I never expected a summer job on a small Michigan island to change my life, but it did. From managing a swing band nightclub to navigating a real estate career, my journey has been driven by helping others and having fun along the way.

 

Helping others and making a positive difference in their lives is what fuels me. Years of volunteer work and community service have deeply enriched my life, but when I shifted my focus to real estate, I realized I could continue serving while meeting fascinating people along the way.

 

My parents and I moved to Arizona when I was 12, and I’ve lived here most of my life. My mom and dad were real estate agents, so I grew up close to the business. In college, I studied computer processing, public speaking, and real estate at Northern Arizona University. That’s where I met Denise, my wife. Neither of us expected to find our life partners so young, but we did, and we’ve been together ever since!

 

After college, I worked as the general manager of a bowling, restaurant, and entertainment center, where I learned the ins and outs of running a business, accounting, and managing staff. Denise and I bought a house and settled down –– but something didn’t feel right; we both craved adventure. We packed up our blue Chevy Beretta and traveled to an island in Michigan for a summer job at a hotel, where I managed a nightclub with a swing band and threw parties for guests. I realized that change can be exciting, so I opened myself up to it—and life didn’t take long to bring it my way.

 

On our way back to Arizona, we stopped in Minnesota to visit Denise’s family and fell in love with the charm of the place. We bought a house in Minnesota and, over the next five years, we welcomed our kids, Carly and Tim. In addition, I earned my real estate license in 1992. Working for Burnet Realty (the top firm) was thrilling but also nerve-wracking. It took about three years to get a foothold in the industry.

 

My family and I returned to Arizona when my dad, who represented developers of a condominium resort, asked me to help him put together a marketing package. We were awarded the project Little Fountain Condominiums to market and sell. This opportunity was a blessing for two reasons: it was my first introduction to Arizona real estate and it was a chance to spend time with my dad, who passed away from cancer a year later. 

 

My dad was an inspiration to me. He served others, from Rotary to Little League, where he and other dads built our baseball fields in Fountain Hills, Arizona. If you wanted something, you made it happen –– that was his mentality. His example inspired me to spend more time volunteering and giving back to the community. I became the Town Mayor, in charge of leading the community and managing the town’s budget to best serve the residents. I also worked as a consultant for land developers, helping them incorporate cutting-edge technology into their communities.

 

With the recession, life brought more change and in 2010, after twelve years at the tech company, I was laid off. These were stressful times and I knew I had to focus on work and family, so I decided to not run for a fourth term on Town Council. 

 

That’s when I returned to my roots—real estate. My outgoing personality and extensive network made it a natural fit. I enjoy learning about people, and real estate gives me the perfect platform to do that. Now, I work alongside my daughter, Carly, who is a third-generation Fountain Hills real estate agent. 

 

When I’m not working, I love hiking, traveling around Arizona, and spending time with my four grandkids, who are so much fun. Many of my past clients have remained friends, and I love entertaining them at gatherings. Overall, I feel incredibly grateful to live in a country where I can follow my passion and live with freedom.

 

As an Arizona real estate expert, I bring deep knowledge of the area and leverage a robust network to find properties –– often before they’re listed –– which is a huge advantage for buyers. I care deeply about my clients and prioritize their financial well-being. As their fiduciary, my top priority is ensuring they get the best deal through strong negotiations.

 

For me, it’s not just about closing a deal—it’s about building lasting relationships. I often organize get-togethers and happy hours with clients to share laughs and introduce them to people. It’s my joy to connect clients with their dream homes while helping them integrate into the community.  

 

My goal is to make the real estate process as stress-free as possible. Clients already have enough to handle with moving in and out; I’m here to take care of the rest. Whether finding the perfect house or introducing them to the locals, I’m committed to making their experience enjoyable and seamless.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jay Schlum

Former Mayor of Fountain Hills, Arizona

Call/Text (602) 301-7855

Jay@ArizonaLiving.com

ArizonaLiving.com