When I first embarked on my real estate journey 25 years ago, I imagined success would be measured in houses sold, deals closed, and milestones reached. Today, reflecting back, I see that the true measure has little to do with bricks and mortar. It’s the relationships built, the memories shared, and the profound moments experienced alongside extraordinary colleagues that have become my greatest treasures.
One particular memory stands clear and tender. At one of our weekly meetings, a seasoned broker named Bob Saunders, frail and visibly weakened from cancer treatment, stood before us. His voice trembled slightly but his resolve was firm, his message crystal clear: gratitude. He spoke about what it meant to belong to something special—a community rooted in honor, respect, and camaraderie. This moment profoundly shaped my perspective on our industry.
Throughout the years, we’ve lost giants—those who tirelessly transformed our profession from one viewed skeptically into one admired and trusted.
Recently we said goodbye to Tom Harrison, a true legend whose generosity once transformed my own trajectory. Nearly 25 years ago, Tom patiently imparted his wisdom, guiding me on how to effectively showcase one of his rural listings. Not too long ago when I reached out with a personal note for his 80th birthday, it deeply touched me that he responded personally, sharing his warmth, mutual admiration and continued encouragement. His passing is not just a loss of an iconic broker but of a genuinely gracious human being.
In this business, we share each other’s joys and feel each other’s sorrows deeply. Society often paints us as competitors, fighting for a singular spot at “the top.” Yet, within our circle, there exists a profound and genuine connection.
Most recently, my heart has been aching immensely for a former colleague whose infant son passed away tragically. Though she’s left the business, is a new season of life, knowing she is navigating unimaginable grief, I find myself compelled to be with her, wanting to offer comfort in the simplest form—a heartfelt hug. She is such an incredible human, a little sister anyone would be honored to have and to know she is hurting brings tears to my eyes. There is nothing I can do to make this pain go away but still. Reaching out by phone didn’t seem adequate though she was appreciative of my sentiments.
I am immensely grateful to have “grown up” in this remarkable industry, encouraged daily to be my true self while embracing the incredible diversity and richness of my colleagues. Because of these relationships, I’m not only a better broker; I’m a better mother, wife, and friend.
The greatest gifts this career has bestowed upon me are not houses sold, but bonds built, wisdom shared and lives intertwined. It’s through these connections, created while helping people achieve their dreams, build wealth, and strengthen our local economy, that I’ve discovered the deepest purpose and joy of my professional life. Thank you for letting me be “me” and for giving me freedom to be my authentic self even when my transparency was sometimes received with a smidge of shock and awe and maybe even a gasp. I can only hope my contributions to this industry will someday be reflected upon with immense appreciation and maybe even a few laughs consisting of “Do you remember the one time she said…. ?” Yes, I really said that out loud. But come on… You were thinking the same thing. Someone had to say it.
