Twenty years ago, I was an hourly employee at a theme park, spending most of my time working as a temporary manager but constantly being passed over for promotions. Despite getting excellent feedback from outside vendors and clients, I was stuck - and later learned I was being actively sabotaged by the department head who saw me as a threat.
That frustrating experience taught me something valuable: when you're a strong woman who produces results, not everyone will support your success. But it also set me on the path that led me to become a successful Central Florida Realtor® with Watson Realty Corp.
The Breaking Point
After years of being overlooked despite my performance, I reached my breaking point. I wasn't afraid of working hard - I never have been - but I was tired of having my efforts undermined and my potential limited by someone else's insecurities.
My mom and grandmother were both successful Realtors in South Florida, and I watched my mom loving what she did while I grew increasingly miserable in my corporate role. After some soul searching and hard conversations with my parents, I made a bold decision.
I took a week's "vacation" from my theme park job and completed the pre-licensing class in just 8 days. It was intense, but it was worth it.
From Escaping a Bad Situation to Changing Lives
My motivation has definitely evolved over the past two decades. I went from simply leaving a bad work situation to discovering that I love how what I do affects someone's life. I have the opportunity to help people make decisions about what is usually their most expensive asset.
That shift in perspective changed everything about how I approach this business.
Why I Show Up Differently
Having experienced poor leadership and being undervalued in corporate America, I was determined to do things differently for my clients. That's why I don't show up with a sales pitch - I show up with a business plan.
When I work with sellers, I bring examples of my marketing and show them the actual results that marketing achieved for other clients. When I work with buyers, I walk through everything we negotiate in a sales contract and show them exactly what I do for them throughout the process.
Most Realtors don't have a listing presentation or a buyer presentation. That attention to detail and preparation comes directly from my experience of being let down by poor management.
The Advocacy That Was Missing in My Corporate Life
One of the most important lessons from my theme park experience was learning what it feels like when someone in a position of authority doesn't have your best interests at heart. That's why advocacy is such a core part of how I serve clients today.
I recently had a seller whose transaction turned into an escrow dispute when the buyer's agent failed to meet contract deadlines and didn't respond to the Florida Real Estate Commission's requests. Instead of pushing for a quick resolution to close the deal and move on, I educated my seller about all his options and supported his decision to wait it out.
The result? Not only did he close with a different buyer during the dispute process, but he was also awarded the original buyer's earnest money deposit. By explaining the seller's options and advocating for his best interests, he made an informed decision that benefited him financially.
Building Success Through Service
Today, I average $20 million in annual production, but that success comes from focusing on education and advocacy rather than sales pressure. Whether I'm working with clients in Ocoee where I live, or throughout Central Florida from Orlando to Winter Garden, my approach remains the same.
I specialize in working with first-time homebuyers because I remember what it feels like to be underestimated and overlooked. I love helping people navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives and seeing their excitement when they get the keys to their first home.
I also work extensively with sellers because I understand the importance of having someone in your corner who pays attention to details and fights for your best outcome.
The Difference Experience Makes
That frustrating corporate experience taught me that not all professionals are created equal. Some don't pay close attention to detail, and that becomes evident when you interact with them. Others, like the department head who sabotaged my career, may even work against your best interests.
In real estate, you get what you pay for. When clients choose to work with discount brokers to save on commission, they often end up losing far more in the final outcome. I recently had a seller share that a neighbor who chose a discount broker ended up selling for $15,000 under asking price and giving the buyer $20,000 in concessions - losing $35,000 to save 1% in commission.
Why I Tell Clients to Shop Around
Because of my corporate experience, I actually encourage potential clients to interview multiple Realtors before making their choice. I'm confident in what I bring to the table, and I know that when people compare presentations, track records, and attention to detail, the differences become obvious.
After 20 years of turning a bad corporate experience into a thriving real estate career, I'm passionate about helping Central Florida families make informed decisions about their most important asset. Ready to see what sets my approach apart?