PO Box 913
Prior Lake, MN 55372
(952) 226-8444
Website: http://lakeshoreplus.com
To simply sum up Lakeshore Plus as a world class high-performance real estate company
that continues to innovate and advance the lifestyles of buyers and sellers alike would
render a somewhat incomplete picture of the company. While all of that is true, what it
doesn’t quite touch upon is the actual heart and soul of its founder, Jim Slater.
Sitting down and talking with Jim is an experience in energy. He’s animated and openly passionate with an enthusiasm for his work spilling over into all facets of conversation.
He first got into real estate when he was 22 years old and learned the business through conventional sales techniques. Time and experience brought about both a personal and professional growth that transformed his business model.
“I am a businessman with a real estate license, I educate my clients through the entire process, building a relationship to help find the right home for their needs and lifestyle, ” said Jim. “From your first home to your dream home, I have the dedication, passion, and drive to get the job done right.”
His tools are state of the art. In March of 2013, he attained his Certified International Property Specialist status enabling him to sell real estate in 65 countries. He just recently returned from Miami where he and staff attended an Institute of Luxury Home Marketing conference. The conferences and training are integral to his commitment to stay ahead of the curve. “You need to continue to sharpen your skills and look for new strategies that will help your clients,” he said. “The nuances of negotiating in different cultures is vital to successful international selling.”
Slater’s life journey is like so many winding roads. He spent a lot of time in the 80’s working in the music business, which brought him to travel with bands like Genesis, REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick and Wayne Newton. When he was diagnosed with throat cancer, his survival skills moved into high gear. With one vocal cord remaining from a surgery that he was told would prevent him from speaking again, he shrugged off his doctor’s prognosis.
“I refused to use or wear a voice box,” he said. “I was determined to speak again so I pursued an intense regimen of speech therapy.” The end result brought out about a cancer survivor whose now raspy and wistful sounding voice
shares some very specific messages of hope and determination.
All of it carries forward nicely with his principal devotion. “My passion is real estate,” he notes. “But my new purpose in life is helping to raise both awareness and money for Smile Network International. "
Smile Network is a Minnesota-based non-profit, humanitarian organization that provides life altering, reconstructive surgeries to impoverished children and young adults in developing countries. Slater’s sister, Maureen Cahill, is the Executive Director and the person responsible for igniting his passion for its cause.
“I’ve been working with Smile Network for about one and a half years,” he said. “Every time I sell a home, I donate $500 that helps fund a surgery to Smile Network. Smile Network has completed nearly 60 missions in nine countries and has changed the lives of more that 2,600 children with the gift of surgeries since 2003. How beautiful is that.”
In as short of time as 45 minutes and for as little at $500, Smile Network can provide a child with a happier and healthier future. Working with Jim always results in a donation to the charity but giving can be done directly by mailing a check to Smile Network International at 211 North First Street, Suite 150, Minneapolis, MN 55401 or going online at smilenetwork.org .
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