While beginning a new chapter in my life, I kept in mind an important lesson. With passion, determination, and creativity, nearly anything is possible.

 

Walking into the office that first day, it was hard to imagine starting over from scratch. For decades I ran and owned professional portrait studios, but in 2013, I took a large step aside to become a licensed REALTOR®.

 

I have had a passion for photography since I first toyed around with my grandfather’s camera as a teenager. After college, I started my first studio right away. I enjoyed the community connections it gave me and documenting milestones for others over the years. My community is important to me – it is where I grew up, built my businesses, and raised my family. I have enjoyed being a part of others’ lives while watching their own family trees grow and bloom.

 

However, in the early 2000s, the photography industry started to change. Though I embraced technology and began digitally editing videos as well in the 90s, I saw the writing on the wall that looked as if it was leading to the end of an era.

 

During the recession of 2008, I hung onto the business, although I knew I needed to find another way to provide for my family. I am so grateful for my wife and all her support during those years. Her work in the local school district saw us through tough times. Still, it was hard to imagine leaving behind all the photography work I had done to begin again, but as the years went by, I considered my options.

 

I knew the Lund family from church, who owned a local real estate brokerage, and greatly respected their work in the industry and community. Through them, I learned more about real estate, and though it is a very different world from professional photography, a surprising number of skills carried over. The biggest key to both is personally connecting with others on a deep and emotional level, one of my favorite aspects to these industries.

 

Ever since I was a child, I have been determined to see things through. I still remember riding my bike in eighth grade with a friend 80 miles to Westport, all the way to the ocean. 

 

We made it 50 miles before he suggested we let the air out of our tires and hitchhike the rest of the way. I was already an experienced cyclist and spent many hours riding around town and beyond. He did not have the same experience as I did, and while he caught a ride, I continued cycling. In the end, we both made it to the beach (though I beat him there!).

 

I enjoy challenging myself and eventually learned as a young man not to sell myself short. Through pursuing my musical, academic and artistic passions in college, I realized we are all capable of so much more than we realize. With passion, determination, and creativity, nearly anything is possible. When I began in real estate, I was reminded of that valuable lesson.

 

This community means everything to me, and I love being a part of it, helping others during some of the most overwhelming chapters in life. Over the years I have continued to do portraits here and there, but real estate is my focus and has been since the day I started.

 

I will continue to be a REALTOR® for as long as I am able because I enjoy the challenge and the purpose it adds to my life. Each day, I continue to challenge myself, learn new things and assist others through life’s many transitions in real estate. When I am not working, I enjoy taking photographs, creating art and working around our home. My favorite part of being a REALTOR® is working with people through each new chapter.

 

Whether you are buying or selling a home, I will be there to support you every step of the way, 24/7.

 

Born and raised right here in Chehalis, I have a huge network of vendors and references to help throughout the process. As a former professional photographer, I take my own listing photos, ensuring my clients’ homes are marketed in the best possible light. I strive to tell a story with photographs, bringing prospective buyers on a journey from the front door, through the home and back outside so they can imagine the possibilities. With my unique background, I can suggest improvements to make your home even more appealing.

 

Of course, it is not totally about photography. I will do whatever is needed to get you the greatest return for your investment as a seller or to find your dream home as a buyer. Once your transaction is over, I hope to serve as your lifelong REALTOR®

 

Sincerely,

 

Stan Giske, REALTOR®

Call/Text (360) 269-1991

Office (360) 669-0777

stan@giskerealtygroup.com

GiskeRealtyGroup.com