From fighting fires to putting out fires in real estate, REALTOR® Jeremy Griego at Q Realty is no stranger to dealing with emergencies. While real estate and firefighting may appear to be vastly different professions, they have many similarities.

The parallel from firefighter to real estate agent can be a natural fit for someone who has already proven themselves in a high-pressure, high-stakes job. With the skills that Jeremy has developed as a firefighter, he can work well under pressure, adapt quickly to changing situations, and make decisions on the fly. In both cases, you are also responsible for the safety and well-being of others, whether helping people escape from a burning building or guiding them through the complex process of buying or selling a home. Both professions also require a certain level of physical and mental fitness and the ability to work long hours.

Jeremy, who has always liked working with his hands, joined Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) at the age of thirty after living across the street from a firefighter and his wife and kids. "It's been great," he says. "I currently work as a Driver in the Alarm Room. I worked in the field for six years, then took a promotion to the AFR Alarm Room, which handles medical and fire emergency calls from the public, dispatches Fire and Rescue units, and monitors radio traffic. We are one of very few Fire Departments in the country with uniformed dispatchers. ”All of the firefighters in the alarm room have had firsthand experience with these types of emergencies during their time in the field. Having had hands-on field experience allows us to handle calls with courage, calmness, and confidence while saving lives in the process.”

How did a firefighter get into real estate? "I started my career in real estate in 2005," explains Jeremy. He has always liked working with people and finds the fields similar. "Our industry is a service industry," he points out. "We serve the needs of families and individuals who are often making the biggest purchase of their life.”

Interestingly, Jeremy's wife, Corrin Martinelli, is also a real estate agent and works at Q Realty. "We met after we were both in the business for a few years," says Jeremy. Although they work separately, everyone helps out each other. The example set by his wife inspired Jeremy to reach his potential. He comments, "My wife is extremely driven, an amazing mom to our children, and one of the hardest working people I know! She’s a successful college graduate and an awesome REALTOR®." He saw everything that she was accomplishing, and it inspired him to push himself. “She showed me what it takes to be a better person with a stronger work ethic, a good husband/dad, everything," he reflects.

As to how Jeremy juggles the demands of both being a firefighter and a real estate agent, he comments, "I've got a lot of help." Not only does he have a remarkable assistant, Cass Barlow, but his wife also helps him with his schedule, which he “couldn’t live without it.” With twenty-four hour shifts at the Fire Department, Jeremy finds that "it's tough juggling everything, but it is possible." One of the most difficult parts of being a firefighter in the Alarm Room is that it is extremely mentally taxing but very rewarding. All the more reason to treasure time with his wife and their three children, Arden (6), Mason (7), and Ronan (10).

To relax, Jeremy and his family enjoy going to the beach and the mountains. You can also find him playing sports with his kids. “We love going to the beach in Florida," he adds. They are enjoying a family vacation there this summer for fun in the sun. 

This Father's Day, Jeremy is living his dreams as a happy father of three children. He has answered the call to serve the citizens of Albuquerque as well as those looking to buy or sell a home. His life is richly rewarding and he wouldn't have it any other way.