On American Businesswoman Day, we celebrate the achievements of business women across the country. We especially want to recognize the tenacity, dedication, and perseverance of women Realtors® - whether they run their own brokerage, are the broker of record for their offices, or the managers of their offices, these women are incredible leaders in their communities!
To celebrate American Businesswoman day we chatted with a few of our trailblazing women members about their experiences as Realtors®, as well as their advice to future leaders!
Wendy Emler
Broker of Record, Century 21 Northland Realty
Fairmont, MN
- What is the best part about your job?
I absolutely LOVE that we help make dreams come true for people! The smiles and emotion in this business is amazing! So, it’s the people!
- What contributed most to your success?
I would say the mentors in my life - family, friends, and past bosses that I have had! I also have had amazing teachers giving me advice, including the late broker I bought the business from.
- What advice would you give future leaders?
SMILE, work hard, always be yourself, and know that every situation is different, so treat people how you would like to be treated!
Wendy Giles
Office Manager, RE/Max Bemidji
Bemidji, MN
What is the best part about your job?
There is more than one best part to this job. First, there are never two days alike. It keeps me on my toes and continues to challenge my mind. The other is a feeling of a euphoric adrenaline rush by being able to serve my clients & help them make good real estate decisions.
What contributed most to your success?
The biggest contributor to my success would be my parents who are also Realtors®. They welcomed me into their real estate world, mentored and challenged me to build a business that fit me. Growing up in the business, I would have never guessed that I’d end up in real estate, however, after 18 years, it was a great decision for my family.
What advice would you give future leaders?
It isn’t easy being in the service industry without a regular paycheck or an unknown future. So, the first piece of advice I remember getting was to keep a mindset that it’s a privilege to go to work and no one forces you to do this job. Second piece of advice is to never give anyone the authority to change your attitude - this reminds me to keep my emotions balanced & in check. Third, maintain a healthy work & home life balance - this is a daily struggle for me. Lastly, and the best advice I would give: research, brainstorm, and preview/show homes EVERY DAY so you know what the inventory is. This will allow you to describe the inventory firsthand to your clients. The benefits of this every day exercise is that you will never be bored and you will realize there is never a point where you know it all or have it all figured out.
Sharry Schmid
President, Edina Realty
Edina, MN
What is the best part about your job?
Our people and our company culture. When I look at the amount of people who have been here for 10 years or longer – nearly half of all agents and employees—as well as those who leave and then come back, I’m convinced we’re doing a lot of things right. Many said they feel like they’re coming home. Overall, we have a very supportive culture where everyone is pulling for each other and focused on innovation.
What contributed most to your success?
Over the years, I’ve had great teachers and leaders. They’ve taught me the business, have let me learn my own lessons and have guided and supported me along the way.
What advice would you give future leaders?
Listen. Try not to get defensive. Consider things from another perspective, and don’t shut down communication. Have humility and check your ego at the door. When you do feel defensive or upset, take a minute to peel back the layers and really think about why that is and then move past it.
Brenda Tushaus
CEO, RE/Max Results
Eden Prairie
What is the best part about your job?
There are many parts about my job that I love, but mainly I love the people I work with and I enjoy helping them grow their business and achieve their goals.
What contributed most to your success? A lot of hard work, long hours, and the desire to constantly learn and improve myself.
What advice would you give future leaders? First and most important, you have to get along with others. You cannot lead if others do not like or respect you. Second, you need to have humility. Give credit to others, be a team player, and be receptive to feedback – whether it’s good or bad.