For Mathew Hemenway, his real estate career began in a tiny Midwestern town, moved through the U.S. Marine Corps, and took shape behind a bar in downtown St. Louis. Today, he's a thriving solo agent with KW Marquee, closing nearly $7.5 million in sales in 2024 alone—all built on relationships, hustle, and the belief that success is earned one conversation at a time.

Mathew grew up in Maeystown, Illinois, a small historic village with fewer than 500 residents. Despite its size, the town was vibrant—especially during Oktoberfest, when thousands would pour in for the celebration.

He comes from a large, close-knit family: three brothers, his parents, and his grandmother, who lived with them throughout his childhood. The four brothers were always outdoors, competing and building the kind of bond that defines who Mathew is today—driven, loyal, and community-focused.

“I was definitely the class clown,” Mathew admits. “I loved sports, loved to compete, and loved to make people laugh.”

After graduating from Valmeyer High School in 2015, he started college at Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC), where he played soccer. But a traditional classroom setting wasn’t the right fit for him at the time. So, he made a bold decision to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, where he served for six years and completed Officer Candidate School (OCS).

Following his military training, Mathew gave college another go—this time at SIUE, where he met his future wife, McKenzie. While in school, he began bartending, and quickly discovered something unexpected: bartending was not only fun, but a great way to build lasting relationships—and eventually, a future client base.

Then the pandemic hit. With bars closed and classes moved online, Mathew knew it was time to pivot. That’s when he was introduced to real estate by Caleb Davis, who took him under his wing.

“I learned everything from Caleb—traditional sales, investing, creative financing, and even flipped my first home under his guidance,” Mathew recalls. “That hands-on education was invaluable.”

After gaining experience on Caleb’s team, Mathew made the decision to branch out and build his own business as a solo agent. It was a leap of faith, but one that paid off.

By the end of 2024, he had closed nearly $7.5 million in sales—a massive accomplishment for any solo agent. That same year, he married McKenzie, who now works alongside him as a Transaction Coordinator with her own TC company serving agents across Illinois and Missouri.

Together, they’ve created a system that allows them to work efficiently, travel often, and stay connected to their growing client base.

When Mathew isn’t working, he’s probably playing soccer, volleyball, or golfing—anything that keeps him active and social. He and McKenzie are also passionate about trying new restaurants, adding a new spot to their running list each week.

More than anything, he enjoys relaxing around a fire with close friends, sharing laughs over whiskey or beer. It's these simple moments that keep him grounded, even as his business continues to grow.

Mathew credits his upbringing—and the values instilled by his family and military service—for shaping his work ethic and perspective.

“We didn’t have a lot growing up, but we had what we needed,” he says. “Anything extra meant work. No free car, no free tuition, no gas money. If I wanted something, I had to figure it out.”

That same grit now fuels his real estate career, where he helps others build their own lives and futures through homeownership.

Being a Realtor isn’t just a job for Mathew—it’s a way to live life on his own terms. 

“This career allows me to design my life the way I want,” he says. “My success is mine, and so are my failures. I take ownership of both.”

Looking ahead to 2025, Mathew’s goal is to streamline his business, build more efficient systems, and hit $10 million in sales the following year.

What sets Mathew apart isn’t just his hustle—it’s the genuine relationships he builds with his clients.

“Most of my clients become friends,” he explains. “I get invited to their weddings, family barbecues, or even regular golf outings. The relationship doesn’t end at the closing table.”

In a business where many agents chase volume, Mathew focuses on connection—and that’s what keeps his referral pipeline strong.

His advice to up-and-coming Realtors is refreshingly simple:

“You’re never too big to do the little things. The job isn’t rocket science—if you stick to the basics and work consistently, you’ll stay busy.”

For those just starting out, he recommends joining a strong team where you can learn, ask questions, and build a solid foundation.

Mathew and his family remain deeply involved with Camp Wartburg, where he once volunteered as a teen. Today, he serves on the Action Board, helping raise funds for the same camp that helped shape his values and work ethic.