Who is Gerardo Cornejo? 'Lakefront Empire' agent sold his cheapest house to himself
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI: 'Lakefront Empire' is just around the corner! HGTV's latest real estate show will transport audiences to the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, often referred to as the Hamptons of the Midwest due to its popularity as a party destination for countless visitors.
One of the real estate agents featured on HGTV's upcoming show is none other than Gerardo Cornejo, a seasoned Broker from The Cornejo Group, who immigrated to the United States from El Salvador with his family at the age of 7 in the year 1990.
“I grew up on the Pacific Ocean, but I love the lake. This Midwest body of water is amazing. The views, the sunsets, the history behind the lake. There really is no place like it,” Gerardo told HGTV.
The real estate agent who grew up in Southern California further added, "My sister and I were raised in Bellflower, California, and loved every minute of our childhood. We made the absolute best memories."
Gerardo purchased his first property for under $25,000. While having a conversation with HGTV, he revealed how he sold his cheapest house to himself.
“The cheapest house I ever sold was to myself! My wife and I made an incredibly low bid on a house that needed a lot of renovation. We purchased it for $23,000, fixed it up, and then turned it into one of the first short- and long-term rental homes in Jefferson City, Missouri,” he said.
'Lakefront Empire' star Gerardo Cornejo used to play football during college days
During his college years, Gerardo Cornejo who will be soon seen in HGTV's new TV show 'Lakefront Empire' was actively involved in the sport of football.
Remarkably, the Cornejo Group CEO had the incredible opportunity to be recruited not just once, but twice, to play football at the collegiate level.
During an interview with HGTV, Gerardo spilled the beans on his college years and said, “I earned my associates degree from Cerritos Community College in Norwalk, California, after being recruited as a kicker on their football team."
He went on to say, "Then I went on to be the kicker and punter for Lincoln University of Missouri and graduated with a degree in business administration in 2007.”
What is 'Lakefront Empire' star Gerardo Cornejo's big secret?
Gerardo Cornejo recently revealed one of his secrets during the same interview. He stated that despite his limited English skills, he managed to emerge victorious in a first-grade spelling bee competition during his initial year in America.
The 'Lakefront Empire' agent told the network, “I won a first grade spelling bee contest my first year in America, and I barely spoke or read English!”
Is 'Lakefront Empire' star Gerardo Cornejo married?
The answer to the above question is a big yes. Gerardo Cornejo has been married to his wife, Staci Cornejo, for a total of 13 years now. “I’ve been married to my country girl, Staci Cornejo, for 13 years,” Gerardo said.
He further added, "My mother made the move to Missouri in 2013 to be closer to her first grandchild, then my sister Lynda moved here, too, and now she’s a big part of our real estate business. My father’s life tragically ended during COVID. I was blessed to spend 38 years of my life with him.”
Gerardo and his wife Staci share three kids, Irie 10, Jacob 7, and Marlie, 3. When asked about what he always wanted to be in life, Gerardo replied, "Husband. My wife is the most important relationship in my life. Our bond sets the tone for everything.”
Gerardo finds inspiration in his children, who motivate and drive him to be the best version of himself. He added, "They’re hilarious, helpful, respectful, and very intelligent kids. My wife and I are beyond blessed to be their parents.”
'Lakefront Empire' premieres on Monday, March 11, 2024 at 10 pm ET on HGTV.