How long have you been working in the real estate industry?
Almost two years.
How did you get into real estate?
I was a middle school math teacher for seven years and was looking for a change. I knew a few Realtors® who worked for Castle Rock Realty and really enjoyed the atmosphere and support. When I reached out with some interest to the owner, she welcomed me with open arms and more support and training than I could have ever asked for. Becoming a Realtor® was the best choice I could have made. I see myself in this industry for many years to come and I can’t wait to continue to grow and learn and evolve with the changes.
What was one of your greatest challenges starting out?
I began my real estate career during a very crazy market. It was overwhelming. I asked a lot of questions to veteran Realtors® and soaked up all the information I could. I eventually developed a process and was able to prioritize and organize my time. I am grateful I started when I did. It gave me tons of experience and made me learn quickly.
What support or advice did you find most helpful when starting out in the industry?
To put the clients’ needs first. People will continue to work with you and refer others if they trust you and know you truly care about their well-being and achieving the end result that will benefit them in the long run.
What do you enjoy most about working in real estate?
I love the flexibility and variety from day to day. No two days are the same! I love meeting new people and figuring out what our common interests are. I can find something in common with just about everyone.
What is your proudest achievement or favorite memory working in real estate?
My first transaction was a vacant lot listed at maybe $34,000. The client was a single dad from Chicago with three boys and they just wanted a place in the woods to come up and camp and tear it up on their dirt bikes. They were so excited to get this property and I was so happy for them. They still use it every chance they get and send me pics from time to time.
What advice would you give to someone new to the industry, or someone considering real estate?
It’s not easy! Be prepared to work. Be prepared to be a problem solver and fixer. Answer the phone, make the call, and have the difficult conversations. Say “yes” as much as you can, but set boundaries for yourself and your family.
How has being a member of RASCW benefited you?
RASCW helps me to stay in the “know” and keep up with relevant topics and challenges in the industry. I benefit from the market updates as well as numerous online resources.
How are you involved and making a difference in your community?
I am a member and volunteer at a local organization called Outdoors Forever. The goal of the organization is to further the younger generation’s interest in wildlife and the outdoors. We organize fundraisers, kid’s day events, hunter’s safety courses and much more. I also volunteer at my church in the children’s ministry, and at my daughter’s school for events throughout the year.
If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, alive or not, who would it be?
I would probably say Derek Jeter. I looked up to him all through my childhood and would love to ask him what drives him and pick his brain as to what he contributes his level of success to.
Outside of work, what makes you happy?
I love the outdoors! And I love winter (sorry). Snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing keep me outside and enjoying the long, cold Wisconsin winter. I also love cooking and menu planning, gardening, and canning and preserving.
