2024 is officially underway, and as 2024 President of Greater Chattanooga REALTORS, I want to take this opportunity to tell you a bit about myself, what I hope we can take from our past, where we find ourselves currently, and what I hope we bring into the future; 2024 and beyond.
I became a REALTOR in 2006, but my path to get here certainly had many twists and turns. I grew up here in Chattanooga and graduated from Auburn University. After living in California for a bit, a need to be closer to my family brought me back home. I have always had a passion for helping others, and with my background in sociology and psychology, I accepted a position in social services with the State of TN Department of Children’s Services. As I followed my heart in the social services sector for some time, an unpromoted opportunity presented itself to work in the newly launched Outdoor Chattanooga department for the City of Chattanooga. It was during this time that I witnessed how partnerships between the public and private sectors, such as the 21st Century Waterfront Plan, could drastically improve our community and make it a better place. During this time, I also began taking real estate classes at night. I started my real estate career assisting with large land transactions and soon found a calling to shift my focus to the residential side of real estate.
I know what you’re thinking. “Wow, that’s a pretty diverse work history.” It is, but after reflecting on these experiences, I see that no matter where you find yourself, positive things can happen if you’re open to an opportunity, willing to make a change and trust the people you surround yourself with.
Late last year, The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) unveiled Ignite Others. This program spoke to me. It promotes REALTORS “igniting others” by getting involved in different areas to inspire action, make a lasting impact, and shine a light on our community. I especially love this line from NAR: “Together, we shine brighter.”
It’s well-known that we’ve been dealt some heavy blows in the real estate world here in the past few weeks. We recently lost two Greater Chattanooga Realtors® Presidents – Mark Hite (2012 and 2017) and Steven Sharpe (2023). So many in our industry and entire community feel the absence of these dear friends. Putting the two of them next to each other might seem like they didn’t have much in common. But these two giants of our industry were the embodiment of “Igniting Others.” Just ask around. You don’t have to search hard to see that these two leaders served others and gave back in many ways.
If you stop and think about it, real estate is pretty funny. Realtors tend to be competitive by nature, and it can be tempting to focus on yourself and your own business, especially if you’re just starting out. But over my years in real estate, I’ve learned that giving yourself and your energy to others is much more rewarding.
And so this is my focus in the new year and my challenge to others, whether you’re in real estate or not. Take the time to speak a kind word and serve others. Some sayings become cliches, but that doesn’t make them any less true. Just like throwing a rock into a pond, toss some kindness and positivity into your world, and I promise you’ll be delighted at what you see in the ripples.
REALTORS and my colleagues, let’s do our best to serve our community because That’s Who We R®.