Twenty-six years. Vern Sorenson has stood the test of time in real estate. After selling real estate for 20 years, he became the managing broker for HOME Real Estate, while still continuing to do some production.

Loyal and faithful, he’s been with the same company the entire time. 

Prior to real estate, Vern worked in industrial pump sales as well as manufacturing engineering and management for 16 years after college. Working in the corporate world curtailed his freedom, especially being tied down from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. “I didn’t like the schedule,” admits Vern. “I was trying to cram my life into nights and weekends.”

That’s when he had a change of heart.

“I had a major career change,” says Vern. “Real estate was a way for me to start my own business, but not be completely on my own.” Having a brokerage around him supported him and gave him some direction as an entrepreneur. Now he is much happier and is much more fulfilled. Real estate gives him freedom.

“The best thing about real estate is the flexible schedule. The worst thing about real estate is the flexible paycheck,” laughs Vern.

A native of central Nebraska, Vern grew up in St. Edward and has lived in the state his entire life. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and also holds an MBA. Although opportunities arose to move elsewhere, he chose to remain in Nebraska. “I’ve never regretted it,” he smiles.

When he graduated college in the mid-’80s, the agricultural economy was dismal for job opportunities. Vern actually found a job in engineering, which he wasn’t expecting.

“I kind of fell into engineering,” he says. “It was interesting and I enjoyed what I was learning. I like to fix things and have projects to work on. That’s just the way I am wired.” He is a natural in visualizing complex things and seeing how they fit together. “It’s the way that my brain works.”

Eventually, that same willingness to figure things out helped him make a substantial career change. He traded the familiar structure of engineering for the responsibility of building a real estate business and found a profession he wanted to stay in.

Over 26 years, Vern has watched technology change how agents work and how buyers and sellers approach a transaction. Keeping up requires effort, especially as the pace of change accelerates.

“I’ve never been one to be afraid of change,” he says. “Things have changed in my lifetime, especially technology. I’ve stayed on top of technology changes that come along.” He adds, “I roll with it.”

Real estate is no exception.

“Technology has affected buyers and sellers,” notes Vern. “It’s easy to lose the personal touch in this business.” But this is actually where Vern shines. He focuses on people and what is going on in their lives. “As long as you do that, you will do well,” he points out. “Technology is not a substitute for focusing on buyers and sellers.”

To Vern, it’s about people, not properties.

“Our industry is changing rapidly and continuously, but the fundamentals remain the same,” he says.

Vern also takes the time to connect with the agents he manages. “I interact and engage as much as possible,” he comments. “One thing I learned when I got my MBA is something called MBWA – Management By Wandering Around. That’s when you get out of your office, talk to people, and meet them where they’re at.”

That’s Vern’s secret to success. He gets around the building, engaging with agents as much as possible. He isn’t confined to his desk, but is eager to connect and communicate with others. He makes the time to be present at agent events and “engage with people on their own turf.”

The difference? Remarkable. His presence is noticed in the office. His agents know he cares, always ready to be a listening ear or a helping hand. When the phone rings, he’s available.

Vern shares responsibility for approximately 140 agents with a co-manager and makes a

conscious effort to stay connected. When asked about his secrets to success, Vern is simply himself.  “Authenticity is hugely important,” he points out. “You can have really meaningful conversations if you are authentic.” He brings that authenticity to Tuesday morning meetings.

“I try to make it as engaging and substantive as I can,” he says of the meetings. He also leans on other leaders in the office, who head various committees, including a social committee, which organizes events throughout the year.

When not working, Vern enjoys spending time with his wife Peggy. “I remarried 2 ½ years ago,” he smiles. “We have a blended family and each of us have two adult kids.” During their first year of marriage, they welcomed their first three grandchildren.

“None of them are around Lincoln,” laughs Vern. “They stretch from Texas to Kansas to South Dakota. Visiting grandkids takes a lot of our time.” They wouldn’t have it any other way.

To relax, Vern likes to stay busy. “I always need a project to work on – something mechanical,” he adds. “I like fixing and building things.” Currently, he is finishing the basement in his house, which has been a year-long project.

An introvert by nature, Vern starts every day with gratitude. “Your mindset is such an important part of this business. If you have a positive mindset to start your day, everything else goes better.” When you are running a business, you have to treat it like you are the CEO. “Don’t just let things happen. Run your business in a positive way.”

His words to live by come from 2 Timothy 1:7, which he paraphrases: “God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but power, love, and self-discipline.”

He also jokes, “Everything will kill you so choose something fun.” That’s why he takes time to hunt and be outside. “There are plenty of opportunities for that in Nebraska.” He enjoys hunting pheasants, quail, and deer. A few years ago, Vern went on an African hunt in Namibia. “That was wonderful.”

From growing up on a farm in Nebraska to helping other agents soar in real estate, Vern

learned to put people first. He knows the value of being loyal, showing up, answering the phone, and engaging with agents. A man of faith, he lives life with passion, purpose, and potential. Twenty-six years after finding his place at HOME, Vern is helping others find theirs.