Mike Thorpe comes to The Agency’s Pasadena office with a steadfast dedication to the needs of his clients and a sharp eye for detail. A former Marine, combat veteran and professionally-trained chef, Mike grew up in La Cañada Flintridge and was introduced to the real estate world at a young age—his mother, Renee Thorpe, has been an agent in the region for more than 30 years (and is also part of The Agency’s Pasadena office). After high school, Mike joined the Marines and later served in Iraq. Upon returning, he channeled his creative spirit and love of food into culinary school, and subsequently became part-owner of a successful catering company. But a love of real estate, passion for building relationships and a desire to provide a more direct service to clients led to his transition to the industry.

“Between being a Marine and a chef, I know what hard work is and am highly mission-oriented—meaning that I am not finished until the job is done,” says Mike, whose discipline and wealth of professional training comes through in his composed, coolheaded demeanor—an ideal approach to the high-pressure situations that can arise during the process of property buying. “I always tell people that there is no need to worry unless you see me worry. I never worry, so everything is going to work out just fine.”

In his spare time, Mike writes (he recently completed a book), continues to cook, loves to travel and supports a number of veterans’ organizations.