James Gurick’s journey into real estate is one defined by resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth. Starting his career as a REALTOR® in January 2021, James brought with him a wealth of experience and a mindset forged by overcoming significant life challenges.

At the age of sixteen, James faced one of the biggest battles of his life: he was diagnosed with cancer. This experience, while incredibly challenging, taught him invaluable lessons about mental toughness, grit, and the importance of fighting for what you believe in. 

“Going through cancer at such a young age changed my perspective on life. It taught me to be grateful for every day and to always keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles,” James shares.

This mentality didn’t just help James survive cancer, but it also propelled him to achieve great things. He became part of two NCAA Men's Lacrosse National Championship teams; authored Just a Thought, a number-one best-selling book on Amazon; and consistently applied these lessons to his professional life.

Another pivotal moment in James’s life was the unexpected loss of his father. The lessons his father imparted during James’s upbringing had a profound impact on how he approaches both life and work. “My father was always there for me, even though we didn’t have much [financially] growing up. Losing him was incredibly hard, but it made me reflect deeply on everything he taught me,” James shares.

Now, as a father himself, James views his father's teachings through a new lens. “I’ve realized that the lessons he taught me are even more powerful now that I’m a father. They guide how I carry myself every day, how I look out for others, and how I push myself to be more than I am,” he says. This experience has helped define who James is today, both as a father and as a real estate professional.

Before diving into real estate, James owned a company that focused on coaching, training, and mentoring youth. He was also a motivational speaker, driven by a passion for helping others. However, as his life goals began to shift—especially after getting engaged and starting a family—James realized that he needed a career that was both scalable and sustainable for the long-term.

“Real estate provided me with the opportunity to continue helping others while also supporting my family. I’ve always loved looking at different homes and working with people, so becoming a REALTOR® just made sense,” he explains.

James is particularly passionate about the evolving real estate industry. He thrives on the changes happening within the sector and sees them as opportunities to adapt and find new solutions for his clients. “The industry is always changing and that’s exciting to me. It drives me to stay on top of trends and to continually find ways to better serve my clients,” he says.

For James, more than closing deals, the most rewarding part of his career is building lasting relationships with his clients. These connections go beyond the transactional, and they reflect the values he learned from his parents, which include always finding ways to give others a better life.

Outside of real estate, James is a devoted husband and father. His wife, Negeen Masghati, is the vice president and designated managing broker of the Baird & Warner Lincoln Park office, and together, they prioritize family time, whether it’s exploring parks and museums with their two-year-old son, Donovan, or simply enjoying each other’s company. “Spending time with my son is incredibly important to me. I want him to know that I’m always present and there for him,” James emphasizes.

Fitness also plays a crucial role in James’s life. “Going to the gym as a way to relax might sound counterintuitive, but it helps me clear my mind and reset,” he says.

For those just starting in the real estate industry, James offers simple but powerful advice: “Surround yourself with the right people. Find successful agents who are willing to help you navigate your career. Their guidance can make all the difference.”

James Gurick’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of personal connections, and the relentless pursuit of growth—both personally and professionally. As he continues to build his real estate career in Chicago, his story serves as an inspiration to others facing their own challenges, proving that with the right mindset, anything is possible.