Real Estate Legends

Gabe and Greg Viti in Miramar

This is a very special time and episode for me. My cousin Gabe is a phenomenal human being and I have wanted to get him on the podcast since I started. He’s busy, like always, but this time he was on a fantastic voyage for months through the icy north straits of the arctic. If it wasn’t Gabe, I don’t know if I would believe him or think he was telling tales. Not Gabe, he walks the walk and commits to excellence in every endeavor. He prepared for years to do this, this adventure. That is what makes all the Legends who they are, they are committed to excellence. Gabe is that guy, and not just in the kitchen. Although that was his first destination and goal.

We are at his place, Miramar. It is a bite of Gabe in all arenas. Its home and family, its a real estate play not easily seen, and the restaurant is a bistro that could be anywhere in the world. That is no accident. It has the feel, the food and the look. His hospitality is world class, Details everywhere, done well. This was the site of a drugstore and a few storefronts before Gabriel created the deal. When we just talk real estate, he has done several successful concepts and properties that have created community icons like Miramar and Gabriels on the North Shore for years.

You probably would not believe all the accomplishments my cousin has had in his life, and why he is The Adventure Chef. Oceans and mountains are part of the stories, but just part. In the interview, his message to everyone is you can. He believes it and shows you how in his ventures. Personally and professionally he goes at it full bore. His focus is from passion, and if he has lost a step someone has to show me.

My cousin Gabe talks about other people. He got to where he is with work and help from others who had similar approaches to life. His can do attitude always includes great people in his adventures and projects. One of the biggest accomplishments in any business is how you last over time, but especially in the restaurant business. Today after all the years he stands tall and well regarded by all. I am proud of him as a man.

Go to Miramar, see for yourself and have a great meal. Know Gabe appreciates your business and you will be treated well. Experience the commitment and thoughtfulness of a top professional, Gabriel Viti.

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Tony Hardy and Greg Viti in the Lincoln Park Keller Williams ONEChicago lot.

When you meet Tony I think you feel it as much as see him. His energy is infectious and he has a lot going on at any one time. Today we focused on a few of the most important aspects of Tony’s career and life. He has a unique path that is built for his energy and talents, which are a great combination of personal and professional. Home is the hood, home in the boardroom. Real estate from the streets to the banks are covered in this interview.

Tony is a south sider, and when I am with him on the south side it is like old home week. He knows everyone, because people and businesses are the best and most important users of real estate. He is a local guy who knows his locale, aka neighborhoods. Funny part is, he moved for awhile while he grew with his education, both a law degree and salesmanship.

When you talk about real estate there are many facets to the business. In his pursuit of money and knowledge, Tony has done mortgages and offered services in many areas of sales and real estate.Tony looks at the business as a business and his discipline goes to the numbers involved as well as the people. Tony is a well known business person in the area, and real estate is part of most communities.

Communities and neighborhoods can make significant improvement or catastrophic problems depending on the real estate choices of the past. Tony is working on projects and real estate that can improve each area in many ways from individuals to non profits. As a businessman, he sees the need and understands how to use his skills in property and real estate to build solutions that benefit his community.

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Greg Viti and Joe Zimmerman on the rooftop of Keller Williams ONEChicago

As a professional in real estate I have been with different companies throughout my career, and I feel at home with my business today as a member of Keller Williams OneChicago. Joe Zimmerman is the President and managing operator of this exceptional office and organization. Joe not only has that role he is a team leader for his own business as well as a business leader outside of real estate. Did you get all of that? It is a lot and Joe offers a lot in the services he provides. This is real estate going forward with feet on the ground and head up.

Personally I have experienced the improvement Joe brought to this office since I started. One of my favorite aspects of this office and Joe is he is focused on the business on a very high level. This business can devour a person without having goals and drive. Joe helps the KW office with those thoughts as well as business processes and procedures.

Real estate has grown into an industry where there are new specialists and specialties, as well as the changes of tech and politics. Providing services for real estate is a changing and developing marketplace that reflects today’s consumer. We talk about the business in a way that practitioners talk. Shop talk about the ins and outs that are meaning to professionals.

I think Joe and his way of growth is representative of the best in the business today and being around that is part of what makes me happy and grow. His viewpoints and experience shaped his business today, important as the future has become more volatile on an industry basis. As an office I need the perspectives and expertise of those around me, Joe is one of these people with both to create results.

The art of real estate is a people business and Joe’s people skills are well earned and honed. He shares his experiences and life with the office, and he keeps me thinking with his content that he shares about all of it. Once again a practice that helps all of us.

Real estate can be practiced in many different ways, and I have been fortunate to experience different brands and thinking. I think the greatest testimonial you can give me is your business and trust. I gave that to this office so I think that speaks loudest. Walk the walk is my viewpoint of life, I chose to walk here and I am happy.

Looking into the future I feel better about the real estate industry because of good and capable people in it, Joe is one of those people.

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Greg Viti and Greg Moyer doing a Legends podcast in Greg Moyer’s home.

Of all the episodes I have done, this is more personal than most because of this man and our relationship over the years. I have seen him in many different ways over the years of our lives. Greg’s life has been incorporated into his real estate activity and it has become who he is, from the hardest day to the best. Greg understands people and real estate, and has spent a lifetime working with both to create results.

Often people see successful businesses and think of how easy and great it is, not the blood sweat and tears that go into every day, sometimes every second. In business risk is always there, and sometimes if the climate changes you cannot see shore or anywhere as a point of reference. But you still have to get to your destination. As a developer Greg has gone through it all, and it makes me happy to see not only how successful he is but also he is happy.

There is a lot of material in any one deal much less with the process that Greg Moyer will demonstrate. In this episode you can see and hear about the many aspects and sides to a real estate project or parcel. The business of real estate is integral to all the areas interest and has an effect equally weighted. Make or break can be a reality. Real estate can be a reflection of life, the good and bad. Greg’s approach is to keep his eyes on each aspect of a deal like a friendship, and often it can be in a friendship. It is deals with people that make the difference, and Greg knows a lot of people which end up in a lot of real estate deals.

All over the country Greg has created real estate investments and services as vehicles for himself and partners that create local value too. Listen to him talk it will always includes specific people and he will address the needs of the area also, making deals that win for all. In his current project in Highwood, his level of concern is both deep and personal. It is his history too, and he respects that past as he creates new paths.

I hope you enjoy this episode with my friend Greg Moyer.

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Greg Viti and Jeff Weinberg at Drexel Properties Legend episode

When I went to Drexel Properties office, it set the tone for how Jeff Weinberg manages real estate. It is a clear experience from the first moment you start, he is on site and on point. Real estate management is a very hard business I think, and even harder to be good to people who often will screw you for a buck. After all its real estate right? Not here, you start right and stay on track as tenant and landlord.

Jeff addresses his responsibilities and people in real estate. He shares his lessons on both, with a candid yet positive approach. After years of personal experiences in markets of every type, Jeff shows how good fundamentals with consistent follow up and caring becomes very good business.

Listen to his personal journey and how he shaped all of it through the years from a two flat. Jeff has a straightforward way of talking about his life and family with me. In the start of the episode we talked about his projects with another Legend, Peter Nicholas the architect. Real estate is constant activity with dynamic outcomes.

Drexel Properties is a great example of how a Legend makes moves that create success, and how long and hard it can be to get through challenges. Keeping the name that was part of the start as the future shows how it works, well.

Listen to great advice and good stories about the real world of real estate.

This episode could save you a lot of money or time. In real estate, they are the same!

Greg Viti and Triton Principals Matthew Fritzshall and Harrison Cohen

Triton is my first brokerage business Legend because it is not one guy, it is a group of people on a mission. That is Triton, but make no mistake it is the product of the principals, from day one they have been thoughtful and at it.

From student hustlers to consumate professionals, these two have started a voyage that is special. It is not just brokerage, it is their attitude towards it and how they go about it that makes me enthused for the future

It started with real life needs and has never stopped. Hustling housing as a student in college hands on is a great start in real estate, dealing with people. To me that is the greatest part of real estate, people are always in the mix. And I think like these guys, you can never get old unless you stop yourself, because real estate is constantly growing as an integral part of our society and community.

Triton is a boutique firm that specializes in mixed use and apartment buildings as their core market. As a newer office, they look to set themselves apart by their culture to delivery. Creating a brand that reflects who they are as individuals and what makes them different.

When I look ar them and what they are doing, they excite me. They have energy and understand how generations of people constitute every aspect of their market, so they think and act that way. They become part of the market for their customers and clients. Taking them to the large financial and life decisions with care and intelligence has been Triton’s best friend for business.

They are in a new office and just getting it all started in a new location. It is fun to watch how they create for themselves, using their real estate skills to create a home for their business. Embryonic and up and running, it is exciting just like Triton.

Greg Viti and Barbara OConnor at the Real Estate Legends set. (Greg’s office).

The business of real estate is often misunderstood I think. Barbara is a professional in every regard. This is not just about property, but more about people. Between her brokerage business services and managing clients and brokers, she is the eye of the storm. She has a perspective that is more encompassing than the deal or the money, the whole picture. This is from hard work and years of it. She is a consummate professional.

Often people judge other people based on the most obvious facts like looks or job title. We are all busy. Barbara does not stop there, she digs into the personality of the individual. Maybe you think that is a throwback quality, but I know people love it and it is a great strength sd s btoker, it is her character.

Years of this business show in ways that are healthy and personal. Building her team with her family created a better dynamic for her as business changes and grows. Not selling real estate as a power broker and managing people at Dreamtown complemented her experience to the business of today. Having generations of perspectives is a benefit and challenge, and Barbara enjoys both together. She credits her family work ethic, and has been a part of her neighborhood and community her whole life. Married to her childhood sweetheart and former alderman, Barbara has always been involved in her community. From a teacher to a power broker, she’s has worn many hats and built up a spectrum of relationships in an area that reflects the beauty and diversity of a Chicago neighborhood, North Park.

At this time, Barbara is going full circle in her real estate career and returning to Baird and Warner. B&W bought Dreamtown, and now are one entity in Chicagoland. What is old is new again, and real estate challenges never end as people needs never do either. Barbara knows how to start from a deal scratch and make it work in real estate. That ability and focus, keeping it working, is a challenge that keeps her young and vibrant. She has a great attitude about real estate, and it inspires many. It does me. Having professionals like Barbara in the business is good for everyone..

Real estate is one of the most important areas of your life both financially and emotionally. I am proud to be a professional in a commuity with Barbara and Legends like her.

Greg Viti and Bob LaMorte at North Wind Retreat, a spiritual llama retreat.

The most enjoyment I have in real estate is creating a business solution for a customer or client. I have done this several times with Bob, and he is a great person to discuss many different real estate thoughts, as he has done many projects that are not the same, but all real estate centered.

Bob creates real estate projects that are part of his life and vision. Bob is Italian American as am I, and we have lively discussions when we are together. Sometimes very lively, and Bob walks the walk with each deal.

Currently his passion is North Wind, his llama retreat. He has an impressive set of grounds, buildings, around 20 -30 llamas, an airbnbn and event spaces. Bob is hands on, as always, and has an understanding of llamas that have made his retreat a special, yes spritual place. He likens them to family, and I think he has made it work best that way with love and care abounding.

I started with Bob as a walk in to my office over 30 years ago. He had properties he needed to address, and I showed him best approaches and we worked together, on and off, since. He is an entrepreneur and has great vision and believes in himself, he makes his ideas come true. Many people talk, Bob will pull the trigger.

If you need a night away, have an event to plan near Sawyer Michigan, contact Bob and go out to the North Wind Retreat. You will walk away feeling better.re, not today, and we all need a hand and a little help. It always happens, just not the same way.

Greg Viti and Michael Opyd

As a podcast I get a lot of attention and interest from a wide variety of people. Michael Opyd is one person who, after I talked to him, I decided that Legends needs more than ONLY those who have already accomplished volumes. After all much of what we talk about occurs and happened from before, not today, and we all need a hand and a little help. It always happens, just not the same way.

The only place to start is the beginning, and from day one in his start I think Michael is doing the things Legends do, and the results will be there as well. Lets start with his book, which he wrote and teaches with a workbook. A Forbes study found 1 out of every 8 people want to write a book, but dont; Michael did. The second thing is his willingness to talk and communicate. If there is one skill most needed in the real estate business now, it is communications! He wants to communicate and teach what he knows.

From a local boy he found his real estate career at a time when the market was tough and COVID was a force. Through it all he figured out his training and shares it all with Realtors, he has now created his story and program for success. It is this type of thinking as well as actions that create Legends. Be your Legend for others using your story and passion.

Take this episode and use it if you want to be a Legend. Figure out your path and go, more interest will happen as well as getting results if you find your passion and willingness like Michael.

“Your talent will get you in the door, your character will keep you in a certain position. You want to make sure you have a good reputation. We want the Hope brand to be associated with respect, consistency, integrity, trustworthiness. With a firm handshake a good attitude and a critical mass of intelligence you get your foot in any door. “

“But its not enough to be a good kid, you have to be good for something. You need certain skills, you need to have standards, you need to be able to complete the task.” -Ike Muzikowski on Hope Academy.

Greg Viti and Ike Muzikowski at Hope Academy, in the Principals office. Greg was in the principals office a lot when he was younger.

I saw Ike when he gave a presentation to the Rogers Park Builders Group, and he immediately got my attention and interest. As a father, the education and development of young people is one of my greatest interests. Hope is all about that in a way I have heard from others, but never seen done so well in so many areas and worlds. That includes real estate in a very big way. From space to funding to growth to impact, real estate can create or kill the success of ventures of all natures. Education is particularly difficult, as it has so many perspectives and opinions at every level.

Ike is the President and Principal of the school. At his age, it seems like it could be a lot but in every discussion I feel otherwise. It seems like a vision unfolding with certainty and wonder at the same time. It is very powerful and generative to his communities, and there are more than one.

From athletics to education, the focus is being your personal best. Not someone elses best, yours. Personal and caring is the tone from the front desk to the lunchroom. You can feel it, and most certainly see it in the eyes of the students. They are not mailing it in, they are at work or learning something. Maybe not in class, lessons in life are also everywhere for sharing and growing. Hope Academy won the Illinois State 1A Championship in basketball. Ike has a team of people that together were and are inspirational in this journey of Hope. These are the people of Hope, and they most often have come through the program. They understand and believe in Hope, and it shows daily in sports as well as life.

Hope is not a one trick pony though. Add to all of this education a trades program, (focusing on jobs for the community); Special Olympics participating in the sports facility; a facility to share with all types of local athletes and teams from the age of 5! Hope and Ike have a needs focus and they are a force. A very positive energy in an area of Chicago that has been challenged. How does Ike know what he is doing works? A lifetime of feedback. Ike lives in the area. His unique frame of reference was instilled in him by his parents and it is a way of life for Ike. It is truly a special story and person, who has surrounded himself by a community of like minded individuals.

If you need to see young high school people getting a great education in all the important ways, check out Hope, and you will want to support this wonderful school, community and organization.