Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lori Grechika. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lori, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I have been a Real Estate Advisor since 2004 in CT and although I love my career choice because I’m a people person I never quite felt I was working to my full potential while living in CT. I battled a serious alcohol addiction for many years which ultimately affected my career. I attempted other career choices and had some rather large hiccups along the way but managed to keep active with my career and horses. When my, now adult children, Michael & Dakota graduated and began living their own lives I made the decision that I wanted a fresh start in SWFL. We didn’t know anyone in the area, and I had no contacts to give me insight into what living there was like I only knew I needed a fresh start, fresh air, sunshine and warm weather! I applied for an office position with a real estate company in Bonita Springs and ended up landing the job before I got there! I moved in 2018 and successfully worked for the brokerage for 2 yrs as an admin/broker assistant until I ventured back into the world as an active agent. It was very helpful to work in the office to get accustomed to the Florida market, contracts and oh boy…all the different HOA regulations, forms, restrictions etc. It also really helped me getting familiar with the area. Since then, I’ve been nominated one of the top agents for Oct. in 2022 by Broker Agent Magazine, our team has been a consistent top producing team with over 50 million in sales for our current brokerage and moving here is a risk I’m so glad I took!! Aside from missing my family and children I’m grateful they are a short flight or manageable drive to visit. I belong to a great church that implements horses into a ministry that I’m a part of and I truly enjoy the outdoors and nature and long private talks with the Lord on some of the most stunning beaches in SWFL.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I grew up in the restaurant business, my grandfather came from Naples Italy and started a nickel a beer tavern in Southington CT in 1935. It quickly grew into a very well-known establishment which transformed into a full-service restaurant from Naple’s recipe pizzas to full course dinners and banquet facilities. It was appropriately named “The Popular Restaurant” which remained in my family for over 50 yrs. I grew up in that business which began my love for serving the public, I didn’t begin my real estate career until 2004, from there I learned how to listen more closely to what the consumer wants rather than what I think they need and do my best to go above and beyond for my clients to give them an extraordinary experience. I work with clients looking for residential real estate, investments, beach homes, vacation homes and equestrian properties. I base my business on biblical principles and treating others with respect, honesty and integrity.
I am very proud of the relationships I’ve built and sustained along the way along with the strength to persevere in overcoming a very rough addiction issue. Make no mistake, I could not have overcome it without my Lord and Savior, apart from him I can do nothing, but with him I can do all things. John 15:5. I did however have to have the desire for change. I believe God allowed me the privilege to have horses involved in my life because in my opinion they are a tangible piece of Heaven. I am currently enrolled in EAL through PATH, INT. to bring my recovery/trauma ministry to life with the assistance of Horses. I am most proud of my children, and my recovery through the best relationship of all and that is with Christ. Aside from real estate and horses, I love the beach and anything outside, I took dance for over 10 yrs., and I love adventure! There is much more to my story but it would take days to read. :)

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

During active addiction, I lost everything twice and went to prison for 18 mos of my life. I’m forever grateful that I didn’t physically hurt anyone, I had a lot of amends to make, I can’t change the past, only today. Everyday sober is a gift to my children who were hurt by my addiction among others. I don’t regret going to prison and experiencing things I never thought I would, God met me there, just as I was, and here I am, just who I am. I work hard Everday to be a blessing and I hope that in some way my story can bring hope to the hopeless. I never imagined my life would be what it is but sometimes we really do have to put the pen down and let God finish it. My story is for his Glory.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Referrals from other agents which is such an amazing compliment that they trust me with their friend or someone they know. Of course, past client referrals are wonderful as well!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.johnrwood.com/agent-bio/LGrechika
• Instagram: @lori_grechika
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Loriwestof41
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lori_grechika?si=_w8dR8ISINacf2RO

Image Credits

SWFL Real Estate Photography
Hana Snajdrova
Three Palms Media