Arlington Chamber Member Spotlight: Mary Lou Bigelow
How long have you been working in real estate?
I began my real estate career in late 1970s. In the beginning of the 1980s, condominium conversions exploded in the marketplace. Seeing an opportunity to work with developers, I opened a real estate firm with two partners, handling the conversions of 15 low-and hi-rise apartment buildings. After a brief hiatus from selling real estate, I produced an Economic Development supplement spotlighting cities/towns in Massachusetts for Banker & Tradesman, New England’s real estate and financial newspaper. In 1996, I joined Bowes Real Estate and continue on today with Bowes’ successor Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, with its 25 Massachusetts offices and worldwide referral network through Sotheby’s International Realty™.
What motivates you to do your work every day?
I enjoy the flexibility, creativity, and challenges of residential real estate. There is a deep emotional component in residential, versus commercial real estate, and an important part of the agent’s job is to keep the stress level down to a minimum. We agents often think of ourselves as amateur psychologists, as we often need to navigate difficult situations. No two transactions are alike. An added benefit of collaborating with clients over a long period, is that we often gain life-long friends.
I value my SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist®) designation. I was the caregiver for my aging mother, and so I learned firsthand the need for special care when working with elders, especially when there is no family member to assist in their transition. I attend caregivernetworking meetings throughout the year that help keep me up to date on the latest with assisted living- and continuing care- residences, organizers, move managers and home-care services of all kinds. In 2006, the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) awarded me the first SRES Outstanding Service Award. From 2007 through 2009, I served on NAR’s SRES® board.
What has been your biggest professional achievement?
When I jump into something, I dig right in. I have been fortunate to have gained recognition for many of my endeavors. Identifying an opportunity and acting on it, hard work, and networking all play a part in any task. The most memorable and PERSONAL achievement occurred in high school. I fought hard to win the role of Emily in the play “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder When I approached the director of my desire to play Emily, he warned me that he already had another student in mind for that part, but that there would be an audition, so I could still try out. The other student auditioned first. She opened the playbook and read a passage to the audience. I, however, had memorized one emotional soliloquy and acted it out on stage. I won the part. That taught me to pursue my dreams with hard work and ignore the naysayers.
What are some interesting facts about you?
After graduation from UMass, I joined TWA (Trans World Airlines) as an air hostess and flew its international division, flying from New York to the gateway cities in Europe In 1962, I left TWA to join Pan Am (Pan American World Airways) and flew the New York to Hong Kong routes and everything in between. You can hear my podcast #20 Flying for TWA, Pan Am and Living in Afghanistan https://podcast.thepanammuseum.org/. In 1993, my all-encompassing Massachusetts supplement for Banker & Tradesman, including a welcome to attendees by Governor William Weld, was accepted for distribution at the WEF (World Economic Forum)’s meeting at MIT That led to the WEF public Affairs director inviting me to attend the 1993 Europe East- Asia Economic Meeting in Hong Kong later that year as a full-fledged attendee, free to mingle and dine with some of the most fascinating CEOS and government people from around the world.
In 1995, the U S SBA (Small Business Administration) named me New England Small Business Advocate for my work at Banker & Tradesman and my newly formed cable TV interview show.
After 911, I initiated an Afghanistan Series for my Mary Lou Bigelow Show with ACMI (Arlington Community Media Inc.) as a venue for Afghans to tell their own stories. In 2002 and 2004, I returned to Afghanistan (where I lived from 1968 to 1972) for filming, and, in 2003, won the Alliance for Community Media’s (ACM) award in the international category To view my interviews, go to maryloubigelowcom.tv.
In 2006, District 7930 (44 Rotary Clubs) presented me the Rotary International Award for World Understanding and Peace for my work helping Afghans tell their own stories on ACTV.
How did Pan Am help you for your work in real estate?
Pan Am introduced me to the world and to endless possibilities. I enjoyed meeting people from different cultures, learning about their lives and realizing that all humans are cut from the same cloth. Bargaining around the world was a great training ground for negotiating in real estate Each culture has its own customs for bargaining, and it was always important to observe and learn their ways Working for the airline gave me confidence - a great baseline for any job or career in the future. We learned the importance of world-class service, and that mindset carries over into my real estate work today with Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty. Our international connections through the Sotheby’s International Realty™ network reminds me of my globe-trotting days as a flight attendant with Pan Am. With today’s technology, we attend video meetings and conferences around the world
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
I am honored to serve as a commissioner at the Winchester Housing Authority. It is food for the soul It is my way of giving back and helping ensure our Winchester residents live in homes that are in good repair, clean and safe.
My Pan Am connection keeps me busy as president of the Boston Chapter of World’s Wings International, a charity foundation of former Pan Am flight attendants. It is still a large part of my life, even though the iconic airline faced its demise in 1991. Since 2012, I have attended reunions in Monaco, Hawaii, Berlin, Ireland, San Diego, various cruises, as well as a gala each year at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Long Island, NY, held by the Pan Am Museum Foundation.
I am a commercial aviation advisor to the Massachusetts Air and Space Museum, which recently reopened at 438 Main Street, Hyannis.
What do you like about being an Arlington Chamber member?
Membership increases visibility through my listing on the website and my full-page ad in the Visit Arlington magazine. Of course, networking through business seminars and social events is valuable for learning about other local businesses and for referrals. The Chamber is an important vehicle for advising local government on decisions affecting local businesses through a collective voice.
Do you have any advice for new business owners in Arlington?
Step one, join the chamber of commerce and list your business on the website. Take advantage of the chamber’s networking and seminar opportunities. Volunteering and advertising opportunities can help launch your new business with the community at large
