In 1966, after selling his farm and being told by several people, “You ought to be in real estate,” Steven Siracki launched what would become a deeply rooted family business: Siracki Realty.
Today, the business is owned by Steven’s son, Duane Siracki, and operated by Duane’s daughters, Carol Coggins, licensed broker, and Debbie Wolff. The real estate office—located on Kinsman Road in Middlefield, Ohio—was formerly the family home, where Duane and his wife, Shirley, lived for many years.
A Home That Became a Business
Shirley fondly remembers how the home gradually evolved to accommodate the growing business.
“We started out with the office in the breezeway, and then they needed more room. I remember saying, ‘My dining room table stays,’ and guess what—it didn’t,” she laughs.
Shirley even prepared daily sit-down lunches for staff during the early years, while Duane recalls late-night visits from long-distance truck drivers needing to sign papers at odd hours. Flexibility was a must.
Now partially retired and living in Florida for much of the year, Duane and Shirley have turned the former residence into a full-time real estate office, while the family continues to reflect on memories from those early days.
One memorable moment? Shirley once found a confused man sitting in her kitchen who had mistaken their home for a nearby rehab center. “He even put his shoes next to mine by the back door,” recalls Duane.
Generational Involvement in Real Estate
Carol and Debbie, who grew up around real estate, also have fond memories of their beginnings in the business.
“I remember transferring notes from Dad’s scraps of paper into a log, using old rotary phones, and typing on manual typewriters,” says Carol. “Back then, there were no lock boxes—clients had to pick up keys from the office.”
Debbie adds, “I remember sitting at Grandpa Siracki’s desk feeling important because we could play with the markers.”
The family recalls using early copying machines with wet ink and see-through paper rolls. “Dad and I would superimpose house photos onto flyers and personally deliver them to other realtors. Back then, listings were shared in newspapers, and realtors operated on the honor system,” Duane explains.
Today, Siracki Realty operates under the Lake & Geauga Area Association of Realtors, with all three generations—Steven, Duane, and Carol—having served as presidents of the County Board of Realtors. When Duane was president, there were around 200 realtors in the county; by the time Carol led the board, that number had grown to 900.
A Passion for Property Management
Wanting his daughters to gain broader life experiences, Duane encouraged Carol to serve in the U.S. Navy for seven years before she returned to join the company, focusing on property management. Debbie, initially set on another path, joined the business 18 years ago after raising her children and earning her real estate license.
Duane’s interest in property management grew from a heartfelt moment when a young widow came to him in distress over non-paying tenants.
“She was crying and said, ‘Duane, can you help me?’” he recalls. “I sought legal advice and learned everything I could about trust accounts, liability, and tenant law. That’s how it all began.”
Today, Carol and Debbie manage properties across five counties, overseeing everything from residential rentals and farms to commercial and industrial real estate, as well as Homeowners’ and Condo Associations.
A Trusted Real Estate Team in Middlefield, Ohio
With three to four staff members in the office daily, Siracki Realty, LTD offers expert services in the buying, selling, and management of homes, land, farms, investment properties, and more. The team also contracts with trusted local professionals for plumbing, electrical, and maintenance services to support property management clients.
Though Duane hasn’t set a retirement date, he’s confident the business is in good hands. With Carol and Debbie at the helm, the Siracki family legacy in real estate continues to grow, driven by decades of dedication, local knowledge, and personalized service.
Contact Siracki Realty, LTD
📍 16769 Kinsman Rd., Middlefield, OH 44062
📞 440-632-1904
🌐 sirackirealty.com
