About TJ Shimek

Born and raised in Leelanau County, he has a deep-rooted connection to the area and a genuine passion for real estate. Every transaction brings its own unique challenges, which he embraces with enthusiasm. He thrives on learning and problem-solving, always striving to bring a smile to his clients' faces. Guiding others through the ups and downs of real estate is both rewarding and exciting, especially when helping first-time homebuyers achieve their dreams. Northern Michigan offers a wealth of opportunities, and he's eager to explore them all alongside his clients. Honesty is his policy, and while he may not have every answer, he's dedicated to finding them. His upbringing on a farm instilled in him a strong work ethic and a commitment to the community. Come August, you will find him and his family picking some of the best sweet corn for their farm stand.

TJ graduated from Glen Lake Community Schools, went on to be a 5-time All-American student-athlete at Aquinas College in Track and Field, headed west for a brief stint of pursuing his acting dreams in Hollywood, and then returned home to Empire. After several years of success in the tent manufacturing industry, he left the corporate world as a chief operating officer, longing for a career where he could write his own destiny. This journey led him to real estate. As part of the Aspire North Real Estate Agent, Greater Grand Traverse Region, he was named the 2020 Rookie of the Year, Top 25 Real Estate Agent 2022, and Top Real Estate Agent in 2023, finishing at #2 for Leelanau County.

When not immersed in real estate, he indulges in his love for grilling and smoking meats and other delicious food. He treasures spending time with his loving and supportive wife, Christina, and their two children, Contessa and Leonardo. Come summer, you are sure to find him and his family on Lime Lake, living and loving life on property his grandfather sold and developed during his real estate career in the 1980s. His love and passion for this area runs deep. As a long-time steward of the community, he is dedicated to building a bright future for Northern Michigan, ensuring it remains a cherished place for generations to come.