In the town of Lapeer, Michigan, a young girl named Julie Popichak was born with an unwavering determination to excel in the world of business. Growing up in Selma, NC, Julie was guided by the encouragement of her parents as she embarked on a remarkable journey that would lead her to become a successful real estate agent. Julie's story is one of resilience, ambition, and a deep-rooted passion for helping others achieve their dreams.

 

Julie's path to real estate was anything but conventional. After graduating from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, she delved into the banking industry. Climbing the ranks, she became a branch manager at a local BB&T office. However, her hunger for new challenges led her to pursue a career in nursing. In 2005, Julie earned her RN credentials and spent the next 15 years dedicated to cardiac nursing. She eventually rose to the position of Associate Director of Care Management for a prominent health insurance company. She also attended Eastern New Mexico University obtaining her Master of Business Administration in 2019.

 

Throughout her career, Julie and her husband dabbled in real estate as avid investors. They reveled in the thrill of finding hidden gems and transforming them into beautiful properties. However, Julie longed for the opportunity to fully immerse herself in the real estate industry. As her two sons graduated and ventured into their own lives, Julie knew it was her time to pursue her true passion.

 

In 2021, armed with a deep knowledge of the market and an unwavering determination, Julie obtained her real estate license. She recalls, "My husband and I had investment properties over the years and were 'weekend warriors.' We loved finding a diamond in the ruff and making it beautiful again. I never had the time to really delve into real estate the way that I wanted and always felt like I was missing out on my passion."

 

Julie's real estate journey began in Lake Wylie, South Carolina, where she joined ExP and started part-time while continuing her nursing career. However, she soon realized that to truly make an impact, she needed to devote herself entirely to real estate. In August of 2021, Julie made the bold decision to transition into real estate full-time and joined the Lynda Haraway Group.

 

After a great first year driven by her desire to continually grow and thrive, Julie seized an opportunity to join Southern Realty Advantage, a team-oriented agency with a unique value proposition. This move allowed her to tap into the power of collaboration and enhance her professional development. Julie's dedication and strong work ethic propelled her forward, and her success became evident. As she reflects on her journey, she shares, "If you help people, the money will come."

 

Julie’s passion for helping people began during her career as a registered nurse and now continues by guiding her clients through life-changing real estate transactions. "I am now able to help my clients with huge life-changing events that can result in one of the biggest purchases of their life," she shares. Whether it's finding the perfect retirement home by the beach, securing a vacation property for cherished family moments, or assisting investors in building their portfolios, Julie is committed to making a positive impact.

 

Despite her busy schedule, Julie remains deeply rooted in her family life. She has been happily married to her husband, Steve Popichak, for 27 years. Together, they run Salty Living Home, LLC, a home improvement business. Julie and Steve enjoy an active lifestyle, engaging in various activities such as hiking, kayaking, skiing, and boating. They cherish moments spent with their children, Alec and Nicholas, often engaging in competitive card games like their favorite, "Euchre."

 

Julie also loves to read and is part of the Oak Island Book Club. She recently learned to shag and enjoys aerobics with the ladies at the Oak Island Recreation Center and Shine Strong Fitness. Julie and Steve recently bought a boat and are exploring the Intracoastal Waterway, even taking a navigational course through the Cape Fear Sail and Squadron.

 

Julie's future in real estate is bright. She relishes the autonomy and opportunity to build her business, fueled by her work ethic and dedication. Her goal is to surround herself with a team of positive, ambitious individuals, keeping her motivated and driven. When asked about success, Julie shares, “Success to me is not measured in how many transactions that I close or my sales volume.  Success is how many happy clients I am able to teach, guide and help in the transition to the next stage of their life.”

 

In conclusion, Julie Popichak has seamlessly transitioned from a successful career in nursing to become a thriving real estate agent and her journey is a testament to the limitless possibilities that await those who are willing to take risks and embrace their passions.