Why My Journey at Homestead Transformed My Career and Fostered Lifelong Relationships

Introduction: My Journey at Homestead

Hi! My name is Autumn, and I am the Director of Marketing and Business Development here at Homestead Realty. Although I am not a real estate agent, I have had the privilege of working closely with our agents for over a year and a half. I think it’s important to note that despite not being an agent myself, I care deeply about our agents and want to see every single one of them succeed.

Witnessing Agents’ Success and Growth

Since joining Homestead, I’ve watched brand-new agents step into an ever-changing industry with excitement and uncertainty, and I’ve seen seasoned agents come for the 100% commission but stay for the community, the collaboration, and the support they receive here.

One of my favorite parts of this role is watching agents find their voice and build a brand that feels authentically “them.” I love helping them develop that brand, navigate our technical systems, and connect with the tools and support that will help them thrive.

Seeing an agent push through a slow season, regain their momentum, and come back more driven than ever to tackle the next quarter—those moments genuinely warm my heart.

The Power of Personal Growth and Relationship Building

My journey to Homestead was an unexpected one. I joined the Army in 2015 and served active duty as a combat medic for three years. After an injury, I was medically separated and moved from El Paso, Texas to Milwaukee, WI. At 21 years old, I decided to use my VA benefits to buy a home with my husband.

That decision led me to an amazing realtor, Michael Borowski. I was, admittedly, a very needy first-time homebuyer—falling in love with every home I toured, wanting to write offers instantly, and then deciding I should see more options. Mike never rushed me, and when the right home finally hit the market in the middle of a fast-moving market, he helped us secure it. To this day, I still live in that home.

I had always planned to work in the healthcare field, but after some time in marketing, I realized I had developed a completely new passion. I asked Mike if he would ever consider hiring me, and he introduced me to his wife and business partner, Nicole Borowski. We clicked instantly. I started the following week—and since then, Nicole and Mike have supported my growth at every step. They have pushed me, trusted me, and given me the kind of opportunities that have shaped me both professionally and personally.

Leadership That Cares: Nicole and Mike’s Impact

Working under Nicole and Mike has been one of the greatest influences on my professional life. They lead with both heart and high standards, and that combination sets the tone for everything at Homestead.

Nicole is the type of leader who makes you feel valued and understood the moment you walk into her office. She listens with intention and leads with empathy, always balancing what is best for the brokerage with what is best for each individual person.

Mike brings a level of calm, logic, and unwavering support that anchors the entire company. He is the definition of “agent-first” leadership—always willing to answer a question, solve a problem, or offer guidance without hesitation.

Together, they lead in a way that makes people want to grow, want to contribute, and want to stay.

Homestead Feels Like Family

One of the first things I noticed when I joined Homestead is how quickly it stopped feeling like “a job” and started feeling like a community. It’s the kind of place where people genuinely check in on each other, celebrate each other, and step up when someone needs support.

There have been countless moments where that feeling of family shined through—agents rallying around each other during personal hardships, staff pitching in to help each other during busy seasons, or offices coming together for holiday events, celebrations, or even just a shared lunch on a random Wednesday.

During events like the Holiday Train, I’ve watched people who barely know each other work side-by-side like they’ve been teammates for years. I’ve seen agents lift each other up during slow seasons, cheer when someone lands a big win, and offer advice freely, even when they don’t benefit directly.

This sense of family is one of the biggest reasons people stay. When agents feel supported—not just as professionals, but as people—it builds confidence, decreases burnout, and strengthens long-term commitment. When you know you are valued, encouraged, and surrounded by people who want to see you succeed, you show up differently. You grow differently. You stay longer.

And that is what makes Homestead so special. It's not just a brokerage—it’s a place where people truly belong.