STRONG PROPERTIES - Key Persons
Gwen Schmitt has over 13 years of experience in the real estate industry, coming to the business after working at major corporations and at a major research university. She was recognized for outstanding performance at both the university and P&G.
She has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kansas with an emphasis in Marketing which is useful in the real estate industry when advertising a home for sale, taking into account recent trends, and sales data.
Gwen's Areas of Expertise include:
Leah Dekema was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan and has expertise in the Southwest Michigan real estate market. With over 20 years of customer and management skills, Leah works closely with clients on their homeownership journey. As a real estate investor for the past 15 years, Leah works closely with first-time investors and seasoned pros to find the perfect property.
In her spare time, Leah volunteers at the YWCA domestic violence center and the Salvation Army. She also enjoys home decorating, gardening, crafts, travel, and family time with her 3 daughters and granddaughter.
Job Titles:
- Founder of the Stirk Realty Group
Melody Stirk is the founder of the Stirk Realty Group, and also a top producing agent within her office at Strong Properties in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Melody is a native of Southwest Michigan, graduating from Western Michigan University with a B.A. in 1979. She has been highly active in the real estate community, having over 40 continuous years of experience in marketing, residential, and income properties. She is a true Southwest Michigan Gal! In her spare time, she is a shore lover, horseback rider, and she loves to craft! She is a black belt in Karate, as well as the 3rd licensed female jockey in the USA.
Melody's formula for success involves personalized service, a high degree of professionalism, and a commitment to client satisfaction! She is extremely proud of her team having sold over 265 homes in the last 2 years!
Job Titles:
- Property Manager & Agent Services / Property Manager
Sarah Milley grew up in the Kalamazoo area and has lived here her entire life. Sarah and her husband Ryan are the founders and owners of Ryan Buys Houses. They started their business in 2020 with a focus on investment properties and helping first-time home buyers. They have expanded into working with Strong Properties to be able to provide more options to help homeowners in the selling process. Prior to real estate, Sarah worked 20 years for local corporate companies. She held different positions within customer relationship management, operations, and leadership.
Sheila M. Strong serves as the Broker/Owner of Strong Properties. She broke into the real estate world as an investor in 2001 and was immediately hooked.
As a real estate attorney, residential builder, and Realtor, Sheila has the expertise, knowledge, and skills to navigate complex real estate transactions. She believes that ongoing education and professional development are critical to ensure that her clients have the most up-to-date information in this ever-changing real estate market.
Sheila M. Strong is a lifelong Michigander, living in Kalamazoo since 1995. With over 20 years of real estate experience, she is a licensed real estate attorney, residential builder, Realtor, and regulatory finance expert.
"I am proud to have an amazing team of administrative, operational, and maintenance professionals who are here to help you succeed with your real estate journey. Thank you for choosing Strong Properties!" - Sheila M. Strong