JANUARY
Building strong relationships with fellow Realtors and Affiliates opens doors for business growth
Gemma McClend
What strategies do you use or plan to use to keep updated on the market trends and changes?
To stay up to date on trends and changes, my strategy has been to LEARN, SERVE, and COLLABORATE.
Learn: To become a true professional, we must embrace a mindset of continuous improvement. Asking ourselves, "How can I be better?". Of course by engaging in training, relevant real estate news etc. My biggest challenge is technology and apps. I'm pretty basic and can function but I know I should learn more. Thank goodness for our admin and marketing teams at Century 21, Nicole, Brandy and Nick.
Serve: By engaging with our community and staying connected to local and state Realtor associations, we ensure that we understand the needs of our clients. This helps us provide the right resources and services to support them effectively.
Collaborate: Building strong relationships with fellow Realtors and Affiliates opens doors for business growth, not just in terms of production but in quality as well. By learning from each other's experiences—both successes and setbacks—we become better professionals. We are really each other’s teachers! Get around people who don't "gatekeep" success.
Do you or are you planning to specialize in a particular market or type of real estate?
I’m still learning so much about our industry, and I’m open to where it may take me. As I continue to grow, I might fall in love with something along the way, I’m open. Until then, I have to stay focused on learning to be prepared for when opportunity presents itself.
Is there any advice you would give to someone interested in making real estate a career?
Be PROFESSIONAL and INTENTIONAL. The value of a Realtor is increasingly being questioned, and it’s our responsibility to reshape that narrative. We should strive to become the trusted professionals our clients can rely on. We build communities, neighborhoods guide our clients making life changing decisions, our industry is so I’ve also concluded that while it may sound appealing to get into real estate "part-time," it's not that easy.
Being part-time means you don’t have the time to gain the experience and knowledge necessary to navigate the business, especially legal changes. In my OPINION, unless you're coming from a field where you already have a strong sphere, the only agents who can afford to be part-time are those who have spent YEARS building their business and have a strong referral base. To truly succeed, you need to be all in. As full-time agents, we can be “flexible” with our time, but we cannot afford to be “part-time.”
Also, our business is so competitive, if you're not careful you'll lose yourself in the hustle. Appreciate the challenges of personal and business development that comes with the journey. Determine what success is to you, work for it and enjoy!
Do
you have any goals for the next 5 years?
I have not hosted a client appreciation event so I’m looking forward to hosting one in the next year or two! My clients have been a huge part of my growing business and the opportunities I've had, and I’m incredibly grateful for their trust and support—far beyond just the transaction. This event will be my way of saying "thank you" for their continued loyalty.
In the next two years, I also plan to earn additional designations through the National Association of Realtors (NAR). By expanding my expertise, I'd like to provide even more value and enhance the service I offer to my clients.
How do you prioritize a work-life balance in a demanding profession?
First rule: If it’s not on my calendar, it probably won’t happen. I manage all my business, personal, and ministry responsibilities through my calendar. This helps me stay organized, avoid over committing, and ensures I’m mentally prepared for what’s ahead.
I feel truly blessed in this season of life. My daughters are all grown and independent, and my husband is incredibly supportive. Because of this, I don’t feel guilty or pressured by long hours or busy stretches. When things do slow down, I fully embrace it!
A Li le Ab t Gemma
I’m married with three adult daughters, two God-sons, and one granddog. My husband and I are enjoying this season of life with our girls, who we are incredibly proud of. While we may not be "old," we’re certainly enjoying life over 50!
I’m also honored to serve in leadership at Redemption Church Fort Wayne as a Minister and a Women's Small Group Facilitator.
Real Estate has been an amazing journey. Beyond the incredible experiences I've had with clients, I've had the privilege of getting involved in our local Realtor association.
2021 – Present: Diversity & Inclusion Committee
2022: Graduated from the Indiana Leadership Academy
2022 – Present: Government Affairs Committee
2023 – 2024: UPSTAR Board Director
2025: UPSTAR Secretary-Treasurer 260.515.7307
$12.6 BILLION $6.2B 30,600 UNITS
