Aquilino Chaves
COVER STORY
WRITTEN BY ZACH COHEN | PHOTOS BY NESTED TOURS
FROM COLOMBIA TO OKLAHOMA
Growing up in rural Colombia, Aquilino Chaves learned the value of hard work from a young age. Like many children who lived in the countryside of this lush South American country, Aqui worked on the family farm whenever he wasn’t in school. He woke early and learned to be independent and value family and teamwork.
These formative years shaped Aqui into the man he is today. At 17 years old, he enlisted in the Colombian Army. His time in the armed forces allowed him to learn new skills and eventually brought him to the United States.
“Being in the Army, I learned that by studying English, I would have many more opportunities, not only for my military career but also for my future civilian life. So I devoted myself to learning English as a second language at the American-Colombian Center (Centro Colombo Americano).”
Aqui went on to pass the ALCPT test (an English proficiency exam equivalent to the TOEFL). He won the only spot available for a military interchange between the Colombian Army and U.S. Amy. In 1996, he headed to the NCO Academy in Fort Benning, GA, for a temporary assignment.
Along the way, he worked his way up to become a Sergeant Major. In 2002, he returned to the US as the Manager of Contracts at the Colombian Air Force Purchasing Agency in Fort Lauderdale. In 2004, he had the opportunity to become a resident of the United States and moved to Oklahoma to live with relatives.
Beginning Again
Leaving the Army was a difficult decision for Aqui, but he knew that relocating to the US would ultimately be the best choice for him and his family. In Oklahoma, Aqui was faced with a new challenge: beginning again.
Aqui began to take an interest in real estate. As he looked deeper into a profession as a REALTOR®, he realized that hard work and dedication could be well-rewarded. Aqui knew he had the drive and work ethic to succeed.
“I wanted to provide the best path toward a better life for my family.”
Aqui obtained his license in 2006, and so began the second chapter of his professional life.
“I find it interesting how my life comprises two very different halves: 24 years in the Colombian Army and 16 years as a real estate agent in Oklahoma,” he reflects.
Bullshit Cliche Real Estate Stuff
Over the past 16 years, Aqui has achieved tremendous real estate success. He’s now the team leader of the Aqui Chaves Team at Ariston Realty, which includes Rachel Perez, Amy Avalos, and Maria Camila Chaves.
Aqui takes special pride in helping others achieve the American dream. He loves helping families that never even imagined that they could one day own a home.
“That is the best feeling,” he beams.
In real estate, Aqui takes a client-first approach.
“I have built my reputation as a real estate agent who is honest, full of integrity, and hard working. I also aim to provide professional real estate services with a family feel. I prioritize building trust between myself and the people I am helping. Even today, I have past clients whose grown-up children are now coming to me for help in becoming homeowners. I enjoy having long-term connections with my clients and their families. It is truly rewarding.”
Aqui’s approach has been a tremendous success; in 2021, he closed 77 transitions for nearly $14 million.
“I believe my key to succeeding in this business has been using the same principles and values I learned from my parents and family, my rural background, and the discipline I learned from the Army.”
Shaped by His Past
As Aqui reflects on his journey, he taps into a sense of awe. As a younger man, he couldn’t have imagined learning English and moving to the US full time. And yet, here he is. He has a thriving business, which has allowed him to accomplish some of his biggest goals, like seeing his three daughters, Adriana Carolina, Maria Camila, and Amber Melissa, graduate from college.
“The most crucial time in my life was when I became a father; it is a feeling that I cannot describe with words; holding in my arms my little girls, for me, is finding the real love, like God's love for us,” he smiles. “It taught me to take my life more seriously and dream bigger to accomplish the life I wanted to provide for my family. As a result, everything I have ever accomplished is for my family.”
Fun Facts
In his spare time, Aqui enjoys playing guitar and gardening.
