CJ Jimenez never planned on becoming a REALTOR®. But life has a way of pushing you in the right direction—sometimes with a little nudge from a friend. Before real estate, CJ spent a decade in wireless retail, selling cell phones inside malls. It was a job that taught him everything he knows about sales, persistence, and connecting with people. But after ten years, he felt stuck, unable to move up, and unsure of what came next.

Then, a casual conversation changed everything.

"One of my best friends, Rudy, asked me if I had ever thought about becoming a REALTOR®," CJ recalls. "[The question came] Completely out of left field. I said no. But then he said, 'Well, I think you would make a great REALTOR®. You know how to sell, you know how to talk to people, and people gravitate toward you.' He introduced me to a friend in real estate, and six years later, here we are."

Born and raised in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood, CJ is the son of Mexican immigrants who came to the United States in search of a better life. Throughout CJ’s childhood, his father worked two jobs—a sacrifice that left an impression on his young son. "I hardly ever saw him while I was growing up because he was always working to provide for us," CJ says. "He taught me what hard work really looks like."

That work ethic has carried CJ through the ups and downs of his real estate career. The transition wasn’t easy, especially when he lost his father just as he was starting out. "That was the hardest thing I've ever gone through," he shares. "I lost myself for a few months, but then I saw my dad in a vision. He told me, 'Get your butt off the couch and get back to work.' After that, I went all in."

Like many new agents, CJ struggled to gain traction. He started in real estate with no money in his pockets, nothing to his name, and no car—just a gamble on himself and a belief in his own hard work. He made less than $20,000 his first year and wondered if he had made the right choice. 

But he kept at it, trying different marketing approaches, hosting homebuyer seminars, and leaning into video content before it became the industry norm. "A couple of seasoned agents told me I shouldn’t be making videos and creating exposure for myself, implying that I wasn’t good enough to be on video. I laugh about that now," he says. "If I had listened to them, I wouldn’t be where I am today."

His perseverance paid off. In his second year, CJ made $50,000. By year three, he’d hit six figures, and from there, his business took off. Today, CJ thrives on helping families achieve the dream of homeownership. "It’s not just about selling houses," he says. "It’s about making real connections, guiding clients through one of the biggest decisions of their lives."

For CJ, success is simple: "It comes after failing over and over again. There’s no right or wrong way to succeed—you just have to write your own story."

These days, family is at the center of everything he does. CJ and his wife, Sandra Hernandez, have two young children, Matteo (2) and Melanie (their newborn). Sundays are for brunch, mass, and spontaneous family outings like taking Matteo to Monster Jam—a surprise CJ is sure will leave his son wide-eyed.

Beyond real estate, CJ is a passionate boxing fan, frequently traveling to Las Vegas to watch Canelo Álvarez fight. He also gives back to the community, supporting organizations like the Rauner Family YMCA, ECC Wish Foundation, and Latinos Progresando. "ECC Wish Foundation holds a special place in my heart," he says. "Delivering toys to kids in hospitals during the holidays—it’s priceless."

Looking ahead, CJ and Sandra have big plans to expand their real estate portfolio, using investment properties to fund their lifestyle. "One property pays the mortgage, another covers car payments, another takes care of vacations, etc. That’s the goal," he explains.

CJ’s advice to new agents is simple yet practical: "Work hard from day one. Be open to coaching, critique, and feedback. This business is all about reputation, so don’t half-ass anything. And don’t expect to make six figures right away. It takes time."

As for staying motivated? "I think about my bills for next month," he jokes. "Seriously, being able to provide for my wife and kids is what keeps me motivated. I want my kids to have the childhood I never had. That keeps me going."

From starting with nothing but determination to building a thriving career, CJ’s journey is proof that success isn’t handed to you. You earn it. And he’s just getting started.