others. Helping others is the highest & best achievement!
What is the most common “tid-bit” of information most people don’t know being a REALTOR®?
Being a REALTOR® takes a lot of dedication, persistence and is client-focused. Serving a client with the highest level of care is SO worth it!
What piece(s) of technology do you incorporate into your business practices?
Having a social media platform is key and keeps us front-of-mind for our local area of expertise. Sites that allow client’s to provide reviews are also key to maintaining & growing my business! Technology, like Authentisign through MiRealSource, streamlines the Selling & Buying process—making it easier for our clients to do business.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being REALTOR®?
Helping clients reach their homeownership goals (whether they are buying or selling) is a treat!
What is the most difficult aspect of being a REALTOR®?
Keeping the urgent from dictating the important!
Personal & Fun Questions:
Tell us more about you? (Interests, passions, hobbies, family, etc.)
I have been married to the best lady on the planet for almost 25 years! Together, Beth and I have been blessed with three children (Emma, Kenton, & Samuel). My family & my faith are the most important aspect of my existence. I am the luckiest man alive and everything else: work, hobbies, etc. is icing on the cake!
I (we) love all things that revolve around Lake Huron. We enjoy playing & watching sports, hanging out with friends and serving others through our church. We have also been blessed to enjoy lots of family trips including international mission trips.
Can you share with us some of your community service involvement, how you became interested, and where or how someone can get more involved?
Most of my current community service is through my local church: Lakeport Wesleyan Church. Through my church family, I serve on the Board of Administration, a Youth Group Leader and on the Missions Committee with our key local ministries being our FOOD PANTRY as well as our FOSTER CARE ministry. Anyone who is interested in getting involved can give me a ring at 810-712-1568
I will get you plugged in where your passion meets your desire to serve! My youngest son, Sam just entered high school so my coaching days (youth basketball & soccer) have come to an end. Once they hit high school they have exceeded my level of expertise coaching wise. So – I now transition into a cheering parent in the stands!
What is your life Motto?
Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man.”I have also told my children every day when I was leaving for work or they were heading to school: “Be good.” They know that “Be good” means: be kind and look out for others. It’s not just “do good”. By “Being Good” (internal), the “Doing Good” (external) will naturally follow. It’s all about heart and character.
Which personal achievement are you most proud of?
My wife and I have brought 3 amazing people into the world! I know they are going to live lives that matter and bless other people including their future kiddos. That continues on forever! They are my highest personal achievement!
Where is the most interesting place you’ve visited?
Hands down – our mission trips to Nicaragua helping build schools & bathrooms alongside our local missionaries & wonderful national Nicaraguan friends.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I still haven’t wrapped my arms around a California Redwood or thrown a rock into the Grand Canyon. Those are on the bucket list!
Who or what are you most grateful for?
My faith in Jesus Christ, my family, my church family & my friends!
What are your hopes for the rest of 2019 and 2020?
From a business perspective: continuing to help my clients enjoy the benefits of homeownership and the value, stability and wealth-building it brings. From a personal perspective: to hold firm to my faith, strive to be a good husband and Dad & let those I rub shoulders with know they are important & valuable!