Bob Pilarcik, a Clarkston resident and managing broker at Oxford’s Coldwell Banker Shooltz Realty, isn’t one to talk about himself.
Named recently as North Oakland County Board of Realtors? 2008 Broker of the Year, Pilarcik was quick to mention his employees as one of the reasons he won the award.
When initially talking to the Oxford Leader for this article, Pilarcik didn’t mention one particular activity he does when not at work.
Once a week, the manager travels to Michigan Hematology & Oncology in Rochester for chemotherapy to treat his leukemia.
Pilarcik is currently in remission and received his broker of the year award Jan. 9 during a banquet at Clarkston’s The Fountains Golf Club.
So, what’s it like working as a broker while being a cancer survivor?
‘I found it was like standing on a different rung of the ladder. You see more,? Pilarcik explained. ‘I was amazed how many get chemo but also it takes sensitivity to a different level. I’ve seen things I never saw before…The form of cancer I had opened my eyes to a broader level of compassion and understanding. It’s interesting how many people want to talk about real estate in such a setting.?
A Catholic who follows the Jesuit principles of spiritual direction, he takes a spiritual approach to his job.
‘God’s very much a part of it and you realize the grace of it all,? he said. ‘You go through it and aren’t afraid of it. With the ups and downs of real estate, you go through it and there’s nothing to fear. Things come and go.?
He added: ‘I can’t separate [my job] from my spiritual life. It’s what I have been doing for a long time. I see real estate as more of a mission and job. I believe it in all of my heart that it’s our completeness and makes us whole. We can listen to people solve problems with compassion and using full intelligence. You try to be selfless.?
Pilarcik found out about a week ago that he’d won the award. He describes himself as being ‘shocked? to have won. The surprise stems from Pilarcik’s approach ? he sees real estate as more of a mission rather than something he does to earn accolades. ‘We’re here to solve problems and help others,? he said.
As a broker at Coldwell, Pilarcik works with agents and helps them with their transactions. He sees this award as a team effort.
‘I’m happy for the people here and for the recognition to the company,? he said. ‘It means a lot to me since this is a great company and the fact that I am being recognized is bringing spotlight not necessarily to me but to whole company.?
Those who work with Pilarcik, who’s been at Coldwell Banker since 2006 and has been a full-time realtor since 1970, say the award is fitting, to say the least.
?[Pilarcik] is amazing,? said Lisa Jones, Coldwell’s relocation director and office administrator. ‘I can’t even begin to tell you how wonderful he is. He’s very ethical and knowledgeable. We’re so lucky to have him here. He leads us through day and can answer any questions we have. He is such a positive person in every outlook of life, personally and professionally.?