About Tim

Meet TIM

Founder, Ornell Group Real Estate
Northern Suburbs Waterfront & Luxury Specialist

Tim Ornell leads Ornell Group Real Estate with a blend of lakefront expertise, deep community understanding, and a steady, values-driven approach. After years of exploring different areas of real estate, Tim found clarity when he and his wife, Michelle, moved their family to a northern-suburbs lake. That experience reshaped the direction of his work and grounded his commitment to helping families make thoughtful, long-term decisions about where they live.

Tim is known for his ability to identify off-market opportunities in some of the most competitive lakeshore markets in the Twin Cities. His long-standing relationships within northern-suburb communities allow him to anticipate upcoming inventory, uncover quiet opportunities for buyers, and guide sellers with precision and preparation.

Clients value Tim for his calm leadership, sharp analysis, and deep knowledge of shoreline characteristics, water clarity trends, architectural patterns, and neighborhood dynamics. He operates on simple but steady principles: honesty, clear communication, and continual improvement. To Tim, success is measured not in numbers, but in the families who would confidently recommend him to the people they care about.

Tim has represented more than 200 clients and contributed to over $200M in closed sales throughout the northern suburbs. He specializes in lakefront, upper-tier, and relocation-driven real estate, helping clients evaluate lifestyle fit, community alignment, school options, and long-term value.

A graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College, Tim played hockey in the MIAC and carries those lessons of discipline, teamwork, and preparation into his career today. A Minnesota native, he lives on the lake with his wife, Michelle, and their three children. His faith and family shape the foundation of his work and the way he treats people.

When he’s not working with clients, Tim enjoys time on the water, coaching youth sports, and studying architecture, lake data, and the evolving dynamics of Minnesota’s lake communities.

Tim leads the Ornell Group with one belief:
Real estate should be guided by clarity, preparation, and genuine care for the families who trust you.