Chris Hughes is not your average real estate agent. With 20 years of experience and a total volume of over $9 million in sales last year, he has garnered several prestigious awards, including the Coldwell Banker Chairman’s Club, Leader of the Year and Top Producer as well as had multiple appearances in the top 300 in Grand Rapids. However, Chris’ accomplishments extend far beyond the real estate world.

Before embarking on his real estate career, Chris worked as a financial advisor. His journey into the real estate industry was not planned but rather a serendipitous turn of events. “It was through a conversation with my father-in-law — who does condominium development — where he asked me to help be a marketing arm,” Chris explained. “I said ‘yes’ and fell in love with helping people and selling real estate. Over the years, I have adopted ‘servant leadership’ into my mentoring of agents and collegiate team.”

Chris’ life has been shaped by various influences — from his nomadic childhood, which took him from Virginia to Africa and finally to the Detroit suburbs, to the mentors who have guided him along the way. He credits his father, his father-in-law Jer DeKok, Dr. Ed Dobson, and Dr. Marvin Zuidema as key figures who have influenced his life and career choices.

After graduating with a Bachelor in Arts in Communications from Calvin University, Chris found that his path was defined by his faith, marriage and two sons as well as being a cancer survivor. These life events have not only molded him into the person he is today but also fueled his dedication to helping others.

In his current role at Coldwell Banker - Schmidt, REALTORS®, Chris is passionate about helping people and mentoring agents through servant leadership. While he doesn’t work in a team environment, he has a strong support system led by Shari Bethel, his administrative support coordinator (ASC), whom he regards as the best in the business.

For Chris, the most fulfilling aspects of his profession are witnessing the smiles of satisfaction on his clients’ faces during the closing process and observing the happiness of his office agents as they achieve success in this remarkable industry.

Like most other agents, Chris has had to learn to adapt to the ever-changing industry. He has weathered market fluctuations from no inventory to excess inventory and shifting interest rates. However, he has always guided his clients through these challenges, ensuring that they make sound decisions in any market climate. Chris firmly believes that being a blessing to his clients is the key to overcoming hurdles.

Chris plans to remain in the real estate market for the long term, because it brings out the best in him. His favorite part of being an agent is when he gets to serve others — whether they are buyers, sellers, or the agents in his office. Sharing his knowledge and experience is not just a job: It’s a calling.

When asked to define success, Chris’ answer is profoundly altruistic: “Success is defined differently by everyone. Success to me means that I have done and am doing my best to support, help and mentor all of those around me.”

Outside of his professional life, Chris has a family that includes his wife, Heather, and their sons — Kenzie and Caleb — along with their beloved dog, Murphy James. He also coaches collegiate soccer, which is a passion Chris has pursued for nearly 30 years.

For up-and-coming real estate agents, Chris offers sage advice, rooted in his experience as a servant leader. He emphasizes the importance of being a person others can turn to for help without fear of ridicule or belittlement.

Ultimately, Chris wants to be remembered as a great husband and father who is always there to support his family in their endeavors. In the world of business and collegiate coaching, he aspires to be known as someone who chose to make those around him better through servant leadership.

Chris feels very fortunate that he can juggle full-time real estate, office management and collegiate coaching. He acknowledges the blessings in his life and expresses gratitude to his wife for her trust, friendship and unwavering support. Chris believes that great things have been achieved and will continue to be accomplished, as long as he remains committed to his mission of being a benefit to others through servant leadership.