Long before Desty Lorino became one of the most seasoned names in Milwaukee real estate, he was elbow-deep in tile and swimming pool installations, learning the intricacies of construction and the value of hard work. That hands-on experience, along with decades of relationship-building, has shaped a career spanning nearly four decades—one defined not only by longevity but by a quiet, enduring commitment to excellence.

"I grew up on Milwaukee's East Side," Desty says. “My family was in the car wash business so cars were a big part of my life growing up and a source of motivation for me.” That early exposure to family enterprise helped him understand the grit it takes to succeed. “When you grow up in a family business, you learn the concept of a work ethic very quickly.”

It’s a lesson he took with him into his first job at Miller Brewery, where he was hired when the company had just acquired the "Lite Brand." As a heavy equipment operator, he later moved into the trades, working as a tile setter and pool installer—roles that quietly laid the foundation for his future career. “It was through that work in the trades that I first learned about the quality control standards of great real estate,” he says, “and developed an interest in learning more about real estate as a career path.”

By 1986, that interest became a calling. Desty earned his license and began what would become a legacy career. He currently leads a team at Keller Williams North Shore in Whitefish Bay, including his wife, Connie—who first met him while they both worked at Miller. The couple, married 45 years this September, works alongside agents Ellen Purtell and Morgan Young. Ellen, a longtime acquaintance, brings what Desty describes as “expertise of the area and a great network of clients.” Morgan started as an assistant and has since become a buyer specialist. “Both have done a tremendous job,” Desty says. “Having them aboard allows us to spread our wings with new buyers and sellers.”

Connie, too, plays an active role, focusing on “special projects with buyers and sellers who we have had relationships with over the decades, many of whom have become neighbors and friends.”

For Desty, the work has always been about people. “From day one, I found a tremendous amount of satisfaction in helping to bring people together to find them a home they felt good about,” he says. “Serving others brings me a lot of satisfaction, and that’s what keeps me motivated when challenges arise.”

It’s a mindset that earned him the “Legends” award this past year from Keller Williams. “I never considered myself to be a ‘legend,’” he admits. “But coming to the realization that I’ve been doing this for over 35 years is kind of eye-opening.”

Outside of work, Desty still finds time for his lifelong passion: cars. “I'm still a car buff and love checking out local car shows on the weekends.” He and his wife Connie enjoy spending time with their two grown children—Tony, who lives in Mequon with his wife Kate and their two children, and Kaitlin, who lives in Salt Lake City with her husband Tony and their two children. “Yes,” he laughs, “both of our kids married Tonys or Kates—so we’ve accidentally sent Christmas gifts to the wrong 'Tony and Kate' before, but only once.”

Looking ahead, Desty is embracing new tools of the trade. “I'm interested in learning more about artificial intelligence and how it can help our buyers and sellers,” he says, while also acknowledging, “it can’t replace what we can pick up… seeing things face-to-face.”

His advice to new agents is simple, but deliberate: “Create goals that you really want, then plan out the steps of how to get there. Be true to yourself, put in the effort, and in time, you’ll get there.”

For decades, Desty has been true to himself, his clients, and his community. A longtime member of the Shorewood Men’s Club, a past Boy Scout volunteer, and a contributor to causes like Children’s Miracle Network and KW Cares, he keeps service at the center of all he does.

“Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not,” he quotes Vince Lombardi. “But we will be judged by one thing—The Result.”

For Desty, the results speak volumes.

Desty and Connie are proud grandparents of four, dog parents to 14-year-old Rudy, and regulars at Milwaukee’s local festivals. With a career marked by humility and consistency, Desty continues to live out the tagline that’s followed him for decades: “Desty Sells Homes…in YOUR Neighborhood.”