Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Grechika
Hi Lori, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a small town in CT where my family owned a restaurant for 50+ years that my grandfather started when he came over from Italy in 1937. I was active in community theatre/dance/singing and horses most of my childhood years where I was recognized with local accomplishments throughout my childhood. Through a series of unfortunate events (too much detail to go into here) and a long family history of alcoholism, I found myself pretty much on my own at 16. Like so many, I searched for happiness in relationships, the bottle, drugs, pride and ego. Life was spiraling out of control as I had no place to live because of my alcoholism, through a relationship I had, the Lord blessed me with my son Michael whose dad passed when he was 9 yrs old. I moved to Florida in the 90’s thinking geography would change my life…what needed change was me, and nothing would change until I admitted that. I struggled financially and emotionally for many years and even though I had a very strong belief in God I was running from myself, life, & him just trying to numb the pain from my younger years. I was on a hamster wheel and couldn’t get off, I thought I was too damaged and far gone to be redeemed so the cycle continued. I went from one bad relationship to another looking for something that I could never find in another because it was me that needed the attention, something was missing and nothing on earth would satisfy that. I had my 1st marriage in Florida and was blessed with a daughter, but the marriage ended, and the drinking continued. My mom’s untimely passing brought me back to CT where I became a medical assistant and then in 2004 a real estate agent. You see, even when I thought I was too far gone, God kept after me, there was a drive to keep going, I can’t explain it but somehow the “thoughts to never give up” were always there. My career started off promising, but the soul wounds were still there, and the pain seemed to only fade with each drink… The thing is, addiction is a side effect of what’s really going on inside, it’s a Band-Aid so to speak. I found myself in another marriage and continued to drink, my life spiraled out of control with drinking Listerine or cough medicine in between liquor store runs. I went 10 yrs without a license and countless hours trying to get to work through rides and walking. I ended up spending 18 mos. of my life in prison. it was the worst time of my life and also the best time of my life… Jesus met me where I was at, twice, (explain later) I was not afraid, I was at peace and he met me, daily.. He slowly showed me who I really am, he showed me how he kept me all those yrs., how he rejoiced over my small accomplishments as well as my big ones to me. Sept. 19, 2012, was my 1st day sober, I just celebrated 12 yrs. remarried in 2015 in 2018 since the kids were graduated and in adulthood, we moved to SWFL and after working for a brokerage as an office admin/manager I got my real estate license in FL. I then quickly became successful in my career, awarded “7 star Agent/Broker of the month” in Oct.2022 as well as the “Circle of Excellence” and consistent top producing team. Since the time here, we bought a condo by the beach, a horse and a 2nd home in Naples. My daughter Dakota and I are currently collaborating starting an outreach with horses in the Nashville area for recovery and trauma as well as veterans suffering from PTSD. While I keep God 1st, horses have been instrumental in my recovery and I’ve seen a lot of things I can’t unsee, but I’ve seen a lot of beauty where nobody would think to look, and I want to share that with the world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In everything there’s always going to unexpected hurdles, I believe you have to keep showing up, nobody is going to rescue you from this life, you can either get bitter or better, I choose the latter.
The market here has recently been affected by hurricanes (IAN), interest rates, New Laws in effect for the real estate industry etc…
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m most proud of my adult children Michael & Dakota, my relationship with Jesus and my recovery.
I’m a Realtor in SWFL, I specialize in helping others realize goals and dreams they might have thought not possible through buying, selling, investing. I enjoy helping others in every area of life.
Circle of Excellence award, a testament to outstanding achievements in real estate. With over 50 million dollars in team sales, I am deeply rooted in her dedication to providing exceptional service.
I have ministered with Katie Souza and Dog (Duane Chapman) “The Bounty Hunter” and his wife Francie Chapman in the Parchman Prison in Miss. in 2023.
I am currently enrolled in PATH, Int. for the fundamentals of EAL. which starts in Jan. 2025
I am also working on a social media page for recovery to connect with others to share experience, strength and hope. A safe place which will require a request to join.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My mom was from Wilmington NC, we’d spend time there visiting with family and on the beach as a kid. I loved Carolina Beach and the amusements; I have wonderful memories of the Wilmington area, and I still have family there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.johnrwood.com/agent-bio/LGrechika
- Instagram: @lori_grechika
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Loriwestof41/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lori_grechika
- Other: https://www.myflohome.com/
