In this episode of Wealthyist, host Anthony Mlachnik, a senior wealth manager at Annex Wealth Management, interviews Collin Yelich, a former professional baseball player turned high-end real estate professional in southeast Wisconsin. The discussion focuses on Yelich’s transition from athletics to real estate, his integration into the Milwaukee community, and his work helping professional athletes and others settle into new environments.
Key points:
- Career Transition: Yelich shares the challenges of moving from a structured life as a professional athlete to navigating the uncertainty of a new career during the COVID-19 pandemic. He describes the sense of being "lost" after retiring from baseball and how his family’s real estate background, particularly his mother’s experience, eased his transition into the industry.
- Community Integration: Yelich highlights Milwaukee’s welcoming community, which made his move from California easier. He emphasizes the importance of community support for athletes and others relocating, drawing parallels between his experiences and those of entrepreneurs or retirees facing major life transitions.
- Helping Athletes and Newcomers: As a real estate professional, Yelich uses his athletic background to empathize with clients, particularly athletes, helping them navigate housing needs and settle into Milwaukee. He focuses on understanding their preferences and making the process efficient, given their busy schedules.
- Financial Strategy: The conversation touches on the importance of financial planning for athletes, balancing immediate desires (e.g., buying a dream car) with long-term stability. Yelich notes that these discussions often start early in an athlete’s career, such as when they receive a signing bonus.
- Community Impact: Yelich discusses his family’s Christian Home Plate Charity, which hosts an annual charity concert supporting local Milwaukee organizations like Live Like Lou, Visit Milwaukee, and the Brewers Community Foundation. The event fosters community engagement and is open to the public.
- Business and Sports Intersection: Yelich observes the growing integration of sports and business, particularly through social media and brand partnerships, which amplifies opportunities for athletes and entrepreneurs. He sees this trend expanding at both professional and college levels.
- Mental Strategies: Yelich shares insights on mental resilience, drawing from his athletic experience. He emphasizes focusing on a few key strategies to navigate challenges, a principle applicable to both athletes and entrepreneurs facing ups and downs.
- Memorable Experience: Yelich recounts his first home sale in Wisconsin, a modest $212,000 transaction, as particularly meaningful due to the trust a family placed in him as a young agent. He values building lasting relationships with clients, who often become friends.
The episode underscores themes of adaptability, community connection, and strategic planning, drawing parallels between the experiences of athletes, entrepreneurs, and others navigating significant life changes.
