When I started my career in real estate in 2003, I knew it was going to be a challenge, but one I was ready to take on. With almost no training or support, I was knocking on doors every day, meeting homeowners facing foreclosure and offering a way out through investor buyers. Driving over a hundred miles daily just to close a deal a week barely kept things afloat, but it formed the foundation of my real estate practice, learning how to talk with people through such significant points in their lives and provide solutions.
After five months, I was ready to make a change and realize my full potential in the industry. My wife, Kari, used to drive by a Century 21 office on her way to work every day and convinced me to go in and talk with them. That’s where I met Lima Lee Perkins, who I attribute my success in real estate to. She was a seasoned agent with decades of experience and took me under her wing right from the start.
Lima taught me far more than just real estate fundamentals—she modeled dedication, showing up daily with a commitment that left a lasting impression. She encouraged me to treat real estate as a serious, daily commitment, not just as sales but as a business that relied on consistency and integrity. Lima even packed me homemade lunches every day, always going above and beyond to support me. She became more than just a mentor; she was like family. The lessons I learned from her stuck with me, and even today, her influence is at the core of how I operate my business and connect with my clients.
When Lima went on to start her own company with her daughter in 2007, I focused on making connections with banks amid the financial crisis. At that time 90% of my business was REOs and foreclosures. That’s when John Vitale decided to join the business. He’d left a stable corporate job to work in real estate, and though I warned him of the risks amid the market crash, he was set on it. We’d known each other from when I hired him to be my assistant manager at Pizza Hut in 1993. Over the years we became good friends and saw an opportunity to work together to build something great.
During the first six months of John’s career, nearly all we did were BPOs, trying to survive and create a business that would last beyond the economic crisis. As the market normalized, we saw the true effects of our hard work. From traditional buyers and sellers to investors and corporate and government relocations, we have always met the needs of our clients and delivered a great experience. By pushing through those initial uncertainties, we built trust with our clients to guide them through even the most challenging transactions.
John brought exactly what I needed: efficiency and organization. While I excelled at building client relationships, John focused on the operations side, setting up systems so we could grow sustainably. Our strengths complemented each other, making for a successful partnership.
In May 2024, John passed away, which has been a profound loss. He was not only a great friend but also an incredible advocate for his clients. Honoring his legacy means staying true to what we built together. I’m proud to continue serving clients with honesty, patience, and the strong work ethic we built our reputation on.
Family is central to my life. My wife Kari and I regularly travel to visit our son Wes in Kansas City, our daughter Rachel in Brooklyn, where she's in grad school at NYU, and my mom and brother in Minneapolis. We love going on vacations together as a family, and to stay connected day-to-day, we share cat photos—we’re all cat lovers. Maintaining strong connections with friends and family is one of the most important parts of my life.
My goal is to continue the legacy we have started, guiding clients through every step of the buying and selling process and ensuring they feel confident and empowered. With a deep understanding of the market, I work to make the real estate experience as smooth as possible, tailoring my approach to each client’s specific needs. To continue representing our core values of showing up, working hard, and treating people right, I have welcomed Karoline Becnel as a new Team Associate.
Following the loss of her mother in 2021, Karoline was motivated to take control of her future, leading her to a new career in real estate. Helping people through real estate because a way to make a positive difference and become the person she aspires to be. As part of the Abraham | Vitale Real Estate Group, her extroverted, social nature enables her to connect deeply with our clients while serving them with the utmost care and excellence. In her free time, Karoline enjoys going to the gym, diving into a good book, and spending quality time with friends and family.
With gratitude,
Stan Abraham