Your past doesn’t determine your future. It provides guidance for your present, so you can create your future.

 

I come from humble beginnings and learned early that if I wanted more out of life, I’d have to earn it myself. My mom struggled with addiction, and my dad was rarely around. For most of my childhood, it was just me and my grandfather—a World War II vet from Brooklyn who was as old school as they come. He didn’t tolerate excuses, and I credit him with instilling my work ethic. I started working when I was 9—cutting lawns, running newspaper routes, doing whatever I could to make money. Hard work became my way forward, and that mindset has stayed with me.

 

School was never my focus—I wanted to get out into the world and make a living. At 17, I joined the Heavy Highway Laborers Union and was working full time before I even turned 18. I dropped out of high school and spent over a decade on the road crew doing bridges, highways, and construction before shifting into teaching apprentices and journeymen. I liked seeing people reach that “ah-ha” moment when something finally clicked.

 

I got into real estate out of necessity; I had to get creative about earning money. Around 18, I started flipping houses—first for someone else, then on my own. Over time, I moved into long-term rentals. With kids to support, real estate became a smart way to build income and opportunity.

 

In 2019, I got my real estate license. At first, it was just to help with my brother’s flips, but I quickly saw something bigger. I realized real estate wasn’t just a hustle—it was a way to help others build a future, just like I was trying to do for my own family. That shift gave me a deeper purpose, and it still drives me today.

 

That transition wasn’t easy. Real estate courses don’t prepare you for writing offers, navigating inspections, or negotiating under pressure. I was learning on the fly. That first year was tough, but I’ve always been driven. If I’m going to do something, I want to do it well. That mindset helped me find my footing. Today, I bring that same persistence to my clients—treating every deal like it matters, because it does.

 

I was lucky to partner with Hollie Dodge, an experienced REALTOR® who helped guide me early on. We’re technically a team, though we handle our own deals. She’s someone I trust, and by supporting each other, we make sure our clients are covered—even when one of us is out of town.

 

Real estate also led me to something unexpected—my wife. We met after I helped her find a home in 2019. In February 2025, we got married. Between us, we have four kids. Hailey, 23, works with her at Restore Hyper Wellness. Our daughter Ava is heading to Coastal Carolina and works at a local restaurant. My son Anthony, 20, sells insurance and works out with me when we can. Jaylen, our youngest, just finished sixth grade.

 

Family time is big for us. We love the shore, especially in the summer. We have jet skis, and I’ve always been into anything with a motor—cars, bikes, you name it. The gym is also part of my daily routine. I enjoy the structure and constant challenge. 

 

While my early years weren’t easy, they pushed me to develop the drive that’s shaped everything in my life. There’s always more to learn and more to strive for. That’s what drives me—to keep growing, keep showing up, and keep raising the bar for my clients, my family, and myself.

 

As a REALTOR®, I enjoy guiding clients through every step of the process—drawing on both my personal experience as an investor and over six years of professional expertise. I tend to catch things others might overlook: which repairs are worth it, how a layout could be improved, or what issues might come up during inspection. That kind of practical insight helps my clients make smarter, more confident decisions.

 

With buyers, I stay involved from the first showing to the closing table—finding the right properties, writing strong offers, navigating inspections, and keeping every detail on track. I’m straightforward about red flags and what could cost money later.

 

Sellers get clear guidance on pricing, prep, and evaluating offers—not just by price, but by which one best fits their timeline and goals. I also work with investors to assess potential, plan improvements, and set properties up for a successful resale or long-term hold.

 

What I enjoy most is structuring the deal—the negotiations, the terms, and the strategy behind making it all work. That’s where I can have the biggest impact on the outcome. Even after closing, I stay available to support clients, connect them with trusted local pros, and answer questions as they enter the next chapter of their homeownership journey.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Michael Grisko

REALTOR®

Cell (609) 377-1482

Office (856) 223-1400

mgriskorealty@gmail.com

mikegriskorealty.com