COVER STORY
G ary’s path to becoming one of Alaska’s standout real estate agents has been nothing short of remarkable. With a life shaped by adventure, resilience, and adaptability, Gary brings a unique blend of diverse professional experiences and genuine passion for helping others in every real estate transaction.
Gary
Becoming the Alaska Real Estate King Cox
Born in eastern Washington, Gary’s early years were characterized by frequent moves between Washington and Alaska after his parents’ divorce. Eventually settling permanently in Anchorage at the age of 14, Gary quickly found his footing in Alaska’s vibrant community. His adventurous spirit became evident early on, racing motocross competitively and even clinching the title of Alaska’s state 250 expert champion as a teenager. A Dynamic Career Path After high school, Gary embarked on a career as a line haul truck driver, becoming the lead driver by age 20 and navigating the demanding terrain of Alaska’s highway system. Seeking stability and advancement, he returned to college, graduating magna cum laude from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a degree in accounting. Gary swiftly secured a position at KPMG in Anchorage, earning his CPA license in 1988. His adventurous streak reemerged when he transferred to KPMG’s Sydney, Australia office, spurred by a romance that began on a Hawaiian beach. In Australia, Gary’s career diversified further as he explored financial services, software sales, and even advertising as an account executive for Australia’s largest radio station. “It was just unfolding that way,” he says. “When you’re a young guy, sometimes circumstance necessitates change.” Returning to Alaska, he transitioned into roles within government agencies, first directing the Office of International Trade, then supporting rural electrification projects for indigenous communities—a reflection of his deep commitment to making tangible impacts in people’s lives. Real Estate Beginnings Gary’s entry into real estate was serendipitous, sparked by his personal experience while selling a duplex and exploring the benefits of a 1031 exchange. That initial transaction ignited a passion for real estate investing. Over the next 12 years, Gary, still unlicensed at that time, executed an impressive $100 million in real estate transactions, from single lots to a 76-unit apartment complex, displaying a knack for strategic investment and timing. “I met a girl in Hawaii on the beach, and two years later, I moved to Sydney to marry her,” he says.
WRITTEN BY NICK INGRISANI PHOTOS BY HEATHER DUNN, AMBIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY
The events of September 11, 2001, catalyzed a major shift in Gary’s life. “I was working at Xerox at the time and had 100
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Alaska Real Producers • 37
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