Welcome to my Grand Forks real estate world . I’ve called Grand Forks home for most of my life and where my roots run deep. I’m Josh Tuinder, a local Grand Forks real estate agent with Oxford Realty, and I’d like to share my journey with you. I was born in Phoenix, Arizona, but I became a Grand Forks native when I moved here with my parents in 1985. My parents, Terry and Suzette Tuinder, moved here to start a church called New Life Foursquare Church. Their dedication to community and service inspired my own path, which has been anything but straightforward.
Grand Forks the Early Years and My Education
My educational journey in Grand Forks began at Ben Franklin Elementary. I also went to Shema Elementary (now Riverside Christian School) and Viking Elementary. From there, I went to Schroeder down on the South end, but we moved downtown after 9th grade. I went to Grand Forks Central High School during a time of significant change. My tenure at Central was hmmm how can I put this”challenging”, leading me to complete my education at Community High School. Haha. These formative years shaped my resilience and adaptability traits that have profoundly influenced my career.
Entering the Workforce in Grand Forks
I started working at the young age of 14. From Village Inn to a brief, enlightening stint in construction, I dabbled in various jobs around town. Yet, it was clear early on that I needed a change of scenery and new challenges. This realization propelled me into the Air Force as an Avionics Technician on F-15’s a nod to my Dad’s work in the first F-15 Fighter squadron.
Finding Love and Building a Family
I was able to see a ton of the world while I was in the Air Force from Saudi Arabia to Northern Canada. Alaska to Russia and a two year stint in Okinawa, Japan where I visited all over eastern Asia! It was a blast.
While stationed in Okinawa, I met Madelina, the ridiculously gorgeous Latina who would become my wife. Our chance meeting in my dorm room turned into a lifelong partnership, and we are now proud parents to four incredible children: Trinity, Faith, Selah, and Zeal. We got out of the Air Force and moved back to my home, the place where we could keep our kids safe and live in a calm and peaceful environment, this beautiful city of Grand Forks.
A Career Shift to Grand Forks Real Estate
Life in Grand Forks with a family brought its challenges, especially on a single income. After 19 years of working on the flight line for the University of North Dakota Aerospace department, in July 2021, I kind of stumbled into real estate management for a friend’s 16 rental properties. With no prior experience but plenty of enthusiasm, I quickly found that I loved everything about real estate rom the nuts and bolts of property management to the joy of helping people find their perfect home.
Today, as a licensed real estate agent with Oxford Realty, I bring my unique background and local knowledge to the table, helping clients navigate the Grand Forks real estate market. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring, I’m here to provide insights into our unique community and its properties.
Let’s Connect
If you’re looking for a home in Grand Forks or just want to talk real estate, I’m here to help. Reach out anytime my door is always open to help you find your place in this community I love so dearly. Sign up for my monthly newsletter “Living Legendary in Grand Forks” where I cover everything from Grand Forks real estate, local dining and events, as well as the simpler things of just enjoying the Midwest and what it has to offer! I look forward to hearing from you!
Contact Me:
Call or Text: 701.741.8049
Email: [email protected]
Follow me on Instagram @joshtuinderrealestate
