Moving from Nigeria to snowy Minnesota taught me adaptability, respect, and the power of connecting with people.
It felt almost fated when a friend from church invited me to consider real estate. I’d just bought my first home—a life-changing experience—and during a casual chat after service he said, “You’d be a great REALTOR®. Why don’t you join my team?” His words landed like a spark. Since high school, I’d always wanted to work with people, and real estate seemed like a natural extension of that calling.
I was born in Nigeria and lived there until I was 14. My mom, our Superhero, raised my sister and me on her own, and my childhood was filled with soccer and playing outdoors. When we moved to Minnesota everything changed. Snow was the first shock; the second was how differently people interacted. In Nigeria, teachers and elders are treated with deep respect. In the U.S., I noticed kids talking to adults in ways that would have been unthinkable back home. That early lesson in cultural differences shaped me—I made it a point to bring that African respect into everything I do.
After high school, I studied criminal justice with the goal of becoming a probation officer. I achieved it and still work in that field. My role is to supervise people after sentencing, ensuring they meet court conditions and stay out of jail. We meet in person, talk about their lives, and I remind them what they need to do to stay out of jail. That work gives me front-row seat to transformation as people rebuild their lives, staying off drugs and alcohol and finding jobs. The work has taught me compassion and the ability to support others through change.
During that time, I also met Andrea. We’d seen each other at events through mutual friends, but one day at a barbecue sealed the deal. I was doing a terrible job grilling a steak when she came over to help. We’ve been inseparable ever since.
When my church friend suggested real estate, Andrea and I had just welcomed our daughters, Chloe and Briana. It was the perfect moment to stretch myself and build something new. The leap into real estate wasn’t just about a career; it was about serving people in a different way.
Real estate has been a natural fit for me. Buying or selling a home can be emotional, and I’ve found I’m good at calming clients. My background taught me how to stay steady under pressure and how to guide people toward better decisions, and that’s exactly what I bring to my clients.
Today, I’m enjoying this chapter of life as both a REALTOR® and a father. I volunteer at school events, take the girls to the park—Chloe is four and Briana is two—and still make time for soccer, the gym, and nature. And, somewhat ironically, I’ve become pretty good at grilling.
I approach every client with compassion and understanding, meeting them where they are—financially and emotionally. I believe everyone deserves the chance to become a homeowner, which is why I match each client with a loan officer who fits their unique situation and can also explore down
payment assistance options. Education is a key part of my process: I take time to explain the buying or selling steps in advance so clients know exactly what to expect. Having lived in this area for 20 years, I bring deep knowledge of neighborhoods, pricing, and market trends to every transaction.
I’m highly communicative and responsive, returning calls and texts promptly, sending reminders, and keeping clients informed at every stage. By staying on top of deadlines and details, I handle the logistics so my clients can focus on making confident decisions. Above all, I see myself as both advisor and collaborator—offering honest guidance, listening with curiosity, welcoming feedback, and never imposing my views. I work with people from all backgrounds with respect and fairness, ensuring each client feels valued and supported.
Sincerely,
Emmanuel Olagbaju
REALTOR® | LIC# 40818534
Direct 612-501-0073
emmanuel@olagbajurealestate.com
EmmanuelOlagbajuRealEstate.com
