Why I Do What I Do

Why I Do What I Do

From time to time someone will ask me “How did you end up working in real estate?” It’s a fair question given that I have a degree in German Language and Literature (with a minor in Russian) and no immediate family members in this business.

Honestly, I’m not a big believer in fate. I believe that in most instances, we are in control of our own destinies. However, in the case of my real estate career, it seems that a little serendipity may have worked its way into my life.

After graduating college, I spent a year working in accounting for a manufacturing company in Lancaster, PA. I gained a ton of useful business experience and now, looking back, I am grateful for my time there. But I downright dreaded going to work every day. There was no enjoyment in what I did. And I discovered for the first time what an immense impact one's work can have on one’s overall state of being. Once I'd fulfilled my time commitment in that position, I felt an overwhelming urge to get away. Far, far away!

And so I did what seemed to be the natural thing to do. I headed to Albuquerque.

Yes, Albuquerque, New Mexico. I had no family or friends there, no job lined up, no place to live, but I did have enough money in my savings account to keep me going for a couple months along with the resolve simply to go.

Just as strongly as I don’t believe in fate, I do believe in following your heart. So I did, and once in Albuquerque I got straight to work and landed a job with a real estate development company. The company worked on FOR-profit affordable housing projects as well as managed commercial property in both Albuquerque and Santa Fe. It was fascinating. I was fortunate to have an amazing boss who believed in me and took me under her wing, and my time there became an incredible learning experience.

When my husband and I decided to move to Champaign-Urbana IL so that he could go back to school, I signed up for real estate classes before we’d even left Albuquerque. I knew it was the right path for me. And the rest is history…

So the short answer to why I do what I do is this: it’s my passion. And I know I’m lucky to have found mine. I find that I’m constantly thinking about my business, the clients I’m so very fortunate to serve, and how I can have positive impact on the real estate industry. My work is a part of me.