Alex Nixon, Kalamazoo Gazette
October, 24, 2010
Dan Jaqua has spent his entire career in real estate and has no interest in doing anything else.
“You’re constantly with people and constantly challenged,” said Jaqua, president and owner of Jaqua Realtors.
“And that’s what will keep me in the business for the next 30 years.”
Fresh out of the University of Michigan in 1991, Jaqua started in the agency his father had opened in 1975.
In 1998, the company began a multi-year transition that ended with Jaqua as full owner in 2000.
“It was a two- to three-year rolling transition,” he said.
Ten years later, Jaqua Realtors is the largest independent real estate brokerage in the region, with 150 agents and five offices.
And, Jaqua says, it’s more than a traditional real estate agency. The company offers what Jaqua calls a “Family of Services,” which “allows us to fully address the needs of our clients including mortgage, title, insurance, property management, and home services.”
Jaqua is an owner or partner is several related businesses, including Summit National Mortgage, Arcadia Insurance Services, Southwest Michigan Title, Vacation Places and Rentals, Jaqua Property Management, and Southwest Michigan Resources Concierge Service.
“It’s really a national trend where people are utilizing a concept of creating a more consistent and controlled experience in homebuying,” Jaqua said.
Jaqua, who was born in Kalamazoo in 1968, is married and has three daughters.
A book on his nightstand?
“Good to Great” by Jim Collins.
Who gave you the best piece of life advice and what was it?
“My dad gave me the best piece of advice: ‘Surround yourself with the best people.’ I have grown and learned so much from others.”
What’s been your biggest professional success?
“In a family owned business, transition from one generation to another can be difficult. Not with ours. I take great pride in the fact that I have been able to maintain the guiding principles my father implemented at inception, but have also continued to advance the company through innovation and forward thinking.”
Tell us something about your company that would surprise people?
“We are highly active in continuing our success and growth even during the current housing market. People are buying and selling and we are there to guide them through the process. We recently added a new home services concept to our line of services, offering clients options for movers, painters, electricians, and other home professionals. This is an outstanding addition to our ‘Family of Services,’ which also includes mortgage, title, insurance, and property management.”
What’s the biggest challenge your company faces?
“Very simple — letting people know the depth of our services. I no longer see Jaqua agents as only Realtors. We are home service providers. We serve as a trusted advisor in every aspect of housing transition. We are truly focusing on elevating the customer experience.”
If you could have lunch with any famous person, who would it be and why?
“Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski. He has such an extraordinary way in which he rallies his team together. His dynamic coaching abilities seem to reach beyond the basketball court, creating a culture of excellence and passion for success. I foster that business environment everyday so others realize success and want to be a part of our company, a member of our team. Coach K’s insight would be extraordinary.”
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Meghan and I have been proud members of the Jaqua Realtor family since 1996. If you would like more information on the services that Jaqua provides, please contact us. We will be happy to assist you!
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