S TA KE HOLDE R
CATHY GRIFFETH
A Passion for Real Estate Born in California, Cathy would spend her formative years moving during her childhood. Her father supported the family by selling door to door for Fuller Brush, which necessitated the family’s occasional relocation to other significant markets. He worked his way up to District Manager of half of the United States. In 1969, the family moved south. Georgia would be where she would finish school, explore career opportunities, and marry Roger Griffeth in 1973. Cathy taught special education under the state merit system for a time, but the family became the priority as the children grew older. As the years went on, Cathy was ready to get back to work and owned and managed a gift shop in the Holiday Inn in Decatur, Georgia. It was a new idea, but a popular one. Atlanta would be hosting the Olympic Games in 1996, and tourism and visitors were expected in excess. Cathy’s gift shop caught the attention of the Atlanta Olympic Committee, and she was asked to work in the organization of the Olympic Game Merchandise Processing Center, which she did. Now, empty nesters, Cathy took a sales position with Rich’s Department Store, incorporated into Macy’s. It was there she discovered she enjoyed the challenge of sales and merchandising and how it aligned with her passion for helping people. Cathy worked hard to earn the recognition as the third top salesperson for the well-known cosmetic brand, Lancôme, finishing only behind counter managers from California and New York. During this time, Roger recalled his love for a little known spot along his route as an engineer for Norfolk Southern and purchased a lake property with a friend on Weiss Lake. He liked it so much, he asked Cathy if she would be willing to move to Cedar Bluff. Her question was, what would she do there? Cathy first opened a merchandising outlet in 2004, and later another in Centre along with a furniture store. Then, in 2007, she obtained her real estate license, and she’s been putting people and property together ever since. “If you enjoy what you are 14
doing and take care of people first, your business will come together—if you believe in what you are doing, your business will grow,” she says. Growing her business also involved opening a second office in Centre under Jill Griffin, as the Broker of this great addition. Cathy is very proud of her and the successful team of agents for LakeWeissAlabama.com Real Estate Services. From the beginning, it has been a busy and profitable decision. With sales of 1 million in her first year, Cathy has substantially increased each year since. She has been recognized as the top producer in sales for ten years straight by the Cherokee Realtors Association. This past year, she totaled 19.5 Million in sales. Cathy was awarded the 2020 Cherokee County Hall of Fame Award. Cathy is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and a recipient of the organization’s Spirit Award. She sits on the Board of Directors of the Etowah-Cherokee Board of Realtors, where she also received the 2011 Spirit award. Giving back to the community is very important to Cathy. She joined the Civitan’s upon her move to Cherokee County and later the Rotary Club of Centre, where she currently serves on the Board of Directors. She is active in The Women’s Club of Weiss Lake (past Vice President), Board of Directors of The Children’s Advocacy Center, the 20th Century Club, and the Board of Directors of the Historical Museum. “For a variety of reasons, most property shoppers are looking to relocate or buy a second home. At LakeWeissAlabama.com Real Estate Services, we get inquiries from surrounding towns and all over the country. Their reasons differ, some simply want a slower pace, and others look for their own little “slice of heaven” on our beautiful lake. If you listen to potential buyers and take time to inform them, you can guide them to excellent choices,” Cathy explains. Cathy went on to share, “When our family chose to live on Weiss Lake, it was the best move we have ever made. Every day I live where other people choose to spend vacation time. Remembering the fun of hot summer days, boating, swimming, hiking, biking, birdwatching, and suddenly the weight of the world rolls off your shoulders. It is invaluable, and when people realize that experience can be theirs, too, it’s our job to help them realize their dream for the future.” Cathy’s passion for her sellers and buyers shines through to anyone to whom she speaks. “Real Estate is not just my job. It is my passion. It is rewarding to meet people who are interested in living in Cherokee County. I love knowing that we have what it takes to provide them the opportunity to build their special memories— whether they live here full time or part-time. What a blessing to help people have those happy memories we carry in our hearts.” Visit LakeWeissAlabama.com to view property listings. cherokee-chamber.org
