No Mentor, No Problem Greg’s early real estate days weren’t filled with hand- holding or built-in guidance. “I joined a very small company that wasn’t big on mentorship,” he recalls. “I didn’t know how crucial synergy and collaboration were back then.” Lucky for us, he’s making up for lost time by fostering those very qualities at Compass. Coffee Enthusiast (But Not Really) Greg is the mastermind behind the office’s Coffee & Collab, a space for agents to connect over caffeine- fueled conversations. The twist? Greg doesn’t drink coffee. “I love the smell of it,” he admits. “It’s one of my three favorite smells. But I don’t drink it.” So what are the other two? Well, let’s just say they’re not fit for print (but if you ask Greg, he might tell you anyway). The Wild World of Real Estate Showings Real estate always brings surprises, but Greg has had more than his fair share of bizarre encounters. Case in point: one of his first home showings involved an unplanned—and incredibly awkward—introduction to a seller who had lost track of time… and clothing. “The seller, a fifty-something-year-old man, came out wrapped only in a sheet,” Greg recalls. “He and his not wife were otherwise occupied when my clients’ two young children ran into the house. It was a ‘turn around and run’ situation.” And then there was Wanda—the ex-girlfriend of a homeowner who, after a few too many cocktails, let herself into his house during a broker’s open, undressed, and climbed into his bed for a nap. “We had to call the owner and say, ‘Come get Wanda.’” Just another day in the life of Greg Cooper. Advice from a Veteran For clients, Greg’s biggest piece of advice is simple: patience. “People rush decisions and either cost themselves money or lose opportunities. Think things through.” He also warns against touring homes without knowing the price. “If it’s way out of your budget, everything else will look disappointing after that.” Wise words from someone who’s seen it all. Local Favorites Greg’s go-to hidden gem? Eagle Creek Park. “It’s one of the most beautiful municipal parks in the country, and it’s underused. The hiking trails, the water, the
picnic spots—it’s incredible.” He also recommends the Indiana Dunes for an adventurous day trip. But be warned: “Don’t go in mid-June or July unless you enjoy sitting in a parking lot for hours.” A Life of Adventure and Resilience Greg’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but he’s never let them define him. A former radio traffic reporter, he’s experienced not one, but two airborne crashes. Yet, his outlook remains unwaveringly positive. “There’s a test to determine if your mission on Earth is finished. If you’re alive, it isn’t.” Greg embodies this philosophy, embracing every opportunity with determination and gratitude. His resilience is a testament to the fact that no matter what life throws at you, there’s always another chapter to write. Greg might be a self-proclaimed “classic choice,” but his stories, personality, and impact at Compass are anything but ordinary. If you haven’t had the pleasure of chatting with him yet, grab a coffee (he’ll love the smell) and see for yourself why he’s one of the best parts of Compass Indiana. Stay tuned for more agent spotlights in Compass INsider! RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS Q: Dream home or dream vacation? A: Home. Q: City life or country escape? A: Country. Q: Open house snacks: sweet or savory? A: Savory. Q: Morning showings or evening showings? A: Morning. Q: Ice cream & binge-watch: Breaking Bad or Stranger Things? A: Breaking Bad. Q: Pick your ice cream truck anthem: Eminem’s Lose Yourself or Dr. Dre’s Still D.R.E.? A: Lose yourself. Q: What is your favorite ice cream flavor? A: I rarely eat ice cream, but probably Raspberry Chunk.
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