How long have you been working in the real estate industry?
30+ years
How did you get into real estate?
After I graduated college with a marketing degree from UW-Whitewater, I started out in retail management, but quickly figured out that wasn’t what I wanted to do forever. I answered an ad in the paper for a Mortgage Processor at Bank of Verona. About two years later I was presented with a great opportunity to run the mortgage department at Middleton Community Bank when they were opening. This was baptism by fire and I learned a lot very quickly. I had a fulfilling career there for about 15 years prior to joining Capitol Bank as the manager of the mortgage department. I am celebrating 15 years with Capitol Bank this month.
What was one of your greatest challenges starting out?
Jumping in at Middleton Community Bank to start a mortgage department from scratch and transitioning to a lender. I only had processing experience, which ended up being a great base for the rest of my career. I asked a lot of questions and used my connections in the industry to learn as much as I could.
What do you enjoy most about working in real estate?
Helping people purchase their new home to make memories.
What is your proudest achievement or favorite memory in real estate?
Being at the closing table with first time home buyers and the excitement of buying their new home.
What advice would you give to someone new to the industry, or someone considering real estate?
This career has so many ups and downs, but at the same time so many opportunities to make a difference. It is a very difficult career, but it is also so rewarding. Expanding your network is very important. You may be involved in organizations with the “competition”, but we can all work together for the betterment of the real estate industry and our customers.
How has being a member of RASCW benefited you?
It has helped me expand my network. Being on the Professional Development Committee has given me the opportunity to put together great educational events in coordination with the Wisconsin Mortgage Bankers Association (WMBA) and the Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR). It is satisfying to see the three organizations collaborate for the good of all of our members.
How are you involved and making a difference in your community?
I am involved with WMBA and will be the state President starting in June. I am also involved in the American Heart Association (AHA), which is near and dear to me. I lost my dad 23 years ago to a heart attack and I have a son who was born with severe congenital heart defects. It is important to me to help the AHA raise money for research. It is amazing to see how far things have come since my son was born almost 24 years ago.
If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, alive or not, who would it be?
My dad. He left us way too young.
Outside of work, what makes you happy?
Traveling to warm weather destinations in the winter and boating in the summer with family and friends.
