Hey, I’m TJ Shimek. I was born and raised in Leelanau County, and I genuinely love this community and the people who call Northern Michigan home. Real estate is a great fit for me because it blends relationships, problem-solving, and helping people through some of the biggest decisions of their lives.
My goal is always to keep the process honest, clear, and maybe even a little fun.
I was born and raised on our family farm to Tom and Linda Shimek—many locals know our family farm stand on M-72 for sweet corn in the summertime. I’m a Glen Lake graduate and a former five-time All-American track and field athlete at Aquinas College. After high school and college, I was heavily involved in musicals and plays, which led me to spend about a year out west pursuing an acting career. During that time, I worked as an extra in Hollywood on projects like Las Vegas, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Red Eye, War of the Worlds, Kicking & Screaming, Fun with Dick and Jane, and Thank You for Smoking. It was a fun chapter that taught me grit, confidence, and how to hustl —but Northern Michigan eventually pulled me back home, where I belong. Before transitioning into real estate, I spent over a decade as the Chief Operating Officer of a Traverse City-based company, helping grow it from a small, three-person operation into a national industry leader. That experience sharpened my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills—and taught me how to stay calm and focused when things get complicated, which translates perfectly to real estate.
When I’m not working, I coach the Glen Lake 8th grade boys’ basketball team, spend as much time as possible on Lime Lake, and enjoy life on the family farm with my wife, Christina, and our kids, Contessa and Leonardo.
Buying or selling real estate is personal, and having the right agent matters. I believe the best relationships start with an honest conversation—no pressure, no sales pitch. If we work together, you’ll get someone who’s straightforward, responsive, and fully invested in your goals. I’ll tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear, and I’ll work hard to find solutions when challenges pop up. And if I’m not the right fit for you, that’s okay too. Let’s at least have a conversation and see if our styles and goals line up. Worst case, you walk away with better information. Best case, we end up working together and making something great happen.
Recognized & Trusted
2020 Realtor Rookie of the Year
2022 Top 25 Agent
2023 Top 10 Agent
2024 Top 15 Agent
2025 Red Hot Best Top Realtor – Leelanau & Benzie Counties
2025 Top 12 Realtor
Home Types:
House, Lot/Land, Commercial, Mobile Homes, Condo
Years of Experience:
7
