Growing up in a small Wisconsin town, Rocco Ficociello knew two things for certain: that the world was much bigger than the one he came from, and that hard work ran deep in his family. With six children in the household and a father entrenched in the car business, Rocco learned early that effort mattered. “My dad always said growing up, ‘Ficociello's work,’ and I always live up to that,” he shares. “Nobody outworks me.”

That drive propelled him from small-town life into the United States Air Force, where he served eight years on active duty, earned an associate degree in criminal justice, and developed a sense of discipline and leadership that now shapes every decision he makes. “I learned so much about discipline and how vastly complicated our world was while in the military,” Rocco says. “My first flight ever was to basic training when I was 18. I wouldn’t have the confidence, knowledge, experience, or leadership skills needed to succeed without that time.”

After separating from the military in August 2023, Rocco weighed the next chapter of his career. A job in security or law enforcement seemed like the natural path—until a neighbor changed everything. “Meeting Caleb Davis, he lived three doors down from me in 2021, we became close friends and he asked if I’d take the leap once I mentioned my time with the Air Force was closing,” Rocco recalls.

That leap landed him in real estate, and Rocco didn’t waste a moment making his mark. He joined Home Team Realty Group at KW Marquee and became the fastest agent in the brokerage’s history to “cap” his commission, doing so in just three months. But his success isn’t just personal. Rocco stepped into leadership roles almost immediately, serving on the Agent Leadership Council at KW Marquee and taking on the title of Director of Training and Recruiting for Home Team Realty Group. “I always knew I could have a bigger impact on people by leaving the Air Force,” he says. “I’ve taken leadership roles on my real estate team because I care deeply about helping others succeed as I have.”

The strength of that team is grounded in partnership—especially the one he shares with his wife, Valerie. Both veterans, Rocco and Valerie found a powerful rhythm in their shared transition from military life to entrepreneurship. Valerie, who entered real estate first, discovered a passion and talent for photography—something that became a vital part of their real estate business. “She found a niche in real estate photography as my real estate business took off,” Rocco explains. “We have been fully self-employed since separating, after finding success working with each other in that capacity.”

Their synergy goes beyond the technical. From running their business together to exploring new restaurants in St. Louis or hosting game nights with friends, the Ficociellos operate with unity and intention. “My wife and I love to travel, explore food in STL, and hang out with our friends either in Soulard or by having game nights,” Rocco says.

Backed by that personal support—and the presence of family nearby—Rocco keeps his focus on growth. His parents moved to the area to be closer to him and Valerie, and his brother now works locally at Scott Air Force Base. Now in his third year in real estate, Rocco’s goals are clear: expand his team to 20 agents and close 50 transactions in 2025. Still, numbers are only part of the story.

“I have a deep love for problem-solving and guiding to success,” he says. “I always remember how much this matters for the clients that hire me and trust me to advise this process.” When asked what makes him different in a competitive industry, Rocco doesn’t hesitate. “My communication and work ethic set me above.”

And for those just starting out? His advice is simple: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” That mindset—and the courage to build something new from the ground up—is what continues to guide him. “If you can’t fight the fear, do it scared,” Rocco says. “Never be afraid of being seen trying.”