Great Partnerships often come together organically, not strategically.

 

For Mark Jacobsma and Vanessa Torchia, teaming up wasn’t something they set out to do—but now, it’s hard to imagine it any other way. “We met at a fork in the road in our businesses,” they say. “Different styles, different strengths—but the same heart.” That meeting led to the formation of The Denago Group, a Compass-based team built on grit, trust, and true hospitality.

 

As a bilingual team, Mark and Vanessa take pride in additionally serving Spanish-speaking clients in both Denver and Chicago. For Vanessa, who was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, helping families navigate homeownership in their native language is more than a job—it’s personal.

 

“Homeownership wasn’t an option for most people where I grew up, including my family, though we wished for it every Christmas,” she says. “Helping people find their place here, and being able to guide them in Spanish, is deeply meaningful—Poder guiar a mis clientes en su propio idioma es un honor y un privilegio.”

 

Vanessa’s journey into real estate began after earning her finance degree in Colombia and becoming the first in her family to move abroad. At 21, she came to the U.S. as an Au Pair, later working as a personal banker before starting a family of her own. After spending several years as a stay-at-home mom and flipping homes on the side, she earned her real estate license in 2020 and hasn’t looked back.

 

“I wanted my daughters to see what’s possible,” she says. “That you can be a mother, a businesswoman, and lead with empathy.”

 

Mark’s path couldn’t have been more different. He started his career as one of the youngest locomotive engineers in the country at age 19. While he loved the job, he knew he wanted to serve people. Which led to eventually launching his real estate career in 2020.

 

“Real estate was the only job I’ve ever wanted—I just doubted myself in taking the test,” Mark explains. “I never had a great experience buying or selling a home, and I knew if what I received was considered ‘great service,’ then I could offer people so much more. I often say I became the agent I wish I’d had.”

 

Known for his quick wit, creativity, and direct approach, Mark has found his niche on the seller side of real estate—where his marketing skills and strategic thinking truly shine. But beyond branding and negotiation, Mark approaches every transaction the way he does his favorite pastime—in net as a goalie playing hockey: focused, protective, and calm under pressure. “My job is to protect the net—and in real estate, that means protecting my clients and continually positioning them to win.”

 

Together, Mark and Vanessa complement each other in ways neither of them expected. Her warmth, reliability, and structured systems balance his energy, outside-the-box thinking. “Mark’s no-filter personality is as authentic as Vanessa’s laugh and Colombian cooking,” they joke. “We’re different—but we’re aligned.”

 

As The Denago Group, their focus is clear: earning trust, delivering results, and making their clients feel seen. “Hospitality is luxury,” they say. “But that doesn’t mean someone needs to buy or sell a luxury home to receive it—La hospitalidad es lujo, y todos la merecen.” That mindset drives every transaction, whether it's a first-time buyer or a million-dollar listing.

 

They credit Compass—their brokerage since 2023—with giving them the tools and support they need to thrive. But as Mark points out, tools are only as effective as the people using them. “Just like any tradesman, you have to understand how the tool works,” he emphasizes. “We take the time to learn, improve, and grow—every single day.”

 

Whether guiding buyers or positioning sellers to win, The Denago Group is all in. As Vanessa emphasizes, “Ayudamos a nuestros clientes a navegar cada paso del proceso con cuidado, claridad y compromiso.”

 

Outside of real estate, Mark and Vanessa lead full, grounded lives. Vanessa lives in Parker with her husband, Jayd, their daughters Isabella and Ariana, their niece Sara, and dog Luna. Vanessa loves traveling and learning about new cultures, hitting up breweries & wineries for dark beers and rich red wine, and is always chasing great coffee and good music.

 

Mark is a proud dad to Madison, his daughter and biggest motivation. His goal is simple: to open doors for her future while living a life rooted in authenticity and service. He enjoys playing hockey, finding deals on shoes, attending concerts/games, and painting. He’s also the guy who once showed up to a black-tie gala dressed as Buddy the Elf—and made it work.

 

When asked what success looks like, they don’t talk about numbers. They talk about people. “Success is measured in the relationships we build and the impact we leave behind,” Vanessa says.

 

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about selling homes. It’s about building something that works—for everyone.