There was a moment when I realized I had two options: feel sorry for myself or move forward. That realization changed everything, and it still shapes how I show up for my clients today.

I realized I wanted to become a REALTOR® during the chaos of the pandemic. My job selling diamond engagement rings—something I’d done for over two decades—had vanished overnight when COVID shut down all retail. I could have waited it out, but I’ve never been one to sit still.

I tried mortgage lending, did well, but something was missing. I wanted more control over my schedule and my future. Real estate called to me—not for the glamour, but for the challenge and the freedom.

 But let me back up. I grew up in Chicago, where winters are brutal and the urge to escape to warmer places is strong. After high school, I had no real plan, just a vague desire to have fun and see where life took me. That carefree attitude didn’t last long.

At 21, I was in a freak accident at work. It wasn’t anyone’s fault, just bad luck. I didn't realize anything was wrong immediately until the days went by and the pain wouldn't go away. The aftermath was years of surgeries. I spent my early twenties in and out of hospitals, watching my friends go off to do exciting things while I was stuck in a cycle of surgery, recovery, and physical therapy.

 I moved to Arizona for treatment at the Mayo Clinic, hoping the climate and the doctors would help. The surgeries continued, and so did the complications—including a spinal fluid leak—so I was constantly on painkillers. The pain lingered, and so did the medications—and the increasing dosages. For nearly a decade, pain medications were a part of my daily life, and what started as a necessity became a dependency.

Realizing my body had become addicted to the medication was a pivotal moment. I realized I had two choices: I could either throw myself a pity party and dwell on my bad luck, or focus on positive habits that would move me forward. Nobody was going to save me, and my future was completely up to me.

I started a methadone program, and it took two years—slow, grueling, and humbling—to get off the painkillers. The experience taught me resilience and forced me to find the positives even when life felt negative.

Once I was finally free from the medications, I found myself in Arizona, healthier and ready for a new chapter. I spent over twenty years selling engagement rings. I loved working with happy clients who were celebrating one of the happiest moments of their lives. In fact, that positive environment, I think, helped my recovery.

 But when COVID hit and the stores closed, I was left with a choice: wait for things to return to normal, or try something new. I dove into mortgage lending, thanks to a friend, and did well, but the industry shifted as rates soared. That’s when I decided to get my real estate license in 2023.

Outside of work, travel is my passion. I love exploring new places, especially warm, beachy destinations; Mexico is a favorite. Travel keeps me grounded and reminds me how much I have to be grateful for. I also volunteer as president of the Scully Learning Center, supporting developmentally disabled adults in my community. And, of course, I have two dogs who are like my children.

Looking back, I’ve faced setbacks, pain, and uncertainty in life, but I’ve always found a way to move forward. I'm deeply grateful, and I wouldn’t trade the lessons I’ve learned for anything.

 I genuinely care about my clients and their outcomes. I always put myself in their shoes, whether they’re selling because of a divorce, needing every dollar for their next chapter, or just looking for the right home. I’m not driven by chasing commissions; I want what’s best for the people I work with, financially and personally. I’ve bought, sold, and remodeled homes myself, so I bring real experience to the table and try to help clients see possibilities, not just price tags.

I’ll do whatever it takes to make things easier for my clients—packing, cleaning, moving furniture, you name it. I treat every client like family, and most of them become friends. I truly go above and beyond because I believe I’m not above any job, big or small. I’ll do what it takes so every client feels supported through what can be a stressful process. For me, it’s about helping people move forward, not just closing a deal. I treat my clients like I would treat my family. 

  

Sincerely,

  

 

Chris Ringhofer