We’re proud of the team of agents we’ve assembled here at Nest Realty. We think they’re pretty awesome, and we think you will too. During our “Meet the Agent” series, we sit down with our agents to learn more about them, what makes them tick, and why they’re passionate about the real estate industry. In this installment, we chat with Chuck Podgurski, a Realtor at Nest Realty Atlanta.
Nest Realty: Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from? What brought you to Atlanta?
Chuck Podgurski: I moved to Atlanta from New York City in August ’88 with the company I worked for at the time, The American Cancer Society, National Office.
NR: How did you get into real estate?
CP: Friends in the business suggested it might be a good choice when I wanted a change in 2001. Literally, my first day was 9/11. Can you believe it? I had no idea what I was doing, got no direction from my then Broker, and the market was dead. So, I didn’t last the year, and went back to corporate America. Meeting my friend Jennifer was the best part of that experience. Over lunch, earlier this year, I asked if she would be interested in taking me on if I reinstated my license. Jennifer’s resounding yes has been the biggest boost to my real estate reboot!
NR: What was your previous career? How has that prepared you for real estate?
CP: Growing up, I was set on becoming an architect, but that wasn’t in the cards. I pursued information technology and organizational transformation, the people side of business change. My undergraduate degree is in IT and I have a Master of Science degree in management, organizational behavior, and development. I’ve worked for Big Four consulting firms and have run my own consultancy with clients like Coca Cola and Delta. My job was to put myself in the shoes of the folks impaled by whatever new processes or automated systems were being implemented. I was kind of a professional empath. That client focus, love for architecture, and interest in urban development compels me to real estate. I can’t wait to see what happens.
NR: What led you to Nest Realty, as opposed to another brokerage?
CP: Nest Atlanta Lead Broker, Jennifer Kjellgren. She and I have similar convictions about how to conduct business with integrity and enjoyment.
NR: What is your favorite part of being an agent?
CP: That my success is primarily based on how intelligently and effectively I work.
NR: Do you have a specific area of expertise to offer clients?
CP: Listening to understand clients’ needs—that was a big part of my organizational development work, and it translates well to real estate. Tell me what’s working for you and what’s not.
NR: What makes you different from other agents? What sets you apart?
CP: I’m a great listener, I’m very resourceful, and I know how to push through to get the answers I need.
NR: What are five adjectives that describe you?
CP: Empathetic, resourceful, analytical, creative, and trustworthy.
NR: Who would be your dream client?
CP: George and Amal Clooney…naturally.
NR: If you had one piece of advice for a first-time home buyer, what would it be?
CP: Breathe! It seems like it’s complex and that there’s a lot of information to sort through, but that’s what I’m here for. Let me worry about navigating the chaos.
NR: What is your favorite season in Atlanta?
CP: Spring—everything looks and smells amazing in Atlanta.
NR: What emoticon do you find yourself using most often?
CP: Facepalm.
Chuck is a Realtor with Nest Realty Atlanta. He conducts business with integrity, intelligence, and enjoyment, since life is too long to do anything you don’t like. To learn more about Chuck, visit his agent page.