The greatest lessons I’ve learned have often come at pivotal times in my life. By navigating many of the same transitions my clients face, I’ve gained valuable skills and insights that shape the way I serve others.

 

I’ve always been willing to try something new. I describe myself as a calculated risk-taker and growth often requires stepping outside your comfort zone. Some opportunities work out exactly as planned. Others teach you something you could not have learned any other way.

 

My career in real estate began with one of those leaps.

 

I grew up in Excelsior and developed an interest in homes at an early age. I drew house plans as a kid and watched my parents remodel our home. For a time, I wanted to become an architect, but I ultimately earned my economics degree from the University of Minnesota.

 

Following in my father’s footsteps, I began working in sales at General Mills. That experience exposed me to the marketing side of business and led me to earn my MBA and launch a 12-year career in advertising. I loved the creativity involved in figuring out how to represent a brand in a way that connects with people.

 

In 2001 and 2003, we grew our family through adoption. We traveled to Colombia and stayed for more than four weeks each time to complete the adoption process. Our children, Hugo and Eliana, are our greatest pride and joy.

 

As our family grew, I wanted more control over my future, how I worked, and the impact I could make. That desire led me to real estate. It connected my interest in homes with my background in sales, marketing, creativity, and client service. Still, leaving an established career to enter a commission-based business was a significant leap. I earned my real estate license in 2006 and completed 10 transactions during my first year.

 

 That first year was followed almost immediately by the pop of the real estate bubble and the subsequent Great Recession. Rather than step away, I adapted. I bought and renovated distressed properties, became a landlord, worked with investors, and learned firsthand how to evaluate a home’s condition, identify costly repairs, and maximize a property’s value. At the same time, I dove head first into the world of corporate relocation; where I could combine my corporate-world skills with my real estate expertise to help transferees transition to the next phase of their lives. Those experiences continue to help me advise clients today.

 

Years later, I took another risk. My wife, Lynne, and I had purchased a condo in Tucson, Arizona. After spending more time there, especially during COVID-19, we developed a real appreciation for the area. In 2023, I opened a furniture store in Tucson while continuing to work in real estate.

 

The store was a challenging experience. Retail is very transactional, and I missed the deeper relationships I build with clients when helping them buy, sell, relocate, or navigate a major life transition. I also discovered that, while I love Tucson, I am a Minnesotan at heart. Minnesota is where my family, friends, and community are, and where I truly feel at home.

 

The store did not turn out the way I had hoped, but the experience gave me something valuable: clarity. It reminded me how much I enjoy real estate and how meaningful it is to help people through important chapters in their lives. Closing the store became less of an ending and more of a return to the work I love.

 That experience reinforced something I have learned throughout my career: taking a chance is not always about getting the outcome you expected. Sometimes, it is about learning, growing, and gaining a clearer understanding of what matters most.

 

Today, I bring that perspective to my work with clients. Whether you are relocating, investing, downsizing, buying your first home, or preparing for retirement, I understand that real estate decisions are often part of a much larger life transition. My role is to help you navigate that process with good information, thoughtful guidance, and the support needed to make confident next steps.

 

  Having lived in Minnesota my entire life, I love the four seasons and range of activities they offer. In my free time, I enjoy downhill skiing, golfing, traveling, and spending time with family and our mini Aussiedoodle, Moose. Minnesota has been a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family, with excellent schools, outdoor activities, and a strong sense of community. I enjoy helping people find not only the right home, but also the right neighborhood and community for their needs.

 

When you work with me, you receive thoughtful guidance, honest advice, and hands-on care. I treat every transaction as if it were my own. For buyers, I evaluate a home’s condition, location, resale potential, and long-term value, not just whether it feels right today. For sellers, I create a customized plan around your goals, timeline, and priorities, coordinating trusted contractors and service providers when needed. With experience in marketing, corporate relocation, remodeling, and investing, I help clients make informed decisions through every stage of the process. My goal is to be a dependable partner during one of life’s most important transitions!

 

Sincerely,

Tom Dunn