Service has shaped every part of my life. It started with firefighting, grew through community involvement, and now drives my approach to real estate. I’ve always enjoyed being a problem-solver and doing work that makes a difference.
A neighbor mentioned he was selling, and I asked a few questions about price, condition, and what his plans were. I ran the numbers, called a mortgage buddy, then a REALTOR® friend, and ended up writing the purchase agreement myself. I bought the place, turned it into a rental, and just like that, I saw how real estate could create income without trading a ton of time for it.
Around that same time, my wife left her job in the pharmaceutical industry to stay home with our newborn daughter. That shift gave me a new “why.” I needed to step up financially, but I also wanted to build something that gave me more flexibility to be present with my growing family.
So, during a two-week quarantine during COVID in 2020, I earned my real estate license. I already had years of experience working in residential construction—running a handyman business, earning my builder’s license, and finishing basements and decks. I also worked in the mortgage industry back in 2006, so I understood how deals come together on the financing side.
Beyond that, I have dedicated my life to serving people as a firefighter and paramedic. When I was 12, my house burned down, so it became my mission to help other people in that situation. I joined the fire department in 2001, and from there, went to school for emergency medical services, and today am a Lieutenant for the department. In this line of work, I’ve learned how to stay calm under pressure, work as a team, solve problems fast, and most importantly, show up for people when they need it most.
Putting all of my experiences and skills together, real estate became a new way to serve people as they navigate the biggest financial decision of their lives.
Buying or selling may not be life or death, but it is high-stakes. It’s emotional. It’s often overwhelming. And I treat it with the integrity and respect it deserves. So much of my approach comes down to relationships. I’m not in this for a quick sale. I want my clients to feel confident, informed, and supported from start to finish, and to remain a friend long after closing. I’m highly communicative, have tons of local resources, and am always solution-oriented if problems arise. When something comes up, I get it done and keep the process moving forward.
At the end of the day, everything I do comes back to one thing: showing up when people need help. I’ve built my life around being someone others can count on. That’s what drives me. And that’s the kind of service I bring to every client I work with.
Throughout this journey, my wife has been incredibly supportive. We have two young daughters, Hadley and Dylan, and when I’m not working, I enjoy getting out on the pontoon, golfing, snowboarding in the mountains, or taking trips down to Florida. I know the area and lakes well, and I also have home repair and car repair knowledge, so it’s become a bit of a hobby in itself to help people with projects. If I know how to do it, I’m happy to jump in and get it done! I also chair a nonprofit called Friends of the Vets, where we provide local veterans with essential home repairs and support when they need it most.
At the core of everything I do is a simple belief: when people feel overwhelmed or unsure, they need someone they can count on. And that’s a role I’m proud to take on.
When you work with me, you get someone who takes initiative, communicates clearly, and knows how to get things done. I stay hands-on throughout the entire process. I have personally dug test holes for septic inspections, met contractors on site to evaluate repairs, and helped clients coordinate everything from cleanouts to major system updates. I am not afraid to step in when something needs doing. With my construction background, I can walk through a home and give practical, informed input on what matters, what repairs or upgrades will cost, and how to move forward. If I cannot handle something myself, I bring in someone I trust who can.
I also know lake properties and the communities here extremely well. I live on the water, spend time on the lake, and understand how shoreline regulations, access points, and water conditions affect both value and lifestyle. Whether you are buying or selling, I guide you through the details that most people overlook. I stay involved from beginning to end, make sure nothing is missed, and help you feel confident every step of the way.
Sincerely,
Gary Spisz
