How long have you been working in the real estate industry?
4 years
How did you get into real estate?
I grew up watching my father build luxury brick homes and always found myself curious about everything that went into the design and building process. Building on my interest in the industry, I chose to attend the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where I majored in Finance with an emphasis in real estate. I then spent the next few years working in customer service, when I was approached by a property management company to start leasing for them as well as become a licensed agent under their brokerage. I eventually found myself managing around 1,500 residential and commercial units across Southern Wisconsin while also working with investors and renters to buy and sell real estate. I now serve as HomeTeam4 u’s Sales & Growth Manager where I oversee the recruitment, training and coaching of our agents.
What was one of your greatest challenges starting out?
One of the greatest challenges I had starting out was building a consistent and reliable client base. Without an established reputation, it can be difficult to attract clients who are willing to trust you with their real estate transactions. To overcome this challenge, I chose to get involved and ramp up networking efforts! I also chose to specialize in investment properties – I found that specializing in a niche market helped me to stand out in my area.
What support or advice did you find most helpful when starting out in the industry?
It’s not always about the money! If you are truly passionate about being a part of the industry and always doing your best to come from a place of help when working with your clients or peers, the money will come naturally. Always put your clients interests first and you’ll do just fine.
What do you enjoy most about working in real estate?
Honestly, helping people. People deserve to be represented and advocated for with their best interests put ahead of any personal feelings or beliefs. The most rewarding thing in this industry is watching someone cross the finish line knowing that you helped them to get there. I took my current position knowing that I would be able to help so many lives in our area through the training and coaching of the agents on our team and giving them the tools and knowledge that I felt that I didn’t have access to when I started out in real estate.
What is your proudest achievement or favorite memory in real estate?
My proudest moment was the day my first listing closed. It was the first ever deal that I had worked on and needless to say, it taught me a lot. The property was a single family, tenant occupied, investment property owned by a very busy commercial airline pilot. It seemed to keep throwing me curve balls, from not being able to get in touch with the seller, as he was currently 30,000 feet above another country, to some very surprising information on an inspection report leading to my very first CAMR. I kept on pushing and seeing the buyer’s face when she got the keys to her new home on closing day made it all worth it in the end. I knew that I had chosen the right career path. A copy of my commission check sits framed on my desk to this day.
What advice would you give to someone new to the industry, or someone considering real estate?
Prioritize education and continuous learning, and find a team or brokerage that supports these ideals. The real estate market continues to change and having the willingness to continuously learn will set you apart from others.
How has being a member of RASCW benefited you?
I will refer back to the importance of education. RASCW does such a good job informing and educating myself and other members. It truly allows me to stay on top of everything in the industry and provides a wealth of knowledge and resources.
How are you involved and making a difference in your community?
As a lifelong resident of Milton, I am the youngest member to have held elected office as a city council alderperson, I have sat on many community committees and commissions including the Historic Preservation Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission, and have been an ambassador for my local chamber of commerce.
If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, alive or not, who would it be?
Arnold Palmer.
Outside of work, what makes you happy?
When I am not working, you can find me enjoying all the great things Wisconsin has to offer. I enjoy riding my Harley, am an avid golfer, and love to spend time on the lake and enjoy local wineries and supper clubs with family and friends. I also enjoy traveling to Florida.
