Andrea Lapacinski, Managing Broker

Where did you grow up? What was it like?
I grew up in Hawkins, Wisconsin which is located in Northwestern, Wisconsin. My parents owned a small dairy farm, with all eight of us children working with them. My father worked very hard, and in the winter logged for a pulp company south of town to provide extra income for our family. My father and mother taught me the value of hard work, to have a good work ethic, positive outlook on life and to treat everyone fairly. Ever since I can remember I have loved the land, woods and the water. My father drove us to the nearest big lake, Conner's Lake out of Winter for family picnics every Sunday. Eventually he bought a lot and built a small cabin on it. Our family tradition has continued with annual picnics, outings, fishing and gatherings.

Why do you live in the Hayward Lakes Area? What do you like most about it?
I have lived in the Birchwood area since I married my husband, Bern. I love the diversity and contrast of the farmland, wooded land, rivers, streams and lakes. We are very fortunate to live in an area that offers us so many things, it's beauty, fishing, winter and summer, boating, hiking, snowmobiling, 4 wheeling, walking trails, cross country ski trails plus a lot of fun small town celebrations throughout the year.

What is your favorite lake? Why?
I love all the area lakes, each one has their own personality, whether it is great fishing, pontooning or just taking a canoe out to slowly paddle to explore the bays of the lake. The Red Cedar Lake chain including Red Cedar Lake, Balsam Lake and Hemlock Lake offers us great history with Stout Island from the Knapp Stout days to current day activities. In the summer you will find us jumping on the pontoon at Hemlock to spend the day cruising the Red Cedar Lake chain.

What is your favorite part of working in Real Estate?
My favorite part of real estate is meeting the people. When I assist a client in selling or purchasing a property, I view it as selling or buying a home, not just a house. When I began in this business I never thought one of the most exciting results would be the life long friendships I have developed with my sellers and buyers. For many of my clients, buying their cabin is a dream they have had for years and I am there to assist them in the process. Every cabin that I step into and every lakeshore lot I walk is an adventure that makes my day.

What is the most unusual thing you have encountered while working in Real Estate?
One of most unusual things I came across was during a walk through of a home I was selling. In walking the lot the first time we did not see anything unusual, but at the time of the final walk through we found on the edge of the property a small headstone from the 1800's. We as agents never know what we will come across, but again every day should be an adventure.

Why should someone choose you as their real estate agent?
I love this business! Real estate is exciting and I am very committed to it. I strive everyday to treat everyone with honesty, respect - fairly and ethically. My motto is to treat people the way I want to be treated. You will know when you meet me that I am dedicated to your sucess. I am here to assist you in obtaining the cabin of your dreams, which will in turn create memories for you and your family for years and generations to come.