What My 91-Year-Old Grandma Taught Me About Life & Business

Today, my grandma turns 91, and honestly, she’s still in better shape than half the homes I tour with a younger "year-built." Lol. I took a little time away from work this week to spend some time down at the Jersey shore to celebrate her.

Happy Birthday, Grandma Chach!

Joan Preziosi is witty, sharp, tells it like it is, and doesn’t hesitate to weigh in when I’m working on a deal. She’s been one of my biggest supporters since day one, and when you're self-employed, in real estate, or chasing any kind of dream, support like that means everything.

But more than cheering me on, she’s taught me some lessons that have shaped how I work and live:

• Stay grateful. She’s lived through more than most of us can imagine, and she still wakes up grateful and ready to be present for the people she loves.

• Do the hard thing, seek a challenge. Even at 91 yrs old, you'll find my grandma in the backyard pulling weeds or stealing flowers behind the dumpster at Trader Joe's. She pushes herself to get out of the house, run errands and cut the hedges, battling through her discomforts (and yes, occasionally borderline breaking the law).

• Work is important, but people matter more. That’s probably why I emphasize communication and relationships with every client. Real estate is personal. She reminded me of that before I ever held a license. Whether it's chasing me around with a loaf of Italian bread after I told her I'm not hungry or just giving me a call during the day to see how I'm feelling, she always makes me feel important and cared for.

• Stay true to your values and always do the right thing - My grandma was never one to go along with the status quo or what people expected of her, and she always stayed true to herself and what she believed to be best (even if sometimes that's alternative driving instruction that no one asked for lol)

It’s funny… I work with a lot of older homes. Some from the 1930s and '40s, the same era my grandma was born in. A lot of them need updating, sure. But like her, they were built to last. The charm, the stories, the bones. As they say, "they don’t make em' like they used to."

So today, I’m just feeling grateful for the women who paved the way for the chance to do what I love. And for the reminder that behind every strong business is someone who believed in you before the world caught on.

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just want to talk shop (or maybe swap grandma stories), I’m always here.

We will have our final sign off with life advice from our 91 yr old, Joan:

"Go with the flow. You don't know what's going to happen in life. Make the best of it."

With Love,

Alex Preziosi