Jerry Vargo, Realtor®

Where did you grow up? What was it like?
I was born in Elyria, Ohio and also grew up there. Elyria was a working class town located close to a number of steel producing and processing companies. As a child I grew up in an environment whereby work and family responsibility was the top of life's priorities. We worked, we played, it was never boring. Elyria is located approximately 25 miles west of Cleveland, Lake Erie was just a few miles to the North and farm country was not far away to the south. Both of my parents worked, my father was a steelworker and my mother worked at a plastic mold injection company. As the youngest of 4 children, with 3 older sisters my life was never dull - and full of lots of hard work and happiness. Vacations to Florida in the winter, and the North Country in the summer, with many weekends spent walleye fishing in the near western basin of Lake Erie. I also enjoyed working on my Aunt and Uncle's 500 acre all purpose farm, milking 53 cows twice a day, bailing hay, planting corn, soybeans, wheat, etc...and feeling the pride of hard work, good crop production and healthy cows. I also learned to accept disappointment when events beyond your control robbed you of the rewards of hard work. Growing up in this environment prepared me for my life back than and it still guides me today.

Why do you live in the Brainerd Lakes Area? What do you like most about it?
My father was a fisherman and hunter, and as a child I was taught to be a sportsman. After many years of vacationing in Wisconsin and Minnesota, I decided to move from the big city lights of Chicago to Northern MN to live my dream. I built a home on the shores of Leech Lake - and that is where I find my peace - enjoying all that a lake place has to offer.

What is your favorite lake? Why?
My favorite lake is Leech Lake, specifically Boy Bay. Why? Because there are 11,200 lakes +/- in MN and I have spent 30 years exploring and learning the ways of the lake. Leech is a very diverse body of water with many bays and islands...and excellent structure for pursuing the many species of fish that make MN their home. One can almost always find reasonable calm waters to fish with generally great results. Leech is is also a fabulous lake to pursue one's duck hunting interest. The wild rice food source in the many bays serve as a significant stopping off point during the fall migratory flight south. Leech Lake also abuts parts of the Chippewa National Forest and the Battle Ground State Forest. Both forests have excellent upland game, deer and bear populations. It is not uncommon for me to have several eagles in my front yard. The Chippewa National Forest is the first and oldest National Forest in the USA. It all adds up to a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors, whether it be pursuing quality outdoor sports, or spending time on the beach, canoeing the Boy River thru a National Forest, hiking the many trails, cross country skiing in the wilderness, snowmobiling on endless groomed trails or enjoying the many multi-cultural activities.

What is your favorite part of working in Real Estate?
My favorite part of real estate is meeting the many people that are pursuing their dreams of owning a home, whether it be a permanent home or that dream vacation home. I'm a first generation American, my parents were born in small Hungarian Village outside of Budapest. My father said to me many many times, in America unlike much of the world you can "own" your home. I like being part of that dream.

What is the most unusual thing you have encountered while working in Real Estate?
I have had many unusual events happen in my many years of being involved in the many facets of real estate, but one sticks out as the most unusual. Many years ago I was selling a 43 ace parcel to a major developer who was assembling land for a 2.5 million sq.ft.regional mall. There were 4 owners of land and we were all attempting to get the best price for our land. There was a lot of drama, many conversations, etc. During the process the lawyer that was representing the developer was sending me revised offers almost hourly. Magically he made a mistake and sent me a copy of their offer to the other landowners. I couldn't believe my eyes, their offer to the other landowners was substantially higher than what they offered my company. The land my company owned was the key parcel right in the middle of it all. I called the lawyer and told him I had received an offer intended for another land owner, and even though I saw the price, I would destroy the fax and not share the price with anyone else. He could have lost his job if his client knew what happened. The next morning I received an offer greater than what I saw others had agreed too. This lawyer is still one of my best friends.

Why should someone choose you as their real estate agent?
I believe my many years of experience in all aspects of real estate can provide my clients with a unique, broad understanding of the world of real estate. I believe first and foremost in an absolute policy of complete honesty. Anyone hiring me to represent them in the market place will quickly recognize I take my job seriously, and I like what do.