apartments that I was self-managing in the evenings, so I was scrambling full-time with 3 little kids,” he reflects. “Then September 11, 2001 came, and I turned to my boss and I said ‘that’s it, I’m finished.’” His transition to real estate was swift, and he quickly built momentum, flipping approximately 300 properties. The 2008 financial crisis brought significant challenges, including a catastrophic fire and financial strain, but Gary resiliently pivoted, obtaining his real estate license in 2010. His comfort with property transactions and innate ability to connect with people made his immediate success seem effortless, closing seven contracts in his first two months as a licensed agent. “It felt completely natural for me to get my license and be in the role,” he says. “The transition was super easy.” One of Gary’s most memorable transactions early in his licensed career was helping a refugee family from Sudan purchase their first home. They had eight kids and needed bedrooms. Navigating financial hurdles and property requirements, he secured them a six-bedroom condo that appreciated significantly over five years. The emotional impact of this transaction reinforced Gary’s commitment to making meaningful differences in his clients’ lives. “At the closing table, he said, ‘I don’t know how we found you.’ We all hugged, and everyone was crying,” he reflects. “It was awesome. My first sale. That was probably the most impactful sale of my life.”
That was probably the most impactful sale of my life.” My first sale.
Gary’s approach to real estate is refreshingly personal, prioritizing genuine connections and client comfort above quick sales. “I find comfort in figuring out what drives people and making them feel comfortable,” he says. “My first time meeting people has nothing to do with the property. It has to do with them, what drives them; are they going to trust me and can we work together? From that starting point, we’ll figure out if we’re going to do business together.” He often advises patience, emphasizing that successful real estate investing is rooted in careful purchasing decisions. “Part of my strategy in real estate is to always have an exit strategy for getting out,” he says. “It’s easy to buy real estate, and not always easy to sell. If you want to make money in real estate, the money is made when you buy. If you don’t buy it right, you won’t be able to sell it right later on.”
Becoming the “King” of Alaska Real Estate Now an industry veteran, Gary is passionate about doing “the right thing” for clients, emphasizing accessibility and responsiveness as key differentiators in his service. “We want clients for life!” His relentless drive keeps him consistently among Alaska’s top-performing agents, with no plans to slow down any time soon. “I work seven days a week,” he says. “If I get a call at 6 pm and the property is hot, chances are good that I’ll go show it that night. Most agents don’t live that way. They schedule for tomorrow, or the day after, and by the time they get to see it, that property is already sold, by the agent who’s willing to show it now.” Gary’s real estate expertise and recognizable brand have him crowned as the “King” of Anchorage real estate. His clever local
38 • June 2025
Alaska Real Producers • 39
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