Life’s events, though sometimes unclear in the moment, often pave the way for positive outcomes or personal growth—especially when met with perseverance and preparation. Challenges that may initially seem like setbacks can become sources of strength, offering valuable lessons that shape both personal and professional resilience. This idea of purposeful adversity aligns closely with the experiences of Roger Duque.
His journey toward success was not without obstacles. Early on, he expressed an interest in becoming a Realtor, but what ultimately distinguished his career was how he navigated those initial hurdles. Through determination and the support of a dedicated staff, he built a reputation for consistently exceeding goals. His story stands as an example of how resilience, preparation, and a willingness to learn from adversity can lead to meaningful achievements.
Roger attended Johnston and Wales University and while studying business administration, he became interested in Real Estate—envisioning a future where he could set his own hours and be his own boss.
“I assumed becoming a realtor meant creating my own schedule, hours and becoming my own boss,” he reflected. “While I do create my own schedule for marketing and administrative work, I am really on the client’s time, not particularly mine, and so that was an initial adjustment.”
Just as he was beginning to explore and learn about the realities of the Real Estate industry, life threw him a major curveball and his hopes and dreams came to a sudden halt.
In 2009, Roger learned he would need a kidney transplant. Shortly, thereafter, he relocated to Miami, Florida, to be closer to extended family. and to increase his chances of receiving a transplant. While focusing on his health, he decided it was then time to pursue Real Estate, and successfully obtain his license. Roger moved back to Rhode Island in 2014, and on October 21, 2015, he underwent a successful kidney transplant—a life-altering event that prompted him to pause and reevaluate his future.
As he recovered, Roger was faced with the question of what direction to take next. The answer, it turned out, lay in something he had always been passionate about. With a renewed sense of purpose and the perspective gained through his challenges, he found his way back to a calling that was more than just a job — it was something that truly inspired him.
After discovering his realtor’s license had lapsed, Roger took action and re-earned it in February 2016, in Rhode Island. He soon joined The Alba Group of RE/MAX Innovations in Providence, where he contributed to one of the top-five performing real estate teams in the state. Under the leadership of Samuel Alba, Roger not only grew professionally, but also gained valuable industry knowledge. His progress did not go unnoticed—fellow realtors began paying attention to his rising success.
In 2022, Ricardo Rodriguez, a well-known realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty in Boston, recognized Roger’s potential when they met at a conference out West. The two stayed in touch after the event, with Ricardo regularly offering advice, sharing industry insights, and encouraging Roger to aim higher in his career.
Roger could never have predicted the life-changing moment that was about to unfold.
“Ricardo began convincing me to work for him, which would have been such an honor,” Duque recalled. “When he first asked, I felt I couldn’t make the leap due to my loyalty to Sam and his brokerage. A year later, Ricardo asked me again. I then spoke with Sam, where he encouraged me to accept Ricardo’s offer. It was definitely bittersweet leaving Sam, but it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
After discussing the offer with his family, Roger decided to switch real estate teams in 2022. This decision marked a new chapter in his career, and it allowed him to align his professional goals with a team that better suited his aspirations. Roger quickly expanded his skill set beyond what he initially knew, mastering new aspects of the business such as reading blueprints, overseeing the construction of multi-unit buildings, and identifying areas for improvement. His career at Coldwell Banker Realty was progressing smoothly, but in the summer of 2024, a twist of fate would unexpectedly change the course of his journey once again.
Eddy Grijalva, a realtor at Coldwell, was in need of a mentor, and after some persuasion, Roger agreed to take on the role. Roger found similarities between Eddy’s journey and his own, recognizing that both were at a crossroads. During their conversations, Eddy expressed personal dissatisfaction with his brokerage and considered moving to another agency. At one point, Eddy suggested that Roger start his own Team, The Duque Group. Initially, Roger laughed off the idea, but as he reflected more on it, he began to see the value of going independent rather than remaining part of a larger team. This conversation ultimately set the stage for Roger’s life-changing decision to forge his own path in the industry.
This decision paved the way for Roger to amicably part ways with Ricardo Rodriguez and Coldwell Banker Realty, embarking on his solo journey with Compass Realty, on July 31, 2024.
Compass Realty specializes in residential real estate, assisting clients with buying and selling homes, while also working with flippers, investors, and more. For sellers, Roger helps homeowners with photos, staging, and pricing strategies to ensure a successful sale—what he refers to as “list to last.” For buyers, he focuses on understanding the market and finding the best locations and deals, particularly in a time when the market isn’t yet balanced. Relying mainly on word-of-mouth referrals, Roger prides himself on delivering exceptional service, which has earned him repeat business from satisfied clients.
Compass – The Duque Group office is located at 369 S. Main Street in Providence, RI. Further details may be found by contacting the office at (856) 267-5496, or visit their website at https://www.compass.com/agents/roger-duque/.
