Meet Jamie Grace: President-Elect, Aspire North REALTORS®

05.01.2026

By Heather Sauer

At Aspire North REALTORS®, strong leadership is built on experience, service, and a genuine commitment to the industry, and that’s exactly what Jamie Grace brings as our President-Elect.

A Career Built on Resilience

Jamie has been a REALTOR® with Century 21 Northland since 2012, but his journey into real estate wasn’t exactly planned. After working with a company straight out of college in 2005, he experienced firsthand the ripple effects of the 2008 financial crisis when his company eventually closed its Michigan offices.

That turning point led him into real estate, and what began as a necessity quickly became a thriving and fulfilling career.

A Longstanding Commitment to the Association

Jamie’s involvement with Aspire North REALTORS® began early in his career. He started on the Affiliate Ambassador Committee and stepped into a Board of Directors role by his third year. In 2017, he served as Board President.

He jokingly credits Megan Luce for “bullying” him into joining the board, but calls it one of the best decisions he’s made for his business and professional growth.

Now serving his second term on the Board, Jamie remains deeply engaged because he values understanding both the local association and the broader industry at the state and national levels. As he puts it, being on the Board offers a unique opportunity to “see how the sausage is made.”

Leadership Style & Industry Insight

Jamie brings a steady, thoughtful presence to leadership. He describes his approach as grounded in calm leadership and common sense, qualities that are especially valuable in today’s evolving market.

He notes that the real estate landscape is shifting:

Inventory is increasing in certain segments
Buyers are becoming more selective
Strategic pricing is more important than ever

His perspective reflects both experience and adaptability, key traits for guiding members through changing conditions.

Life Beyond Real Estate

When he’s not working with clients or serving the Association, Jamie enjoys an active lifestyle year-round:

Summers are spent on the golf course
Winters are spent at the ice rink

A particularly impressive fun fact: Jamie has been an NCAA Division I ice hockey official for over a decade, showcasing his discipline, focus, and ability to perform under pressure.

If you’re looking for his favorite local hangout, you’ll likely find him at Bradys Pub.

Why the Association Matters

Jamie believes deeply in the mission of Aspire North REALTORS®. To him, the Association plays a critical role in:

Protecting the integrity of the profession
Ensuring consumers work with knowledgeable, ethical REALTORS®
Strengthening the real estate community across Northern Michigan

During his time as President-Elect, he hopes to continue the Association’s positive momentum while supporting staff and leadership in expanding its regional impact.

Fun Facts about Jamie

He prefers coffee over tea
He is an early bird over a night owl
He prefers a golf course over just about anything
He is a huge fan of audiobooks

Advice for New REALTORS®

Jamie’s advice is simple but powerful:

Focus on relationships first. If you take care of people and stay consistent, the business will follow, and get a great CRM that supports that.

What Inspires Him

At the heart of Jamie’s work is the trust he builds with his clients. Referrals from past clients aren’t just good for business, they’re a reminder of the responsibility he carries and the standard he strives to uphold every day.

Jamie Grace’s leadership reflects dedication, authenticity, and a deep connection to both his profession and his community. Aspire North REALTORS® is proud to have him helping shape the future of real estate in Northern Michigan.

Heather Sauer

Heather Sauer is the Human Resource Manager for Aspire North Realtors, bringing a strong background in human resources, leadership, and business strategy. She began her career in retail management while earning her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northwood University, later transitioning into human resources at Target, where she served as an Executive Team Leader of Human Resources. During this time, she earned her MBA from the Northwood University DeVos Graduate School.

After relocating to Traverse City, Michigan, Heather continued her HR career with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), managing more than 30 client accounts and partnering closely with leadership teams on employee relations, compliance, and organizational development. In the fall of 2023, she expanded her professional experience into business development and entrepreneurship.

In addition to her role at Aspire North Realtors, Heather is also an independent travel agent, helping individuals, families, and groups plan seamless, memorable travel experiences. Her passion for service, organization, and relationship-building carries through both her HR and travel work.