If you know Ryan Nardolillo, you know he loves to make people smile. The 38-year-old born and raised Cranstonian is now embarking on a new career in real estate where he hopes to serve individuals in a new way.

Nardolillo, whose family established the Nardolillo Funeral Home in 1906, has worked in the family business for the past 20 years. He is now starting a new chapter as a realtor for the Century 21 Luxe Property Group.

Nardolillo made the announcement on Jan. 6 when sharing a video via social media. Since then, people have reached out to him about taking the leap from the funeral business to real estate – saying they were inspired by his decision and rooting for him. Nardolillo was emotionally overwhelmed by the support.

“It took a lot of soul searching to make the leap because I’m leaving a longtime career, and I’m entering the unknown,” said Nardolillo. “I’m doing it because I want to do it, and because I believe in the industry that I’m going in that I can continue helping and serving people.”

Nardolillo attended the Real Estate Institute of Rhode Island and passed the real estate board exam; he is a member of the Greater Providence Board of Realtors and National Board of Realtors, and his office is in the Hanley building in downtown Providence. He will begin serving clients immediately residentially and commercially with the firm.

Serving people is what drew Nardolillo to a career in real estate.

“It’s all about people to me,” Nardolillo said. “I’m going to be able to still guide individuals and families through an emotional process.”

The job allows him to travel and be versatile. He said in the real estate business, people are either making the biggest purchase of their life or they’re selling a home that has emotional memories attached. He then gets to put people in a place where they are happy.

“It’s an emotional industry where I feel like I’m of value to guide these people through another big event in their life,” Nardolillo said.

He suggested individuals follow their dreams because it’s very easy to get caught up with day-to-day comfortability. The Coventry resident said he is of the mindset of if you are being true to yourself, then you’re going to be great at what you do.

Nardolillo will continue to be active in the community. He is currently serving his third term as Vice President of the St. Mary’s Feast Society and his first term as Vice President for Cranston Cares. He takes pride in his keen attention to detail and continues to strive for the highest level of professionalism.

Nardolillo enjoyed the funeral business and took pride in his work; his family will actively continue the family name and legacy in the funeral business.

“I’m proud of them for continuing to be funeral directors and continuing to serve our community in death care and wish them the best of luck in continuing our family legacy and family name in that industry, and I hope to continue our family legacy by carrying our last name proudly into this new endeavor and servicing people in a different way,” Nardolillo said.

Individuals looking for help in buying or selling a home can contact Nardolillo at 401-639-0921 or at Ryan@Century21Luxe.com. His website is ryannardolillo.c21limitless.com.