Today we’d like to introduce you to Trisha Dork.
Hi Trisha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I originally set out to become a doctor while attending the University of Michigan, but life had a different plan for me. I took a summer job as a telemarketer at a mortgage company, and from the very first call, I was hooked. Being able to tell someone they were qualified to buy a home—helping them step into such a meaningful chapter—lit something in me I couldn’t ignore.
Back in 2003, you could be both the Realtor and the loan officer, so just a few weeks into the job, I earned my real estate license and made the bold decision to leave med school behind. I knew this was the path I was meant for.
In 2009, I became a broker and opened my first office in Novi. We quickly outgrew that shared space and moved to Livonia, where we continued to expand—outgrowing three offices before building out our current Elite Realty MI headquarters on Plymouth Road.
When I moved to Clarkston three years ago, it felt like the right time to grow again. That’s when our second location in Waterford on M-59 was born, allowing us to better serve clients across multiple communities.
My partner, Andy, has been instrumental in this journey. We started in real estate together in 2003, and by 2019 we had grown Elite Realty to over 100 agents. While COVID shifted the industry and brought our numbers down for a period, we’ve continued to rebuild and rise. Today, we’re back to a strong team of 80 incredible agents—and this year, we reached half a billion dollars in sales.
It’s been an amazing, unexpected, and deeply rewarding journey. I feel so blessed for the opportunities we’ve had and the team we’ve built. None of this would be possible without the people who’ve believed in our mission and grown with us every step of the way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Over 21 years in real estate, I’ve certainly faced my fair share of challenges. I’ve weathered the subprime mortgage collapse, the foreclosure wave, the pandemic, multiple recessions, tough partnerships, and more plot twists than I could ever fit into one interview. But with every year, those challenges become easier to navigate—not because the industry gets easier, but because experience and the right people make all the difference.
The biggest shift for me has been realizing I no longer have to do any of it alone. I’m surrounded by an incredible leadership team and a loyal core group of agents who have stood by us through every pivot and every season.
Our office manager, Kim, is truly the glue that holds everything together. She keeps our operations moving seamlessly day after day and brings order to even the wildest moments. Our agent mentors, Kylee and Erika, consistently go above and beyond—coaching, guiding, and uplifting new agents with so much heart and dedication.
We’ve also expanded across Michigan with the help of our amazing team in the Thumb, Rebecca and Kevven, along with our Grand Rapids agent, Caleb, who all embody what it means to be part of Elite and help us grow into new territories with strength and integrity.
And my managing partner, Andy, is my steadfast support. He’s in the office daily—coaching, inspiring, and motivating the team. Knowing he has my back allows me to lead boldly and confidently. He has been by my side building every day from the start, brick by brick, turn after turn. None of this would be possible without our partnership and collaboration.
We show up every day to serve, support, and strengthen our community—just as our mission states. And because of this team and this culture, no matter what challenges come our way, we always find a way around, over, or straight through the brick wall.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Elite Realty ?
With over twenty one years in the real estate world, I’ve had the incredible privilege of building Elite Realty, a Livonia- and Waterford-based brokerage in Michigan that was created with one purpose: to serve people at the highest level. I’m the Founder and CEO, but at my core, I’m someone who loves helping others move into new chapters of their lives—whether that’s finding the perfect home, selling with confidence, or growing a meaningful career in this industry.
What drives me is simple: people deserve to be cared for. Real estate isn’t just contracts and closings—it’s families, dreams, fresh starts, and major life decisions. At Elite Realty, we treat every client like they truly matter, because they do. We listen, we guide, we educate, and we show up with the same energy and commitment no matter the price point or situation.
I’m also the creator of STARS Academy, a training platform I built from the heart. I wanted Realtors to have more than just education—I wanted them to have mentorship, confidence, and community. Through this program, I’ve been fortunate to coach hundreds of agents and play a part in thousands of successful home journeys across Michigan. There’s nothing better than seeing someone transform their career and their life.
What sets Elite Realty apart is our culture. We lead with care, we lead with integrity, and we lead with passion. Our team is truly a family—we support each other, we cheer each other on, and we share the common goal of giving every single client an outstanding experience. Education is a huge part of who we are. Every Elite Realtor is trained not just to navigate the process but to explain it, simplify it, and make sure clients feel empowered, not overwhelmed.
And our clients feel that difference. We hear things like:
“Excellent service—fast at finding us a house, always on top of everything. Amazing staff, friendly environment, just awesome people to work with.”
“Such an amazing experience with Trisha Dork. She’s a great communicator, a strong negotiator, and her team is fantastic. Even if she’s tied up, someone is always available—Amanda Thompson was wonderful. We had the best experience buying our first home.”
Feedback like this means everything to us because it reflects exactly what we strive for—a supportive, joyful, top-tier experience every single time.
Whether you’re dreaming of buying, preparing to sell, or ready to take your real estate career to the next level, I’m here—and my entire Elite family is here—to guide you, encourage you, and celebrate with you every step of the way.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
We are incredibly grateful for every client who has trusted us to be part of their real estate journey. There is truly no greater honor. One of my favorite parts of this career is working with repeat clients—watching their families grow, helping them move into new chapters, and even getting to sell homes to their children years later. It’s such a full-circle moment and a reminder of how deeply relationships matter in this business.
Real estate is an exciting industry, but it’s also a meaningful one. The fulfillment comes from knowing your hard work directly impacts people’s lives—helping them find stability, opportunity, and a place to create memories. Being part of those moments is something I never take for granted.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/trishadork
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trishadork
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrishaDork/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trisha-dork-22b6898/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@elitelifepodcast
- Other: https://issuu.com/tcsotty/docs/feb_2022_wayne_county_issuu/s/14586972
