The unconventional path to success

My name is Luke Durkee, and I am proudly from Rhinelander, Wisconsin, where I graduated from Rhinelander High School in the class of 2013. My journey has been anything but standard, shaped by a series of choices and experiences that have led me to where I am today.

Before I finished high school, I joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard as a member of the 32nd Infantry Brigade. This decision marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in my life. In 2019, I had the honor of serving on a combat deployment to Afghanistan — an experience that deepened my appreciation for resilience, teamwork, and the value of community.

Coming out of high school in 2013, after returning from basic training, I ultimately decided that college just wasn’t for me. I chose to join the workforce and began working shift work at Packaging Corporation of America in Tomahawk, where I worked for nine years. I worked my way up, gaining understanding and training as an operator on the number 2 paper machine.

After returning home from deployment in 2019, I ventured deeper into the world of real estate, becoming a real estate broker with Redman Realty Group. Alongside this, I proudly own two additional businesses: Red Arrow Rental and Durkee Builders. The path I’ve taken wasn’t one I had mapped out in advance; rather, it was the culmination of lessons learned and passions discovered through my high school experiences.

Reflecting on my time at Rhinelander High School, I realize that the classes that most profoundly influenced my journey were not the traditional academic subjects but rather Tech Education and Money Management. 

The hands-on skills I gained in building and shop classes proved invaluable when I embarked on my first major project: buying a fixer-upper at the age of 20. Those lessons in woodworking, construction, and problem-solving equipped me to tackle the challenges of home renovation head-on.

Moreover, Mr. Kubeny’s Money Management class taught me essential financial literacy skills, allowing me to create budgets and understand the importance of tracking expenses. These lessons became the foundation for my financial decisions as I navigated homeownership.

After successfully renovating my own home, I discovered a passion for real estate that I never knew existed. I immersed myself in reading and researching rental properties, and in 2017, I took the plunge and purchased my first rental property. The skills I learned in high school came to life as I maintained and improved my investments, paving the way for the growth of Red Arrow Rental, which now proudly owns over 20 local rental units.

In 2022, I took a bold step and flipped my first auction property, further solidifying my commitment to real estate. The journey didn’t stop there. I pursued my general contractor license and undertook a full home build. This endeavor involved collaborating with skilled professionals in the community, from framers to electricians, and each interaction enriched my understanding of the construction process, using all the skills I started to develop while at RHS.

Today, I can confidently say that I have crafted the life I always dreamed of, surrounded by my family in our hometown. My work in real estate allows me to invest in, buy, and sell properties while helping others achieve their own homeownership dreams. Each day, I wake up excited to do what I love, and that fulfillment is what makes my journey all the more special.

To students navigating their own paths, I offer this advice: Seek out mentors who are in the roles you aspire to. Ask them questions, learn from their mistakes, and absorb their wisdom. Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, and it’s OK if yours takes longer than others. The only expiration dates on your dreams are the ones you impose on them. Embrace your journey, and let your passions guide you to a fulfilling life.

In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams, even if it’s right here in Hodag Nation, and to find joy in every step of their journey.