Chances are, if you have met Gary Tharnish before, you are now his friend. Known as "The Ambassador" among his peers at Home Design Real Estate Group, Gary's winding path to fledgling real estate success is a unique tale of diverse interests, with an underlying passion for helping people navigate life's twists and turns.

 

Before making his mark in the real estate world, Gary embarked on several creative ventures, including music.

"I have always loved music," Gary says with a smile. "I was a percussion major and piano minor at UNL. I also play guitar and a whole host of percussion instruments … My most notable band was Bohunk Funk. I was a rock drummer in the '80s."

Gary's talent for drumming not only showcased his artistic spirit but also honed his skills in teamwork and discipline, attributes that would serve him well someday as a REALTORⓇ.

Intriguingly, Gary next ventured into the world of floral design and enjoyed it so much he purchased his own floral shop at age 24.

"In high school, my best friend's mom bought a flower shop and hired me to deliver after school and take care of plants,” Gary recalls. “Soon, I was designing, and the fire was lit. I purchased Burton's Flowers in 1986, then purchased Tyrrell's flowers in 2001, and merged the two to become Burton & Tyrrells Flowers.”

Gary's flower business was a labor of love, where he learned the art of building lifelong connections with loyal customers over the next 35 years.

"Owning a floral shop, you have to build a lot of trust with your customers," Gary explains. "They give you what I always called 'ghost money.' They have no idea what you will send to their spouse for their anniversary, but they gave me $100 anyway and trusted it would be awesome. Basically, you become part of the family for a lifetime of occasions.”

Despite his success in the floral industry, Gary's entrepreneurial spirit continued to burn and he started to feel the itch to try something different. When COVID upended the world, Gary lost over 70 percent of his business overnight and says this gave him the push he needed to see if his innate gift for helping people through life's ups and downs could find a new avenue in real estate.

"One of my best lifetime friends, Kim Roberts, was a Realtor, and several other friends as well," Gary shares. “Kim gave me that inspiration and always told me it was in my wheelhouse. She passed away four months after I got my license; COVID took her from us far too early in her life, but I am so glad we worked together and we were able to collaborate.

"I always loved seeing her joy in helping people sell and buy homes,” he adds. “COVID was the straw that broke the camel's back for me, so to speak. When it hit, it was the writing on the wall I needed. At this point, making the change was written on my heart."

Gary's transition to real estate was seamless, thanks in part to his natural talent for connecting with people.

"I love people — a lot," he smiles. "My kids would always ask how many people were coming home with us from the grocery store. Why? Because I meet several people every time I shop and everywhere I go!”

 

Gary's unique background prepared him for quick success in the world of real estate. In 2021, the first year he was licensed, Gary won Newcomer of the Year at his brokerage, and last year he won both the Agents’ Choice Award, as well as the President’s Award for Innovation. He expects to close $5 million by the end of 2023.

"My background owning my own business for 35 years, traveling the state and country as a public speaker, and membership in the American Institute of Floral Designers developed a confidence and skill set that cannot be taught," he notes. "I want that same trust and lifelong connection with my real estate clients."

“I joined Home Design Real Estate Group last October because of Amy Birkholz’s expertise and presentation of homes to the market,” he continues. “And I have learned a lifetime of real estate acumen from her, her mother, Nelda Hunt, and the team in less than 10 months; the collaboration has lifted my business to new heights.”

One of Gary's many hallmarks is his commitment to standards and being a lifelong learner.

"I am always working to raise the bar on myself," he emphasizes. “I’m also keen on maintaining my love for people and ensuring that everyone knows they matter to me.”

For up-and-coming top producers, Gary offers plenty of terrific advice. "Treat this business like a job," he advises. "Show up, be prepared, learn, then learn again. Talk with and collaborate with other agents all the time. Ask for help. Do what you say. Study personality types. Fail up.”

 

Outside the office, Gary enjoys spending his free time with his husband, Tom Fraser, his three adult children, Josh (40), Erin (27) and Laura (25), and three grandchildren.

As for his future, both personally and professionally, Gary envisions continued growth and exploring new horizons. He's also working on a personal memoir, "Hidden in Plain Sight” that expounds upon his journey to coming out as gay three years ago. With a passion for storytelling and a knack for connecting with people, Gary's book promises to be a captivating read that reflects his vibrant personality and life experiences.

"My husband Tom and I will be wintering in Málaga, Spain, in about seven years," he concludes matter-of-factly. "There is a BHHS office there, so I am learning Spanish and would love to have a dual license. That covers the professional and personal goals, all in one."