Grocer to REALTOR®: Dante’s Journey to Financial Freedom Through Self-Direction
Dante Passantino didn’t start out in real estate or financial planning. In fact, his career began in an entirely different world: the grocery business.
Born and raised in Kansas City, Dante is a third-generation retail grocer. After graduating college in 1999, he returned home to join the family business. Over time, he helped grow the company from a two-store operation into a four-location enterprise generating more than $40 million in annual revenue.
But by 2016, it was time for a new chapter. Dante sold the grocery business and pivoted into real estate, founding Passantino Property Partners, a full-service real estate firm. The transition was successful, but managing retirement funds in this new phase of life proved challenging.
“After selling my business, I rolled everything into an IRA managed by a traditional financial planner, but the growth was minimal, and I had little control,” Dante explained. “Every time I wanted to invest in real estate, I was discouraged.”
The Search for Control and Flexibility
Passionate about his financial future and eager to invest in real estate, Dante began exploring more flexible options. His research led him to the Solo 401(k) vehicle; a powerful retirement plan designed for self-employed individuals and small business owners with no employees.
Unlike traditional IRAs, Solo 401(k)s offer higher contribution limits, fewer restrictions, and greater investment freedom, including the ability to invest in real estate, private companies, and other non-traditional assets.
"Once I learned about the higher contribution limits of a Solo 401(k), I started comparing providers,” Dante said. “The first platform I tried wasn’t very robust. But when I connected with IRAR, everything changed—the onboarding process was smooth, and the level of service, transparency, and communication from their team really stood out.”
Investing with Confidence
After opening a Solo 401(k) with IRAR Trust Company, Dante began funding his account and managing it regularly.
“From a user standpoint, the IRAR platform is easy to use,” he shared. “I log in monthly to reconcile accounts and handle tasks. Passantino Property Partners has already made its first investment through the Solo 401(k). I really value the flexibility—it’s even got me thinking about moving more funds from my IRA to continue diversifying.”
Dante’s investment turned from a dream into reality. IRAR helped make it happen, offering not just a platform, but also personalized support. When technical questions came up, Dante said the IRAR team was quick to jump on calls and walk him through everything. IRAR didn’t just provide a platform, they provided personalized support.
“Everyone I’ve worked with at IRAR has been incredibly friendly and helpful,” Dante said. “They helped me understand both the back-office process and the investment rules for the Solo 401(k).”
Why REALTORS® Should Consider a Solo 401(k)
Solo 401(k)s are an ideal solution for REALTORS® and independent professionals looking to take charge of their financial future.
- Unlimited plan participants (owners & spouses)
- High contributions as employee and employer
- Allowed alternative investment options like real estate
- Allowed loan up to $50,000
- And much more!
And there’s another benefit: the Solo 401(k) Auto-Enrollment Credit introduced under the SECURE 2.0 Act. Eligible participants can receive a $500 annual tax credit for up to three years when they establish a qualified plan with auto-enrollment features. Unlike a tax deduction, which reduces taxable income, a tax credit directly lowers your tax liability—providing more impactful savings.
Learn more: The Solo 401(k) Auto-Enrollment Credit You Shouldn't Overlook
“The Solo 401(k) is a great tool for REALTORS®. It lets you invest a significant portion of your income tax-free and use those funds in real estate—the field you already know.” - D. Passantino, REALTOR® & IRAR
Retirement Advice for New Real Estate Agents
When asked what advice he would give to new real estate professionals, Dante emphasized the importance of consistent, tax-advantaged savings:
“Try to put away as much money as you can tax-free each year. And make sure it’s going into a vehicle you understand—whether you’re managing it yourself or working with a fiduciary,” he said. “The key is that if you don’t see the money, you don’t spend it. It quietly grows into a nest egg for your future.”
Key Takeaways
Dante’s story is more than a testimonial, it’s a powerful example of how financial independence, education, and the right platform can help professionals build real wealth on their own terms.
At IRAR, we’re committed to helping small business owners, REALTORS®, and self-employed professionals take control of their financial future—one smart investment at a time.
Want to learn more or amend your plan? Visit IRAR’s Solo 401(k) platform to explore your options.
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