Michael Palermo

My interest in real estate began shortly after graduating high school, when I enrolled in junior college and later transferred to the University of Houston. While taking real estate courses alongside core business classes, I quickly realized this was the career I wanted to pursue. However, I was drafted into the Army in 1968. Everything was put on hold. I got married and had 2 children at that time and felt real estate had to be put on hold. I obtained my real estate license in Houston, Texas in 1989 and began my career selling homes until 2003. I moved to Texas got my broker’s license and began selling homes in the Denver and surrounding area. During that time, I opened my first Michelangelo’s coffee and wine bar cafe. My wife Paula and I decided not to stay in Colorado and moved to Norman. I opened a second Michelangelo’s here in Norman, operated it until 2017.  It looked like it was time to retire, but no I got my 3RD real estate license. In November 2022, I joined Dillard Cies, and it has been one of the best professional decisions of my career. The professionalism, organization, and support provided by the owner and staff surpasses anything I’ve experienced in my years in the industry. Advice I share with both young and seasoned professionals: never let the news, the stock market, or politics dictate your success in real estate. Get out there, talk to people, build relationships and be honest—and the business will follow. My hobbies include 14 grandchildren, golf, lawn work, golf, cooking and did I mention golf?