"The first time I stepped foot in Colorado, I knew I would never want to leave."
Julia Cantarovici hails from the small Southern California town of Cypress. Yet the snow-covered mountains of Colorado always seemed to beckon. Her strategy? Applying exclusively to Colorado colleges - even before ever visiting the state. The University of Denver (DU) offered the most favorable financial package and off she went.
During her college years, Julia explored international law and French. She spent a year and a half in France learning European legal standards and eventually mastering the language. Her first "real job" was with Boulder-based New Hope Communications, selling advertising to economic developers. She then became publisher for Black's Guide,a directory of commercial real estate companies and property managers.
A close friend from DU, David Thompson, encouraged Julia to pursue real estate and facilitated introductions and industry connections. He told her about a mountain development project utilizing a launch-style sales approach. Intrigued, Julia obtained her real estate license and, six months later, secured a position with a team in Telluride, working on a launch project for the Franz Klammer Lodge.
"I had to talk my way onto the team because they were full but was lucky enough to get a spot. I absolutely loved this job and was very successful at it."
Julia was soon lured away to Keystone by the prominent ski resort holding company, Intrawest. During her tenure, she cultivated a client relationship with real estate holder and developer, Bill Reynolds, who approached her about bringing the launch-style sales approach she had mastered to Boulder to work with the architect and builder of One Boulder Plaza. Despite her initial reluctance, Bill's persistence eventually convinced her to explore the opportunity.
"After witnessing the potential of downtown Boulder, I decided to establish my own company, Pre-Sale Developments and specialize in launch processes. This involved intensive direct mail campaigns spanning several months, culminating in a single day of sales, often totaling millions of dollars."
She took a hiatus from Pre-Sale Developments between 2006-2008, to do pro-construction contract work for The Peloton. Given the changing market conditions of 2008, the project faced some challenges yet ultimately emerged as a successful venture. Another feather in her cap, Julia ran several more launches throughout Colorado under Pro-Sale Developments.
One project she bid on was overseeing upcoming phases of the Uptown development in North Boulder. When Julia discovered she was outbid due to another firm's incredible online presence, she pointedly asked if it happened to be Lane Hornung's company, 8Z Real Estate. Discovering it was, Julia contacted Lane. This was 2010 and marked the start of her collaboration with 8Z. After joining, she worked on the Uptown development.
"If you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
As market conditions shifted, Julia began focusing more exclusively on traditional real estate which is where the majority of her work is today. Her newest venture is hosting The American Dream - Selling Boulder & Beyond. Unexpectedly, the CEO/Founder of American Dream TV contacted Julia to interview as a host, She attended the interview process on a whim.. and was selected. This national show features communities in a holistic sense: 80% lifestyle and culture and 20% real estate through positive. uplifting stories. As the Boulder segment host, Julia has creative control over her episodes' content, collaborating with the production team for filming and editing.
"Selling through storytelling involves weaving narratives that connect you to what you're selling. This approach has been integral to my sales strategy. When it comes to selling traditional real estate and promoting my community, I have an abundance of anecdotes to share. These stories aren't necessarily aimed at direct sales but rather at engaging listeners with compelling content they'll find interesting."
The show streams online and garners nearly 50 million views monthly just on Instagram and Facebook. It recently gained exposure on the Travel Channel and HGTV and is also featured on major networks like ABC, NBC, and Fox. The exposure is significant, especially when showcasing properties.
Julia is as passionate about her family and community as she is about real estate. She met her husband, Jon Simisky, while working for Intrawest at Keystone, and today they both work for 8Z. "He's an agent but I'm a Partner, so technically I'm his boss, and I love to tease him about it!"
They have two sons, Jaime (27), and Jayden (22). Jaime works for Google and lives in Brooklyn, New York. Jayden is a senior at CU Boulder and a renowned blacksmith with a Journeyman designation -- the 2nd highest designation one can achieve. He specializes in crafting knives but has done some custom metal work for Pasta Jays in Boulder and Moab and Jay's newest venture in Moab, a high-end steakhouse, Upon graduation. Jayden plans to focus full-time on running his blacksmithing business.
Skiing is a regular family activity. The boys have been on skis since they were two years old, and the family frequents their place in Winter Park. "Skiing the bumps - especially at Mary Jane - is my absolute favorite pastime." Jon is an amazing dirt biker and thrill-seeker while Julia has embraced mountain biking during the off-season. In addition to their outdoor pursuits, Julia and Jon are season-ticket holders for the Colorado Avalanche.
Flatirons Community Church is Julia's second home. She hosts a small group among the large congregation to foster a stronger sense of community among members. This adheres to the church's philosophy of"learning in rows, but growing in circles." In addition, she contributes to the children's ministry, teaching first and second-grade classes, and is involved in God Behind Bars, which brings church services to inmates at a nearby prison. She also assists with baptisms and other church activities.
In addition, Julia is a strong supporter of Blue Sky Bridge, a nonprofit dedicated to helping sexually abused children and non-offending families. "For 12 years, I visited elementary schools in BVSD, St. Vrain, and other districts, conducting a schoo!-based education program for 3rd graders focused on touching and body safety rules, secrets versus surprises, trusted adults, and the No, Go, Tell plan."
Walking hand in hand with Jesus, Julia cherishes time with her loved ones and embraces the beauty of where she lives. Her passions and pursuits demonstrate how active engagement and affection for one's community can lead to a rich and rewarding life.
