Professional Standards Committee

Residential Real Estate sales agent representing Kalkaska, Antrim and Grand Traverse Counties since 2002.

Born and raised in Leelanau County, I am acutely familiar with the area and super excited about Real Estate and the challenges that each transaction presents. I love learning and figuring out solutions and, above all, I love putting a smile on a client's face. Real Estate can be fun and it is important to help others see the light at the end of the tunnel during a challenging or stressful situation. It is also a blast to help first time home buyers fulfill their dream of owning that first house. The cool thing about northern Michigan is there are so many different areas to explore and pieces of property to fulfill people's dreams. I am not scared to tell someone if I don't have all the answers to their questions and you can guarantee I will dig in and follow up.

I was born on a farm to Tom and Linda Shimek. You can grab some of the best sweetcorn in Leelanau county from our farm stand on M72 in the summertime. I graduated from Glen Lake Community Schools and then went on to be a 5-time All-American student-athlete at Aquinas College in Track and Field. Following college, I headed west to explore acting in Hollywood before returning to Northern Michigan a year later.

From 2009-2020, I was the chief operating officer and a key player in nurturing a small tent company in Traverse City to become a national leader in the tent manufacturing and experiential marketing industry. Under my leadership and in partnership with others, we transformed a 3-person, $1M company to one that is now 70+ employees, worth more than $14M today.

Each fall/winter, I enjoy coaching the Glen Lake 8th grade boys’ basketball team. In the summer, you can find me on Lime Lake, where my late grandfather, Larry Stachnik sold and developed real estate in the 1980s. Me along with my wife, Christina, and our two small children, Contessa and Leonardo, live on the edge of our family farm.

I am a long-time steward of the community. Whether it’s cultivating the youth’s aptitude for athletics or meeting the unique needs of diverse real estate clients, I AM committed to fostering a bright future for Northern Michigan so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Jules B. Yates - Associate Broker / Team Leader

Jules B. Yates is an Associate Broker and Team Leader with RE/MAX Bayshore in Traverse City, Michigan, bringing more than three and a half decades of experience in Northern Michigan real estate. Known for his strategic approach and client-first philosophy, Jules has built a reputation for delivering results while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

Raised in a family deeply rooted in real estate development, Jules gained early exposure to land use, community planning, and the long-term impact of real estate on both individuals and communities. This foundation shaped his understanding of the industry beyond transactions—viewing each property as part of a larger lifestyle and investment strategy.

Throughout his career, Jules has remained actively involved in the REALTOR® community, contributing to multiple committees and leadership initiatives, including extensive service on the MLS Committee and as Chair. His commitment to advancing industry standards reflects a broader dedication to both clients and fellow professionals.

At the core of Jules’ business is a simple guiding principle: real estate is not about us—it’s about you. Every client relationship is built on understanding individual goals, providing clear guidance, and executing with precision. Whether representing buyers or sellers, Jules delivers a highly personalized experience backed by market expertise, strong negotiation skills, and a data-driven approach.

Through his leadership, the team operates with a focus on consistency, communication, and elevated service. Sellers benefit from strategic pricing, targeted marketing, and strong positioning, while buyers gain a competitive edge through local knowledge and disciplined execution in today’s fast-moving market.

Jules’ approach extends beyond individual transactions. He believes real estate professionals play a key role in shaping communities and enhancing the regions they serve. His deep knowledge of Northern Michigan—including Traverse City, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Benzie Counties—allows him to provide clients with meaningful insight into both property value and lifestyle.

With a career defined by experience, leadership, and results, Jules continues to guide clients through complex real estate decisions with clarity and confidence—delivering outcomes that align with both their immediate goals and long-term vision.