In Galesburg, Illinois, a small railroad town known for Railroad Days and the Stearman Fly-In, John Suryk learned early that hard work pays off. Lemonade stands, soda sales at garage sales, door-to-door school fundraisers—he tried them all. Even as a kid, he celebrated small victories: winning a limousine ride to a pizza restaurant and taking home a mountain bike. “That entrepreneurial spark never left,” John recalls.

After high school, John attended St. Louis Community College at Forest Park, studying culinary arts. But he quickly realized that while college wasn’t for him, hard work certainly was. He began waiting tables while climbing the ranks at Monarch Restaurant, gaining experience in the wine room and skybox, eventually earning the honor of Waiter of the Year in St. Louis.

From there, John transitioned to the Casino Queen’s formal dining room, where he built a loyal following of over 100 regular guests. During this time, he juggled five part-time jobs—Casino waiter, energy broker, Uber and Lyft driver, brand ambassador, and Realtor. It was a period of relentless hustle, laying the foundation for a career built on dedication and versatility.

“I was a waiter for many years, it was great, but I felt like I needed change,” John explains. “I took a leap of faith, passed my test, and then worked multiple jobs part-time. After almost five years, I decided it was time for me to go full-time.”

Today, John is a Realtor at Worth Clark Realty, where he specializes in first-time homebuyers and VA clients. Nearly ten years into the profession, he has built a reputation for tireless work ethic, reliability, and genuine care for his clients.

“What sets my business apart? Helping people,” he says plainly. “I can outwork most of them, and I answer the phone.”

His approach is simple but effective: treat people right, and they’ll do the same in return. “I’m very receptacle,” John adds. “You treat me right, I’ll treat you right.”

John credits much of his success to a combination of positivity, honesty, and a laser-focused work ethic. “Success is working so hard with laser vision focus, setting goals, and not letting anyone or anything hold you back until you get what you are looking for, and it doesn’t have to mean financially,” he says.

Networking has also played a key role. He acknowledges the mentors who guided him along the way: “The mentors that I talk to have led the path, and I wouldn’t be successful without how much they have given me.”

Outside of real estate, John values time with family and friends. Whether it’s grilling in the backyard or enjoying a day on the water, he prioritizes experiences that recharge him and keep him grounded. “Enjoying time together, love to BBQ or it’s always a good day on the water,” he says.

Despite his busy schedule, John believes in living fully while working hard. “It’s not easy, however I thrive by helping others as much as possible,” he says. Whether it’s clients, colleagues, or friends, he brings the same energy and care to every interaction.

Looking ahead, John’s goals remain rooted in service and growth. He wants to help others become successful, assist as many people as possible, and continue working hard for everyone who counts on him. “I still love what I do. Helping people navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives is a privilege I don’t take lightly,” he reflects.

John Suryk’s story is a testament to the power of hustle, resilience, and caring deeply about the people you serve. For him, success has never been just a number, it’s the relationships, the impact, and the satisfaction of helping others achieve their dreams.