Goodrich – Real estate and rock-n-roll may seem a strange mix of occupations, but for local businessman Tim Gossman, the combination is just the right beat.
Gossman, 30, co-owner of local real estate company Direct Properties, said he enjoys hanging out with some of the biggest names in the rock industry at night and selling real estate during the day.
‘That’s what I do, I mix rock-n-roll with real estate,? said Gossman.
The lead singer and front man in ‘Fifth Way,? Gossman said the band has opened in Detroit during national tours for rock bands. On June 13, they opened for ‘Saliva.? The band has also opened for ‘Motley Crue,? Bret Michaels during his ‘Rock of Love? tour, ‘Alter Bridge? and Ozzy Osbourne’s lead guitarist, Zakk Wylde.
It is this kind of rock music that Gossman said he is most familiar with.
‘That’s what I grew up listening to, all of the 80s rock groups? ‘Poison,? ‘Motley Crue,? ‘Pearl Jam? was my favorite, I loved it all.?
With no formal lessons in voice, piano or guitar, Gossman said it wasn’t until he picked up a guitar during his senior year at Central Michigan University when he realized music would become his greatest passion. ‘That’s how it all started, I put a band together with some of my roommates.?
Gossman said singing and playing guitar in front of thousands of people is awesome.
‘It’s a rush being on stage. I write the music and the lyrics, so when people pick up on your music, it’s exciting,? he said.
However, Gossman said he had to take a few years off from the rock world when he realized he was getting wrapped up in some things he shouldn’t.
‘I have seen some pretty crazy things, I had to back out for awhile,? he said.
Cutting a record right now, Gossman said ‘Fifth Way? is recording at ‘Rustbelt Studios? in Royal Oak. Even though Gossman thinks of music as his hobby, he said he still enjoys thinking about the ‘what ifs.?
‘It would be great to become recognized by a major record label and be offered a contract we couldn’t refuse,? he said. ‘We have been approached before by record producers, but we are waiting for the right opportunity.?
With a major in advertising and accounting in college, Gossman said he thought being in real estate would be a great way to pay his way through law school. Gossman said when he realized how much he enjoyed the industry, he dropped the idea of becoming a lawyer and started Direct Properties.
‘That’s why I am at Direct Properties, I fell in love with doing something different every day,? he said. ‘The negotiation process is especially exciting. I enjoy helping people realize their dreams.?
The phones, Gossman said, are starting to ring again. ‘We really like our new location on Hegel Road next to Cranberries,? he said. ‘We get a lot more walk-in traffic. Even though most of the properties we are moving are bank-owned properties, at least they are moving.?
Gossman said it’s a great time to buy. ‘People can get a lot for their money right now if they have the ability to buy. Stop by the office and say hello. We love it when people come by to talk.?