I didn’t find real estate by following a straight line—I found it by pivoting and trusting what genuinely energized me.

 

I got into real estate unexpectedly, after purchasing, flipping, and selling my first investment property. As a Construction Project Manager, I already had a critical eye for spotting properties with potential—homes that didn’t need to be torn down, just reworked and cared for. At the time, I did it for fun and to make money for myself. I never imagined that this experience would turn into a career helping others do the same.

 

For a while, I wasn’t even sure construction would be my path. Sports were a big part of my life and, in many ways, helped pull me out of my shell. I was a shy kid, and that shyness deepened after my mom passed away from cancer when I was 6.

  

After her passing, my dad, sister and I relocated to St. Paul, a tiny town in Oregon with one single flashing stoplight. I felt like an outsider, not particularly welcomed into the small-town culture. That period forced me to get comfortable being alone and relying on myself.

 

My dad ran a farm with 150,000 chickens and dozens of horses. I helped him daily, and there’s nothing quite like farm work to teach discipline, responsibility, and hard work. At the time, I resented it—I watched other kids live what felt like normal lives while I worked. My dad and I butted heads over it, but looking back now, that experience gave me a work ethic that still drives me today.

 

I enrolled at Oregon State University to study Construction Engineering Management. Partway through, my life changed again when my dad passed away unexpectedly from cancer. It all happened very fast. I took a year off from school and returned to the farm to oversee the chicken business, but it became clear that my stepmother wanted to manage it herself. Combined with the grief I was already carrying, the situation became overwhelming. I was depressed and knew I needed to distance myself from the drama.

 

 I returned to college, determined to carve my own path rather than fall back on the family business. After graduating, I began a long career as a General Contractor, managing construction projects for different companies, which eventually brought me to Portland. On paper, everything looked right—I had good jobs and was putting my education to use—but I wasn’t happy. I switched jobs, found bigger paychecks, yet the unhappiness only grew.

 

Eventually, I stopped and got honest with myself. I wasn’t fulfilled and I needed to pivot—even though I didn’t know what that meant yet. That’s when I thought back to that first flip: buying a property, renovating it, and selling it on my own. That process energized me; it made me happy.

 

I got my real estate license, determined to do more of what I loved—buying and selling real estate, rather than focusing solely on construction. That’s when everything clicked. Being a REALTOR® didn’t just fulfill me—it fit my personality. I’m outgoing, proactive, and naturally drawn to guiding people through complex processes. I love helping others recognize potential, make smart decisions, and reach their real estate goals, just like I once did for myself.

 

 Outside of work, I spend time with my wife, McKenzie, and our rescue dog from Mexico. We love traveling—Baja California holds a special place for me—and prioritizing health and balance. I practice hot yoga, lift weights (something I’ve done since college), and journal most mornings.

 

Looking back, it’s been a long, challenging journey, but I’m grateful for where I am now. Every hard season shaped the way I show up today—with grit, clarity, and heart. Real estate gives me the chance to turn experience into guidance. I’m proud to do work that feels meaningful and aligned with who I am.

 

After 15 years of living in Portland, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the city and its neighborhoods, allowing me to match clients with areas that fit their lifestyle. I’m easy to work with and intentionally not salesy—my role is to listen carefully, understand what people actually need, and help them find the right fit, not push them into a decision for the sake of a commission. I’m naturally competitive, which drives me to consistently show up as the best advisor possible for my clients. I take my work seriously and am fully committed to earning trust through thoughtful guidance and follow-through.

 

My background as a Project Manager and real estate investor adds significant value to my clients’ experience. When I walk into a home, I assess it with a trained eye, evaluating the foundation, overall condition, potential renovation needs, and estimated costs. I help clients understand whether a property is a solid long-term investment and clearly explain the next steps. I also connect clients with a trusted network of vendors I’ve personally worked with to ensure construction projects stay on track.

 

 Sincerely,

 

Jesse Richter