When you sit down with Brad Hecksel over coffee, you quickly realize that he is a bit of a real estate nerd. Whether he’s speaking about a high-level view of current market conditions or the subtle nuances of buyer psychology, Brad approaches every topic with the heart of a helper and a teacher. He’s got a knack for cutting through all the “noise” and helping his clients understand real estate in a real-life context.

Brad’s desire to seek answers to all questions has led him to develop a keen understanding of the nuances of the real estate market. Most real estate agents start by talking when they sit down with a potential new client. Not Brad. He listens. When asked about his unique approach Brad quipped, “It’s the only way I can really determine how I can help them.”

When he’s not helping his clients navigate the realm of real estate, Brad spends a lot of time involved in community initiatives. He served on the board of the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan (DSAWM) for several years and then spent another 5 years on the board of the DSAWM Foundation. Brad credits his experience as a member of Leadership Grand Rapids’ Class of 2012 with really opening his eyes to how fortunate he is to call this place home.

Brad studied public relations and advertising at Grand Valley State University and was fortunate to intern with two industry leaders in both customer and community service. Locally-based Cascade Engineering and then with The Walt Disney Company. He attributes his specialized customer service model to the time spent at both companies. He and his wife, Andrea, live in East Grand Rapids with their three children.