Meet Shawn McAninch

I was born is Des Moines nearly 40 years ago. In 1985, I graduated from East High School and was lured to Simpson College, Indianola, by a nice music scholarship. I graduated from Simpson in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.

I wanted to see the world, without cutting my hair, so after college I sought a job overseas. I landed one with Unitas English Academy in Kofu , Japan, teaching English to kids and adults. This was a wonderful and exciting time in my life. I lived in Japan for nearly a year and a half, and came to truly love it there. This is also where I met my wife, who was also there teaching and from Iowa! (That's right, I had to go half way around the world to meet a nice girl from Iowa.)

I spent a month or so, after leaving Japan, trekking about South East Asia and Australia with my new love DeAnn. I stayed in Perth for a couple of months, scuba diving and laying on the beach, after she went home, but without De, my taste for travel and adventure soon waned. I missed her every second and after coming back to the States, we've never parted.

I am so lucky to have De. She is beautiful, intelligent, and EXTREMELY patient. Together we have two beautiful children.

Connor is in grade school and enjoys TV, music, and "working out" with dad.

Erin is two and enjoys wrestling with her brother and running around the house naked. (That's going to be a problem.)

I have had a varied and interesting working career. I spent many years working for Century Systems in Clive, successfully selling computer networks to small and large companies across Iowa. Later, I headed up their Intersphere Laser Games division where I helped develop and manage distributors of their Lazer X, LaserTag entertainment centers, across the United States and in ten different countries including Mexico and Brazil.

I left Century and Intersphere after eight years to join The Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Federation, later The Greater Des Moines Partnership , as a Vice President of International. There I helped area businesses trade internationally, served as Executive Vice President of the Iowa Foreign Trade Zone Corporation, and served on the board of directors of the International Traders of Iowa.

After two years with the Partnership I decided it was time to fully pursue my life long interest in real estate. DeAnn and I had started buying rental properties a few years earlier. By this time we had eight properties and though there were some tough times, our business was going well. We could both see clearly how positively real estate had affected our lives. I was ready to take it to the next level.

What that meant for me was a total emersion in real estate. I wanted education. I wanted to be privy to new opportunities the moment they were available. I got my real estate license and became a Realtor.

I love being a Realtor! I am continually learning and greatly enjoy the life style.

I have always enjoyed helping people and this is the perfect venue for that. For many, buying a home is the biggest purchase they have ever made. It's not rocket science but it can get tricky and stressful. I get great fulfillment in helping ease the way for my clients. I want them to benefit from my experience, training, and past mistakes.

I work hard to help my clients achieve their goals, whether that is buying the home of their dreams or selling a property, quickly for its maximum value. I strongly believe that success is a by-product of loving service. When you work with me, I work for you . I will always strive to put my clients needs ahead of my own and serve them to the best of my ability.

You might ask, "Yeah, but can you produce?" Absolutely!

In my first year in the business I was nominated for "Rookie of the Year" by the Des Moines Association of Realtors and haves received numerous awards and recognition since. I am also the trainer for RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts and Manager of our new West Des Moines Location. If that doesn't prove to you that I can "walk-the-walk" then check out what some of my clients and associates have to say by clicking here .

Ok enough talk about biz. There is definitely more to life than that so what else is there to Shawn McAninch? When I'm not working with one of my clients, I enjoy life.

I still get together with my old band (the Lotos Eaters) to jam, on a weekly basis. The Lotos Eaters produced two fantastic CDs and though they now longer play live on a regular basis, they still have a following of loyal fans.

I also try to stay fit by working out on a regular basis. I lift weights, run and practice/teach esoteric martial arts and meditation. Other than these activities: I am an avid reader, I enjoy playing with my kids, and taking long walks with my wife.

I enjoy life and I enjoy my work.

•  I have successful working relationships with my clients.  

•  My life experience has prepared me to serve others well.

•  I have a strong foundation in technology and understand how to market and sell in today's diverse, ever changing world.  

•  I have a proven successful track record in sales.

•  My having worked with countless customers and suppliers, as well as being a Des Moines native, has enabled me to build a strong network of associates, people I can call on to help my clients.

Regardless of your real estate needs, you can count on me. I will always strive to exceed your expectations and have fun doing it. Remember, I don't want to be your agent for just one transaction. I want to be your real estate agent for life.