Twentyone May 2025

MAY 2025

#RELENTLESS

Erika Gaetz

Answers by:

NEIAOR Association Director & MLS Director | REALTOR®

What made you choose a career in real estate?

I chose a career in real estate because I’ve always believed that “home” is one of the most meaningful words in any language. It’s where people build their lives, create memories, and feel safe. Helping someone find that special place—or move on from it with care—feels like a deeply human connection. I’m drawn to the emotional journey behind every transaction, and I feel honored to be part of something so personal and impactful.

What strategies do you use to keep up on market trends and changes?

To stay current with market trends and changes, I regularly study local market reports, follow trusted industry news sources, and attend professional development workshops. I also stay closely connected with other real estate professionals and local experts, which helps me stay informed and adapt quickly. It’s important to me to always provide clients with the most accurate, up-to-date guidance.

How do you stand out from other realtors?

What is you main way to expand your client base?

What sets me apart is the heart I put into every

I grow my database by focusing on building

relationship. I don’t just see transactions—I see

genuine, lasting relationships. Whether it’s

people, stories, and milestones. I take the time

through community events, referrals from past

to truly listen, understand what matters most to

clients, or simple conversations where I offer

my clients, and walk alongside them through

guidance, I always lead with care and

every step of the journey. My goal is to make

authenticity. To me, it’s not just about collecting

them feel supported, informed, and cared

contacts—it’s about connecting with people,

for—not just during the process, but long after.

earning their trust, and being someone, they

For me, it’s not about being different for the sake

feel comfortable turning to when they or

of it—it’s about being deeply genuine in

someone they love needs help with real estate.

everything I do.

Are there any real estate success stories or role models who inspire your journey?

Do you have any goals for the next 5 years?

I’m deeply inspired by real estate professionals

Over the next five years, my goal is to continue

who lead with integrity, heart, and a true

growing—not just in numbers, but in knowledge,

commitment to service. The ones who treat

skill, and heart. Real estate is constantly

every client like family, who stay humble no

evolving, and I believe that if you’re not learning,

matter how successful they become, and who

you’re falling behind. I’m committed to staying

always make time to give back to their

ahead by continuously educating

communities. Watching them reminds me that

myself—whether it’s mastering the latest forms,

success isn’t just measured in numbers, but in

sharpening my social media marketing,

the trust you build and the lives you touch.

deepening client relationships, or simply

They’ve helped me shape a vision of my own

maturing into a more well-rounded, thoughtful

journey—one that’s rooted in compassion, consistency, and making a meaningful difference every day.

Photos taken by: Kelsey Overholt

agent. I want to be the kind of professional who adapts with purpose, leads with authenticity, and always shows up with the passion to serve at the highest level.

Answers by:

JERRY HOLTEN NEIAOR Executive Board of Directors | REALTOR®

What advice would you give to someone interested in real estate?

How do you prioritize a work-life balance in a demanding field?

Entering a real estate career offers incredible

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance in a

opportunities, but success requires

demanding profession requires intentional

dedication, continuous learning, and strong

effort and adaptability. I prioritize this balance

relationship-building skills. My advice to

by understanding my active clients' schedules

anyone starting in the industry is to focus on

and structuring my availability accordingly. By

mastering the fundamentals, understanding

aligning my work with their timelines, I can

contracts, market trends, and negotiation

provide exceptional service while maintaining

strategies. Equally important is developing a

personal time. Staying in tune with clients' lives

client-centered approach, as trust and

fosters strong relationships and allows for a

communication are the foundation of

more seamless approach to managing

long-term success. Seek mentorship from

professional and personal commitments.

experienced professionals, stay adaptable in

Ultimately, being proactive, setting boundaries,

an evolving market, and always approach

and maintaining efficiency ensure long-term

challenges with persistence and

sustainability in this industry.

professionalism. The more knowledgeable and client-focused you are, the more rewarding your career will be.

Is there a memorable story you have from real estate?

Is there anyone that you regard highly or see as a mentor?

When Marlene, a sweet widow in northern

Jessica Birkle played a pivotal role in shaping

Indiana, asked me to help sell the home her

the foundation of my career. Her mentorship

late husband built, she had just one

provided invaluable guidance, particularly in

request: “Find someone who’ll love it like we

helping me understand the intricacies of real

did.” I didn’t just list the house—I made a few

estate forms and the significance of building

calls and found Emma and Luis, a young

strong, client-focused relationships. Her

couple expecting their first child, who

dedication to education and professional

instantly felt a connection. At closing,

growth instilled in me the skills and

Marlene handed them a photo album of the

principles that continue to drive my success

home being built. Years later, they still send

today. I am incredibly grateful for her support

me holiday cards, thanking me not just for

and the knowledge she shared.

Do you specialize in a particular market or type of real estate?

We recognize that all types of real estate hold unique value, and our commitment is to ensure our agents are highly knowledgeable across the entire industry. Rather than specializing in a single market segment, we focus on providing comprehensive training that equips our agents to navigate residential, commercial, and investment properties with expertise. This approach allows us to serve a diverse clientele with confidence and adaptability.

helping them buy a house.

What does your Real Estate team value most?

What drives your team to be successful?

As an agent on this team, what

Our success is driven by a deep

we value most is shared success through unwavering support.

We believe that when one of us wins, we all win — and that mindset is at the heart of everything we do.

Answered By: Candy Carlin

passion for building lasting relationships, delivering unmatched service, and creating a legacy of trust and results for every client we serve.

Answered By: Helen DeArmond

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2025