Jerome [pronounced Jeremy] grew up straddling the border between Pennsylvania and West Virginia, where he witnessed the effects of economic decline and limited employment opportunities. In a region where coal mining was the predominant industry, Jerome faced a stark reality when the closure of the local coal mine due to a tragic fire left his community jobless. Determined to pursue a better life, Jerome set his sights on new horizons and found himself drawn to the Pittsburgh region.

Dubbing Pittsburgh "The Paris of The Appalachia," which Jerome humorously acknowledges that the phrase was not of his own creation, but one he stumbled upon in the Commonwealth Press. He also recognizes that the city and its residents share many traits with that of his own community. “Yinzers are interesting and share a lot of common traits of my folks…a strong distrust of people with multiple degrees,” he laughs. “And they’re suspicious of people with white collars.” 

Jerome also appreciates the distinctiveness of Pittsburgh, particularly its architecture and the diversity of its neighborhoods. When he was younger, everyone had the same house and when he moved to Carrick, it was so different because everyone had a brick house and he thought it was the rich part of town. “Pittsburgh has changed my perspective and how I view the world,” he boasts. 

Jerome attributes a significant part of his personal growth to the impact the city has had on him. It has broadened his perspective and challenged him to learn and evolve continuously. The city's vibrant atmosphere and the pressure to keep up with its demands have fostered a sense of personal development and a hunger for knowledge within him. While he also jokingly points out that the local pepperoni roll game could be stronger, he wholeheartedly embraces Pittsburgh’s opportunities for growth.

A defining moment in Jerome's journey occurred when he began assisting friends with home purchases even before acquiring his real estate license. Despite initially lacking the confidence to pursue real estate as a full-time career, he discovered that his part-time efforts were more lucrative than his previous years in the construction industry. This realization, combined with a deep belief in his own work ethic, propelled Jerome to make the transition from a blue-collar background to embracing the white-collar realm. The shift symbolized a significant milestone in his personal growth and self-conviction.

Entering the real estate industry, Jerome candidly shares his reflections and advice for newcomers. He underscores the importance of understanding the ebb and flow of the business, cautioning against complacency during successful periods and maintaining resilience during challenging times. Acknowledging the inherent fluctuations of the real estate market, Jerome believes that staying mindful and adaptable is key to long-term success. “When you’re up, you think it will never end, and when you’re down you think it’ll last forever,” he explains. “I wish someone would’ve told me, just because you do well for a couple months in a row doesn't mean you always will.”

Throughout his career, Jerome has been fortunate to have a mentor and source of inspiration in Shane Smith. From encouraging him to become a licensed agent to providing invaluable guidance, Shane has played a pivotal role in Jerome's journey. He takes pride in the fact that he now shares an office space with Shane, a testament to the impact they have had on each other's professional development.

What Jerome finds most fulfilling about his work however is the sheer joy and amusement it brings him. Engaging with people during one of the most significant moments of their lives is a remarkable experience. Each client's unique approach to the home-buying process, from arguing about wallpaper choices to unexpected encounters, like raccoons during house tours, adds a touch of humor and unpredictability. “To be honest, it's the funniest thing I've ever done,” Jerome laughs. “These people are wild.” 

While Jerome doesn't live by specific quotes, he humorously recalls advice from his father during his younger years. In response to a challenging situation, his father simply said, "Hang in there little buddy, it gets worse." This lighthearted quip serves as a reminder to persevere through life's ups and downs with a touch of humor. On the other hand, Jerome is pretty well known for a quote he said once whilst caught off guard during an interview in high school…“Well usually I get nervous and do stupid things.” It was actually used and printed in their yearbook!

Outside of his professional endeavors, Jerome cherishes his relationship with his wife, Sophia, who he affectionately calls "The Nerd.” Together they take delight in the company of their feline companion, Catniss and newly adopted dog named Blueberry. Exploring various hobbies and interests, Jerome relishes moments spent with friends indulging in seafood boils and 90s movie marathons (“shout out to Big Snackage,” he laughs), and even finding solace in riding his bicycle through the streets of Pittsburgh. Jerome's thirst for knowledge remains unquenched, as he continues to expand his horizons through reading and eagerly anticipates new passions to explore in the years to come.

With an open mind, a sense of humor, and a genuine passion for helping others, Jerome's refreshing approach to the real estate world has redefined success and brought joy to the lives of those he serves.