As a child, George Kepchar Jr. grew up in the real estate industry. His father owned Century 21 Kepchar in the Merrillville/Crown Point area. Eventually, real estate also became Kepchar’s career.
Upon graduating from college, Kepchar went to work for his dad as a sales associate, eventually becoming a manager. Kepchar has now been in the business for 42 years.
When his dad eventually retired, Kepchar received a call from Ron McColly to join McColly Real Estate. He’s been there ever since, currently serving as a manager.
“When I graduated from college, I went to work for dad at the real estate firm,” Kepchar said. “When Dad retired 30 years later, Mr. McColly called me, and I went to work for McColly Real Estate. I've been managing there now for over 20 years.”
Despite being family, Kepchar says his dad made him work as a sales associate before elevating him to manager because his dad wanted him to truly learn the business and always have work ethic.
“You had to prove yourself. He was able to make me manager, you know, because it’s hard to manage people if they don’t see you doing it,” Kepchar said “If I was going to be a leader, he wanted me to lead also with sales.”
Outside of work, Kepchar enjoys playing music.
“I play the piano; and I’ve played all over Northwest Indiana – country clubs, restaurants and on the square in Valpo,” he said. “Piano is my love,”
His piano playing also turned out to be a networking opportunity for him.
“Through the piano, I met wonderful people which also helped me in business. I became known around town as the piano player and realtor, too” Kepchar said.
After decades in the business, Kepchar also trains agents.
“I’m doing a lot of training now. I’ve had my years of awards and recognition and sales, and now I like to train,” he said. “What excites me is seeing the agents who I’ve trained do well.”
Kepchar takes a tremendous amount of pride in training, and he always seeks to provide the highest level of support for his colleagues. Across the years, he’s trained hundreds of real estate brokers.
Kepchar’s passion for real estate very much remains strong to this day.
“I love the business,” Kepchar said.
This passion and his dad’s guidance have certainly played a role in Kepchar’s successful career and how he prepares others for theirs. To this day, working his way from sales associate to manager has been nothing short of beneficial.