Some careers begin with ambition. Mine began with the quiet belief that it’s never too late to start over.

Perhaps I was always destined to be a REALTOR®. I grew up in Indiana, where I was raised learning about customer service, but I didn’t go straight into that world. Instead, I found myself working as a retail manager for Foot Locker. I enjoyed the job, but the constant relocations were hard on my family. We moved to Iowa and then Michigan, and I watched my kids change schools and say goodbye to friends. I didn’t want that life for them. The day I decided to leave Foot Locker was, in many ways, the beginning of my real estate journey.

I went to work for 84 Lumber, a family-owned company, and for 15 years I was their top seller. I knew every product—flooring, tile, wood—and could quickly match customers with exactly what they needed. Over time, my expertise grew so much that in 2008, I opened my own remodeling company. I sold building materials and helped install them, working closely with investors who flipped homes. One of those investors, a real estate broker, once told me, “You need to get your real estate license.” The idea stuck.

But life had other plans first. My wife, Dyan, and I began facing serious health and financial challenges when she was unexpectedly attacked by a dog. At the time, she was working overtime at the hospital, and we were already stretched thin. After the attack, she couldn’t work and was confined to bed. I paused my business to care for her. Money was tight—so tight that eating at McDonald’s felt like a luxury. Then a $207 utility bill arrived, and I only had $7. That night I prayed, “God, a little help here.”

The next day, I ran into two friends on the road when I was finally able to go back to work. We talked about Dyan and everything we were going through.  One of my friends offered to come out of retirement to take Dyan’s place at work so she wouldn’t lose her job. That’s when I broke down, tears pouring uncontrollably, the stress of the past months weighing heavily on me. 

One of them pulled out $200 and said, “For some reason God’s telling me, you need this more than I do.” That $200 allowed me to pay the utility bill. A month later, when we were short $1,000 for rent, I prayed again. Days later, we discovered Dyan’s friends had organized a bake sale for us and raised $1,000.  It happened a third time, we received a $1000 donation and a bible as a gift.

From that point on, I’ve been the most relaxed person that I know. Every morning I have a conversation with God, and I know that God’s got my back. Always.

At age 58, inspired by my mom—who graduated from college at 58—I finally got my real estate license. If she could start over, so could I. I stepped into this career with confidence, trusting that God would provide.

Real estate feels like a natural fit. I love meeting new people, building relationships, and helping families get where they want to go. Today, Dyan and I enjoy a comfortable life. We love riding our Harley and taking a cruise each year. We’re relaxed, grateful, and living proof that sometimes the hardest seasons prepare you for your true calling.

With eight years of experience in real estate and being born and raised in Northwest Indiana, I bring deep local knowledge and a true understanding of the community I serve. I pride myself on being real, professional, and approachable. I treat everyone the same—with respect, honesty, and straightforward communication. 

My background in construction gives me a critical eye that many agents simply don’t have. I can spot red flags, recognize quality workmanship, and evaluate potential issues before they become costly surprises. Because I can read blueprints and understand the cost of materials and remodeling, I’m able to give clients advice that goes beyond surface-level opinions. This insight is especially valuable when working with investors, whom I assist not only in finding the right properties but also in connecting with my team of trusted professionals. I see myself as a connector, bringing the right people together to make deals successful. Most importantly, I answer my phone—every single time. Being accessible and responsive isn’t optional in this business; it’s essential.

Sincerely,

 

 

Mark Keene The Riding Realtor