Meet Kimo Toguchi | REALTOR at RE/MAX Alliance

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimo Toguchi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimo, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Life itself is inherently risky. Every decision we make, no matter how big or small, influences the direction of our future and guides us into an array of unlimited possibilities. These choices, at their core, are risks. The willingness to embrace risk often shapes not just our individual paths, but our personal growth and success. In my own life and career, risk-taking has been a defining factor: from making the decision to join the Marine Corps when I was 17 years old to navigating the uncertainties of multiple deployments, and then shifting careers entirely to pursue something I had never imagined: real estate.

I was faced with a decision that would shape my future: join the Marine Corps or follow a more conventional path. It was a decision that carried with it an inherent risk which meant leaving behind the familiar comfort of home, entering into a rigorous and demanding environment, and committing to a life of discipline and sacrifice. But the risk wasn’t just about the unknowns of military life. It was also about stepping into adulthood earlier than most of my peers and accepting responsibility for my future.

The risk was evident from the start. I was a teenager, still figuring out who I was, and yet I was about to embark on a journey that would force me to grow up quickly. But in hindsight, that risk paid off. The Marine Corps taught me valuable lessons in resilience, leadership, and teamwork. The deployments, each with their own set of challenges and uncertainties, tested my limits physically and mentally, but they also gave me experiences and perspectives that have shaped me into the person I am today.

Deployments were the biggest risk factor during my time in the Marine Corps. Each deployment brought its own unique set of challenges and uncertainties about what lay ahead, the potential dangers, and the emotional toll of being away from home for extended periods. The risk was not only physical, but also psychological. Being in combat zones, exposed to danger, and living in constant uncertainty, I had to make split-second decisions that could impact not only my life but the lives of those around me.

The fear of the unknown was always present. Yet, those deployments also proved to be some of the most transformative experiences of my life. They pushed me to my limits, taught me to adapt quickly, and forced me to develop an unshakable sense of courage and discipline. Looking back, I realize that the risks I took on those deployments were essential to my growth—both as a person and as a leader.

After my time in the Marine Corps, I found myself at a crossroads. I had achieved much, but I also felt unfulfilled. I had spent years in an environment that required constant risk assessment and decision-making, but the routine of civilian life didn’t excite me, I wanted more. I wanted to pursue something that allowed me to be creative, to take charge of my future in a new way. And so, I decided to take another risk: leaving behind a stable and familiar life to go to college and explore a new career path. It was a big decision, and in many ways, it felt like another leap into the unknown.

Transitioning from military life to civilian life was a challenge. Being 26 years old and going to college with a bunch of 17/18 years old kids was definitely a new factor to adjust to. College brought its own set of risks balancing academics, navigating new social circles, and re-establishing my sense of purpose. After 2 years I received my Associates degree in Culinary Arts, but it wasn’t enough. I ended up pursuing a Bachelors degree double majoring in Food Science and Clinical Dietetics. I spent a decade in the cooking profession cooking fine dining to small town brunch. I even traveled to Chicago and worked with CSSI which is one of the most predominant food research companies in America, still something was missing in my life.

The biggest risk came when I decided to shift gears once again and enter the world of real estate. Real estate was a field I had never considered before. I had no prior experience, no connections, and no clear understanding of what success in this industry looked like. Yet, I was determined to make it work. The risk of venturing into a completely unfamiliar field was daunting, but I felt compelled to take the leap.

Deciding to pursue real estate was one of the most significant risks I’ve taken in my life and one I am most proud of. The decision to leave behind a stable career path and enter a highly competitive and unpredictable industry required me to push past my fears of failure and embrace the uncertainty. Real estate demanded that I learn quickly, build a network, and develop a skill set from scratch. Every day was a test, and the stakes were high. I had to put in long hours, take on challenges, and make tough decisions about how to grow my business.

But this risk also brought me great rewards. Over time, I gained valuable experience, built my reputation, and found success in an industry I had once considered completely outside my realm of possibility. It was a reminder that the greatest risks often lead to the most fulfilling outcomes. Without taking that leap into real estate, I would never have discovered the potential for growth, both professionally and personally, that I now enjoy.

Looking back on my journey, I see that risk has been a constant companion. Whether it was joining the Marine Corps at a young age, facing the unknowns of deployment, or reinventing myself in the world of real estate, every major turning point in my life has involved embracing uncertainty and stepping outside of my comfort zone. In every case, risk has been the catalyst for growth, learning, and eventual success.

Risk-taking is not without its challenges, but it is these very challenges that have shaped me into who I am today. The lessons learned through risk have been invaluable, teaching me to be adaptable, resilient, and courageous in the face of uncertainty. And while I know that the future will continue to present new risks and challenges, I now approach them with confidence, knowing that the greatest rewards often come from the willingness to take the biggest risks. After all, Without taking risks, you won’t receive any rewards or grow and I for one am not that type of person.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a REALTOR at RE/MAX Alliance. Apart from helping others in their search for a home or helping them sell their home. I am a proud representative of a few programs. The first one is that I am a CMN (Children’s Miracle Network) Agent. Every contract closed, I make a donation on the behalf of my clients to the Children’s hospital. Secondly I am a representative of “Homes for Heroes”. Any Educators, Healthcare professionals, Firemen, Law enforcement, Military, or veterans all fall within this category. When working with me, after closing, they receive a check for 7% of the value of the home back to them. This comes out of my commission back to the hero as a way for me to say “thank you for everything that they do. And thirdly, I am a board member of the USMC Memorial Foundation. I love giving back to the community and helping others in need. This year I am also the representative for the USMC “Toys for Tots” toy drive they conduct every year.
Please check out my website: https://www.kimoremax.com

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First and foremost I would show them around Denver. Being born and raised in Denver, this city truly holds a dear spot in my heart. Although it has changed I feel it has elevated its attractions as well. Some fun places would include:
– Elitches amusement park
– Meowwolf
– Ball arena, Coor’s field, Mi Hi Stadium
– Cherry Creek
– 16th St Mall
– Red Rocks
– City Park

Food would most likely be at:
-Parisi Italian
– Tamayo
– Alma Fonda Fina
– Guard and Grace
– Temaki Den

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shout out to my wife Haleigh. We have been together for 8 years, just got married a little over a month ago (Oct 10). She has been with me in my highs, but even more so in my lows. I honestly don’t know where I would be without her constant unwavering support. She encourages me to take the leaps and risks that I have but also picks me up when some of those risks don’t pan out. I appreciate you and love you so much. Thank you for being you and thank you for standing beside me.
Also to my two biggest support in real estate: My managing broker and Team Leader:Valerie Westmark, and my mentor: Steve Grubin. I honestly couldn’t be where I am today without your constant support. You not only helped shape me into the growing REALTOR I am today, but also stand by me and always answer my calls when I have questions. I am eternally grateful for you both.

Website: https://Www.kimoremax.com

Instagram: kimoremax

Linkedin: Kimo Toguchi

Twitter: @KimoRemax

Facebook: Kimo Toguchi RE/MAX

Image Credits
Homes for Heroes
RE/MAX CMN