The patience to understand your dreams.

The tenacity to accommodate them.

For some, starting out life in a tough, crazy land is a curse. For others, it can be a blessing that ignites and nurtures a dream that shelters the heart and motivates the mind. Such a person would be Alexey Alekseev. He is a man fully engaged in his own carefully crafted version of the Canadian dream. And though passionate about life, family and career, the husband and father also refuses to take life’s unexpected speed bumps too seriously. This is a guy who understands that love and laughter count above all.

The journey begins

Born in Russia, graduating from Moscow State University at 21, and uninspired by prospects locally, Alexey boarded a plane to create a new life in Canada. Initially settling in the Niagara region, he studied hotel and restaurant management at Niagara College. There, he shared with fellow students all he knew about a subject not featured on the school curriculum – partying! He was also a skilled athlete, active in volleyball, basketball, soccer and hockey.

Assessing career options

Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in 2008, Alexey flirted momentarily with several careers – line chef, laser engraving technician, accountant and restaurant manager. But a craving for more social engagement and variety led Alexey to real estate. It was the perfect fit.

So what is it about this biz?

Alexey joined Home Life Cimerman in May of 2012. He’s energized by the combination of constantly moving around town, engaging buyers and sellers, visiting new properties, sharing stories and helping clients put a piece of their own dreams into play.

What matters most

Alexey places great significance on traditional virtues like reliability and punctuality. “I always plan to be early – so as to be on time,” he says, laughing. “It works, because I have been known to be a little disorganized.”

As well, he declares, integrity is key: “My parents raised me to be honest. I will not stand for those who behave otherwise, socially or in business... it’s how I’m raising my son.”

On a daily basis

His typical workday is “a lot of phone calls, charging around town to show homes, organizing open houses, meeting a constant flow of new people and, hopefully, minimal office time.” The socializing part isn’t just for fun.

“You learn to read between people’s lines, to get a sense of what style or design of home a businessperson, couple or family might be after. And then you head out there and help them find it.”

Tenacity pays off

“This may sound patronizing,” says Alexey, “but the fact is, if f I have to drive someone around looking at homes for weeks or months, so be it. I’m fussy myself – so I know it’s not easy to find your castle.”

How he unwinds

As a husband and father with a young son, based in the city’s north, Alexey spends his off-hours with his family exploring Toronto and its countless attractions, ranging from hip neighbourhoods, parks and beaches to Canada’s Wonderland to the Ontario Science Centre, the zoo and beyond.

“I’m also a bit of a mad gardener,” he says. “I’ll spend hours trimming a hedge to perfection. It’s a little over the top, but I have learned that extreme efforts bring extreme rewards.”

When it’s time to roll

Whether he’s working, playing or being a dad, Alexey lives by a simple credo: Focus on the big picture. If you’re looking for that kind of single-mindedness applied to your next move, engaging Alexey will not disappoint. Expect an agent who listens, learns and has the resolve to deliver on your real estate dreams.

Plekhanov Russian Economic University

Niagara College Of Applied Arts and Technology