Jim Kaiser, a commercial real estate advisor with eXp Commercial in Missouri, has faced challenges that would test the limits of anyone’s resilience. Through determination, humor, faith and an unyielding spirit, he has not only continued to thrive in his career but has also embarked on an unexpected journey toward the Paralympics.
His Journey to eXp Commercial
Equipped with an MBA from St. Louis University, Jim has built a successful 30-plus-year career in commercial real estate, focusing on fostering long-term relationships and delivering value to his clients. After holding leadership roles at prominent firms, including serving as a national director of a brokerage, Jim joined eXp Commercial in August 2024.
As the founder of Commercial Advisors International (CAI), a sub-entity within eXp Commercial Jim is building a team of brokers who prioritize ethics, professionalism, and collaboration.
“My focus is always on building relationships,” Jim shared. “People do business with those they know and trust, and eXp offers a supportive, authentic environment that aligns with those values.”
Living with Multiple Sclerosis
While Jim’s professional success is remarkable, his personal resilience has defined his journey. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at 34, he endured a grueling year-and-a-half of misdiagnoses and worsening symptoms. Doctors told him he might never walk again, but Jim refused to accept that prognosis.
“I thought to myself, I can’t do this to my wife or to myself,” he recalled. Determined to defy expectations, he worked toward rebuilding himself physically and mentally for 18 months with a lofty goal of going glacier hiking in Alaska – a dream he made a reality despite skepticism from others.
“Just because you have an affliction doesn’t mean you are the affliction,” Jim explained. “I have MS, but MS does not have me.”
Managing MS has required discipline and resilience. From adhering to a gluten-free diet due to celiac disease to coping with nightly muscle spasms, Jim has remained steadfast in prioritizing his health. For him, exercise has been a lifeline – not just physically but mentally, helping him stay strong in the face of adversity.
A Near-Death Experience
Jim’s journey took another unexpected turn in 2021 when he faced a life-threatening health crisis. After a vacation and hiking trip in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado left him struggling to “walk six feet in the mountains,” a visit to a local CVS in St. Louis revealed an alarming blood pressure reading over 200 – a result of three critical blockages in his heart. He underwent three heart surgeries over three non-consecutive days, the last one of which required a surgeon to postpone a family trip to Hawaii to save Jim’s life by doing heart bypass surgery.
“That surgeon gave my kids their dad back. I’ll never forget that,” Jim said, reflecting on the experience with gratitude.
A New Challenge: Paralympic Weightlifting and Paraclimbing
Determined to reclaim his strength after his heart surgeries, Jim joined a local gym, House of Pain. His dedication caught the attention of a fellow member and eventually a trainer, Cam Hesse (CPT), who encouraged him to compete through the Disabled Athlete Sports Association (DASA) in St. Louis, with the potential to compete in the Paralympics powerlifting event.
Photos above: Jim is working toward potentially competing in the Paralympics in Los Angeles in rock climbing and powerlifting under the guidance of his House of Pain trainer, Cam Hesse.
“Jim is the perfect example of a leader. He has the heart of a warrior and everyone can view him as someone to look up to, including myself. I always tell Jim that the journey is as important as the destination,” said Cam.
Initially hesitant, Jim decided to embrace the challenge. Working with trainers, he is working towards qualifying for the Paralympic training program, with his first weightlifting competition set for May 16, 2025 in St. Louis.
But Jim’s journey doesn’t stop there. Because of his upper body strength and experience in rock climbing and rappelling, he will also work towards qualifying to compete in the new Paraclimbing event at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics.
At 57, Jim is aware of the unique challenges he faces competing against younger athletes, but he remains undaunted. “It’s terrifying and exciting at the same time,” he admitted. The average age of a Paralympian is 18-30. I am more than twice that age.”
An Adventurous Spirit
Jim’s love for adventure extends beyond his athletic pursuits. A passionate traveler, he has visited five continents and has plans to explore Antarctica and Africa, completing his goal of visiting all seven continents.
Recently, Jim, his wife and two children embarked on a journey to Greenland, Iceland, and Nova Scotia, hiking volcanoes and cruising the Arctic Circle.
“We tell our kids that we may not leave them money, but we’ll leave them memories,” Jim said, smiling.
“I am blessed with an incredible, beautiful and strong wife, Sandy, for the last 28 years. Sandy along with our children Luke and Sophia are my “rocks” and sources of strength. I was very fortunate to grow up in a loving family. My parents were always extremely supportive and encouraged my siblings Max, Mary, Tom and I to ‘go outside your comfort zone and push yourself.’
“I am blessed with wonderful siblings and extended family and long-time friends. Ultimately, it is my strong faith that helps me get through those really difficult challenges.”
Inspiring Others
Whether mentoring newly diagnosed MS patients, leading his team at eXp Commercial, or preparing for the Paralympics, Jim is a beacon of resilience and hope. His story reminds others that life’s greatest challenges can often become its most rewarding journeys.
“Life is about the journey,” he said. “It’s not how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get back up.” Which is what his mother always told him.
Jim and his trainer, Cam, are working on a book with that title, which should be released later this year. It will be motivational and inspirational with stories and lessons about overcoming challenges and thriving. You can follow Jim’s journey on Instagram @journeytopsdestination.
Also, if you would like to contact Jim because you were newly diagnosed with MS and have concerns, send him an email: [email protected]
