Q: Tell us about you and your business?

A: I have been selling residential real estate with RE/MAX of Grand Rapids in Michigan for 19 years. I am currently the team leader of May Group Realtors, which consists of 6 incredible people! Our 2019 sales volume was $32 million with 130 transactions. In 2020, we are pushing for 160 transactions and $36 million in sales volume.

Q: Tell us about your family?

A: I am blessed to be married to Mary May and we have four beautiful children, Adelynn (9), Abie (7), Lincoln (7), and Abdul (4).

Q: Tell us about your community?

A: Greater Grand Rapids is a community of 1 million in West Michigan. I have always been incredibly proud of the philanthropic efforts of so many in the area. It is a great community with incredible mid-western values.

Q: Tell us how you serve or give back in your community?

A: I would love to list a few things here:

1. For the past 42 months, we have visited local businesses in the community on a monthly basis and filmed community-based videos in order to promote and support local businesses.
2. On average, we partner with 6-8 local organizations a year and either contribute financially or volunteer our time.
3. Specifically, in 2019 and 2020 we have partnered with Heartside Ministry in downtown Grand Rapids and raised money for them through a very unique event that we invited our top clients to. Heartside Ministry supports the local homeless population through shelter, art programs, GED programs, and counseling. We hosted an incredible art auction that featured art from people within the Heartside District. We were able to raise $5,000 and create amazing awareness for this great organization.
4. Annually, May Group Realtors gives a scholarship awarded to a Grand Valley State University student that has an emphasis on business and real estate.
5. I serve on many boards and am the Founder of Grand Rapids Young Professionals.

Q: How do you go about selecting a cause?

A: As a team, we have made a commitment to discuss causes and ways we can be involved in the community, as it is one of our core values.

Q: What has been the impact on the community, your team, and family?

A: Our core value has kept everyone on my team moving forward in the same mindset – a community-based and focused real estate team. It has blessed all of our lives by helping others. Our efforts have helped the homeless by providing things of need, we have helped local businesses in the form of awareness, and much, much more. My family has also been very involved and the activities which have provided lasting leadership lessons for our children.

Q: What are your plans going forward?

A: To continue and expand on what we have done in the past. We love giving our clients a platform to be involved; we do all the work, they just need to show up or donate as needed.

Q: How would you recommend agents or brokers get started if they want to make a difference?

A: Join community-related boards and committees. Make a commitment to “going deep” with other organizations, map out an annual plan, and stick to it, but it doesn’t need to be a financial investment, it can be time invested in helping others.