Meet AJ Ellison | Atlanta Realtor and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with AJ Ellison and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi AJ, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Born and raised on the Westside of Detroit, in the early 90s, as the oldest child of 5, as a black man, and going on to become the first generation college graduate in my family…I had my fair share of challenges to overcome. I actually used to be a hothead and got into trouble a lot because of my surrounding environment but I give props to my parents for doing such an amazing job instilling certain morals and values in me at a young age. The most important thing from my background that still impacts me today is my relationship with God. My parents went to church religiously every Sunday so by default I was also in that environment a lot and that was the foundation of building my own relationship with God. When my mom and dad separated I was 15 years old and had to be the man of the house. That was a pivotal moment in my life and it was the start of me finding myself and figuring out what my purpose in life truly is. Because of my upbringing I decided to start my own nonprofit called Men of God Undertaking Leadership (M.O.G.U.L) Foundation. I want to reach other young men who are facing similar situations that I did growing up and mentor them on how to make it out. The youth is the future and we have to be positive examples for them so they can be the next positive leaders of this world.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Not only am I in the nonprofit industry, but I’m in the real estate industry as well! I received my real estate license for the state of Georgia in January 2020. I help people buy and sell homes in the metro Atlanta area in all price points. I have multiple deals under my belt and I’m just getting started! I love my career because I have the freedom to work as much or as little as I want and the ceiling on how much money I can make is limitless. I also get to network and meet all types of people and I truly enjoy it. Best of all, I get to do it in one of the most vibrant, legendary cities of all time…Atlanta, Georgia.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well I’ve only been living in Atlanta for two years (mostly during the pandemic btw) but Piedmont park is one of my go-to spots so I’ll take them by there because I love nature and long walks. Atlantic station is a nice place to go shopping. I’ve been to the Georgia Aquarium and enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed watching sports and drinking at The Battery. I’ve been to Cascade skating rink as well and had fun. I’ve been to a Medieval Times show which I highly recommend if you’re into shows like Game of Thrones. But there’s still a lot of places and restaurants I still haven’t tried so I’m sure we’ll try some new things as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First I have to thank God for showing me the way, then I have to thank my parents for paving the way for me and always being there…especially my mom who is the strongest person I know. From there I want to shoutout my family on both sides for supporting me through the ups and the downs. Shoutout to my alma-mater, Michigan State University, for taking a chance on me. Shoutout to my fraternity, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. for helping make a man out of me as well. And I also want to shoutout my real estate broker, Jeremy Norman, for believing in me and giving me an opportunity to be great in this real estate industry.

Instagram: a.j.ellison