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Despite paralysis, real estate agent goes back on job
By Patti Welander
p.welander@mchsi.com
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LeROY — Closing a home sale typically is a highlight of a real estate agent’s work, and for one local agent, a recent closing was truly cause for celebration.

Mike Ready of Prudential Snyder Real Estate recently had his first closing in nearly two years. Ready, who lives in LeRoy, had just returned to his real estate career, which was interrupted by severe injuries he suffered when he fell in December 2005 at a Bloomington home.

“They say a minute can change your life forever, and it has,” said Ready, who spent nearly a month in the intensive care unit of BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Normal, and five months at the Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis and Barnes Hospital, also in St. Louis.

Ready once did construction work and even skipped with teenagers in his church’s youth group. Now, he uses a wheelchair, having regained some function and strength in his arms.

“The hardest thing for me still is asking for help,” Ready said.

Doctors won’t predict if he will walk again, but he continues with a home therapy program. When asked about regaining other functions, he said, “I get what I get.”

In the month before his accident, he was beginning to excel at his career. He had just made the Million Dollar Club for the first time, having sold $1 million in properties in one month.

But, looking back, he realizes he was working too hard.

“I was working seven days a week, and working into the early morning,” he said. “The night I fell, I had planned to paint all night at another property.

“I think the good Lord thought it was time for me to take a break.”

Ready has spent more time with his family since the accident. Now he says that even if he fully recovered, he wouldn’t work like he once did.

Still, he decided that he wanted to resume working at least part time. “It has felt so good to get back in,” Ready said.

He began holding open houses in April at properties built by his father-in-law, Jeff Burcham. He enjoyed it, but he really wanted to represent buyers again.

“I used to coach Little League, and watching a first-time homebuyer’s face is just like watching a kid who makes his first catch,” said Ready.

Ready says he can do the work, even if it isn’t the way he used to do it.

“There are a lot of people who think I can’t do a lot,” Ready said. “I can do everything other real estate agents can, I just do it differently.”

His career is now a family business, with his children, wife, Bobbi, and in-laws helping with tasks, such as driving him to appointments and putting out signs.

Ready also has the help of sales associate Char Huff, who encouraged Ready to return to work. Huff says Ready didn’t need her help with his recent sale.

“I offered to do the closing for him, but he wanted to do it himself. Most people wouldn’t go to all of the effort that he does,” Huff said.

For Ready, it was a chance to prove he can still have a career. “I was so happy when someone took a chance on me,” he said.

The homebuyer that took a chance on Ready was Shana Hetrick, of LeRoy.

“He is an awesome guy,” Hetrick said. “I never had any doubt in his abilities.”

Before his accident, Ready earned a reputation for doing extra things for his buyers, such as painting or repairing things before buyers moved in. With the help of his family, he still puts the extra effort into his sales.

His two older children are painting the interior of Hetrick’s new home, before she moves in.

“My injury is just a speed bump,” Ready said. “I’m ready to move forward at full speed.”

Take a look
Prudential realator Mike Ready, left, passes the open house sign with his wheelchair during an open house at 403 Moore Street in LeRoy, Illinois, Saturday afternoon (August 11, 2007). Ready was paralyzed in a home accident in December of 2005 while he was up in an attic to check the vents at a home he had on the market when he took the wrong step and fell through the attic to land on his stomach. (Pantagraph/B Mosher)
Prudential realator Mike Ready, left, sits in his wheelchair at the 403 Moore Street open house in LeRoy, Illinois and says, "It's not about the money when selling the house, it's about the eyes when people walk into the house that matters", while his son Thomas Ready, 19, right, sips on his soda and lounges on a sofa in the garage Saturday afternoon (August 11, 2007). Ready was paralyzed in a home accident in December of 2005 while he was up in an attic to check the vents at a home he had on the market when he took the wrong step and fell through the attic to land on his stomach. (Pantagraph/B Mosher)
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Reader comments on this story - 40 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Shawn, Mike's Nephew wrote on Aug 23, 2007 12:25 AM:

" I love you Uncle Mike!!! You have always been someone to look up to. Beyond just being my Uncle you show love to so many people and I am glad you can once again give hope to others. To "Dang": There is no WC claim. They have struggled, there families have helped and the town came together and stood behind them. You should have kept your mouth shut. There is no respect in your comment and I am glad you are the sole idiot that made a comment of that nature. To everyone else, I know my Uncle and our family thank you. "

friend wrote on Aug 22, 2007 8:20 AM:

" your awsome keep up the great work!!!! LeRoy loves you. "

Mike's Friend wrote on Aug 21, 2007 8:36 PM:

" I can assure you that what Mike has said is true. Mike, you are a true inspiration, and this is a story. Humble and a hero. "

Hi, Mike~ wrote on Aug 21, 2007 8:28 PM:

" There's always got to be that one 'rotten" one in the bunch. I hope he (or she) did'nt get to you, and you know you did'nt have to explain. Your family and friends and people who don't know you (there's alot of us!) Wish you the best! I liked the poster who wrote: May you sell many more houses! :) "

Humbled Friend wrote on Aug 21, 2007 8:10 PM:

" To Dang, shame on you. This guy always has and am sure still would give the shirt off his back to help his fellow man! No workers Comp, just great friends and family that are giving the shirt back to help this phenominal family that never asks for help. God bless brother! "

Mike Ready wrote on Aug 21, 2007 7:10 PM:

" To Dang, I did not ask for the publicity but someone let the Pantagraph know I had my first sale since the accident. The Pantagraph was nice enough to do a story on me and although I believe there are more important stories out there, like Men and Women serving our Country, being an ex-military man I do believe that is more important, the Pantagraph also likes to write good hearted stories. I believe I am one. Since the accident my wife must work full-time, take care of the kids, take care of me and take care of the household. I did not and will not receive workman's comp or any money from any brokers. The only money we received was from the wonderful benefit and we used that money to buy the equipment and the van we needed. I would like to thank EVERYONE for the wonderful support since the accident. "

Chris wrote on Aug 21, 2007 1:19 PM:

" Yet another example of how a disability does not end a life, but becomes a new beginning. It's good to see this story combat the stereotypes we see in the media and movies such as "Million Dollar Bigot, er, Baby" where the "heroe's" life is ended because she's now disabled. Well done, Mike, and well done, Pantagraph! "

To Mike ;-) wrote on Aug 21, 2007 1:16 PM:

" You don't know me but I heard about your accident when it happened and the tragic details of you lying there until someone came for help. My heart was grieved and deeply moved for you and your family. I prayed to the Lord for you. I had always wondered what ever came of the situation and so glad to hear how well you are doing. Praise God! "

Windy here wrote on Aug 21, 2007 1:04 PM:

" Good luck to you Mr. Ready. You are an inspiration. I didin't sleep well last night and I feel crabby today. I will shut my mouth and go about my day......it is a good day-I don't have any problems. "

For Better or Worse wrote on Aug 21, 2007 11:35 AM:

" This mans wife and children deserve a lot of credit. Their lives were also turned upside down with the accident. Their continued dedication and support will be essential to any recovery, or continued job success. "

Hi, Mike~~ wrote on Aug 21, 2007 11:11 AM:

" May you sell many more homes! :) "

fellow Snyder employee wrote on Aug 21, 2007 11:09 AM:

" Awesome article!! Nice to see you back @ it Mike!! "

to Dang wrote on Aug 21, 2007 11:08 AM:

" As a real estate agent, he is an independent contractor and not covered under wc. No wc claim was filed on his behealf. "

Mike wrote on Aug 21, 2007 10:07 AM:

" I don't know Mike except through the stories I've seen in the Pantagraph, but it seems to me he can accomplish anything he sets his mind to! "

Kent Dorfman wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:28 AM:

" Er... to "dang": I once complained that I didn't have any shoes - until the day I met a man who had no feet... Be quiet! "

All the Best wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:25 AM:

" Coming back from injuries that would have utterly ruined an average person's life is cause for congratulation and celebrity. The accident should never have happened but what an attitude- to see it as a "wake-up call" that he was working too hard. As I said, all the best, Mike. "

Le Roy Citizen wrote on Aug 21, 2007 7:07 AM: wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:14 AM:

" He is doing fine. I think he ownes and runs his own lawn care business "

Chelly wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:14 AM:

" Congrats Mike! I have been following the story here in the Pantagraph for almost 2 years and am awed by your recovery. I can only imagine the elation you felt being able to close your first property on your own since the accident. Keep up the great progress. "

Hey Mike wrote on Aug 21, 2007 8:58 AM:

" It's Ken from Vegas. Mike and I started out together at Prudential. Glad to hear he is doing good and getting back into the swing of things. Keep going Mike, enjoy life! "

Illini Bloomer wrote on Aug 21, 2007 8:49 AM:

" Mike, best wishes for a full recovery. Your determination and work ethic before and after your fall is INSPIRATIONAL! I hope your career is back in full swing soon. May God continue to be with you. "

What a great guy! wrote on Aug 21, 2007 8:32 AM:

" It's great to see that you are doing good. You have been down a long road and have made an amazing recovery thus far. Most would just give up. But you didn't. I think of you as a great role model in our community here in LeRoy. This goes to show our youth that if life throws you a lemon, you make lemonde. Congratulations, Mike. If anybody deserves this, you do!!! "

Good Luck wrote on Aug 21, 2007 8:26 AM:

" I can't believe it's been almost two years since I first read about this. I wish the Ready family much luck in the future. "

hey dang wrote on Aug 21, 2007 8:23 AM:

" is correct. depending on the circumstances of his fall, i believe that a broker somewhere is footing the bills. None the less, i still would never want to see thi happen to anyone. "

...... wrote on Aug 21, 2007 8:10 AM:

" I think there alot of people who may read this story and admire his work ethic and some of them should take notice and ask themselves why they don't have it. "

To dang wrote on Aug 21, 2007 8:02 AM:

" What comes around goes around. It would be poetic justice if you would be seriously injured in an accident covered by workers' comp...yet were set for life financially. Naturally, I don't wish that on you. My guess is you did not realize how your comment was going to come across until you saw it in print. "

Jackie wrote on Aug 21, 2007 7:38 AM:

" Not everyone wants to be dependent on Worker's comp. Some people want a life and be able to support a family. To Mr. Ready you are a inspration to many people. Good Luck in all you do. Best of luck in your bright future. "

Le Roy Citizen wrote on Aug 21, 2007 7:07 AM:

" It is nice to see that Mike is back at work after his fall. Hope he does well through the rest of his working days. Question does anyone know what has happened to the Le Roy firemen or ambulance man that fell out on the interstate. All I ever heard was he fell at a bridge and was hurt bad. Is he okay or where is he. The Pantagraph has never said anything about him or I missed it. "

He is wrote on Aug 21, 2007 6:47 AM:

" truely the " be like Mike " man ! "

To Dang: wrote on Aug 21, 2007 6:42 AM:

" Is that all you can think about. This man will never be able to walk again. I think the value of walking is far more important then being set for life thorugh worker's comp. Congrats to Mike on returning to work. That's a hard working person, which we need more people like him in our community. "

Mother of 2 wrote on Aug 21, 2007 6:34 AM:

" I met Mike and his awesome family a couple of years ago at the office I work at. They are all amazing people with a great sense of humor and love for life. They should be an inspiration to us all! "

Hey Dang, etc wrote on Aug 21, 2007 6:00 AM:

" as a real estate agent you are an independent contractor - therefore, no worker's comp. This man is obviously not just sitting back and collecting the dough. "

Judi wrote on Aug 21, 2007 2:18 AM:

" I am very impressed how you are not allowing your accident to stop you from working. God bless you, and I do think it was God's way of telling you to take time to smell the roses. The very best to you and your family. You cannot keep a good man down. "

All The Best wrote on Aug 21, 2007 12:31 AM:

" to a great guy! Congrats Mike! Miss you out on the ball diamond telling the umpire the mound was crooked, even though it wasn't! It gave your pitcher a needed break. Great coaching move! Good luck in the future. "

I've very happy to see. wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:49 PM:

" you back at work, Mike. I don't know you, but I know your inlaws very, very well and remember when your wife was born. I wish the very best for you. I know your family on Bobbi's side is the greatest and that you can count on them and many friends to give you the help if you need it and want it. God Bless. "

Wow wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:43 PM:

" Keep it up I hope you get alot of well deserved work from this article "

To Dang: wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:38 PM:

" This man's life will never be the same. You can not put a price on your health and mobility. Most workers comp settlements are not the "jackpot" many assume they are. Good for him for having such a positive attitude and going back to his career. More power to Mr. Ready and God Bless him! "

To dang idiot wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:37 PM:

" I would think he would rather walk thur life rather than set thur life and probably give up any financial gain for the use of his legs again. "

Old Classmate wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:29 PM:

" This is absolutely awesome...if anyone can bounce back from this and drive on as Mike Ready has....it is Mike Ready. This man is a true inspiration to all of us. Keep up the good work Mike...If I need a home in the future, you will be the first one I call !! "

Hang in there wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:51 PM:

" This a great story. Truly inspirational. I hope someday his legs will be restored. Hang in there. "

dang wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:17 PM:

" talk about workers' comp. this guy's set for life. "
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