This week, we heard the story of Travis Otto, local Realtor with Cornerstone Real Estate, and longtime Border to Border member. His presentation wasn’t just about selling homes — it was about knowing your community and earning your place in it.
Travis never set out to become a Realtor at first. As a kid, he dreamed of being a cop like his early neighbor across the street, or a soldier like his dad and uncle had been. Life took a hard route for him — unstable parenting, frequent moves, and ultimately, an emancipation order he beckoned for, at 17. When his family, again, moved south—Travis was committed to staying in the only community he had ever truly come to call home—Dexter, MI. He got by alone working a hotel job and renting a $350/month basement apartment in Ann Arbor. But from that solo start onward, Travis built his life — through, grit, adaptability, and hard work.
He worked some in construction, then headed for law enforcement before realizing it would not earn the living he wanted for the life he had already started to make. When the market crashed in 2008, his employer went under but he pivoted to doing contract work in the messy, high-need foreclosure market at the time. The work was grueling, but he kept at it — earning attention from agents for his craftsmanship and work ethic.
One day however, he finally had had it. He walked away. Burned out but successful, he exited the business, helped his crew land on their feet, and took four months off to reset.
Over lunch, a friend told him he’d be a great Realtor. He didn’t believe it. Too blunt, too rough around the edges — or so he thought. But a personality screening with a local broker dealer told a different story. They wanted him. He gave it a shot there, and he’s been killing it in the trade ever since.
Travis would credit much of his success to his deep knowledge and care for his community and for houses in general. His no-nonsense approach and authenticity also do much to build trust with his clients.
And he’s just one of the many professionals you’ll meet at Border to Border Business Connections — where we grow stronger together. Visit us any Wednesday!
