COVER STORY HOLLY LEMOINE-RAYMOND
Photography by Brandi Stage
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hen you meet Holly Lemoine-Raymond, you feel her vibrant personality even before she greets you. Her energetic presence is contagious, and it’s no wonder why she’s highly successful and widely known. As owner and operator of HL Raymond Properties, a boutique real estate brokerage representing buyers and sellers along the Coast, Lemoine-Raymond is no stranger to hard work and tenacity. “You get out of life (business), what you put in to it. The old saying of, ‘If you build it, they will come,’ is great, but you can’t build it and wait for it to happen. You have to work hard to get people to notice.” Real estate is something Lemoine-Raymond always knew she wanted to do. She recalls her mother encouraging her to get her real estate license, just as she had. However, it was not until her mother passed away that she followed in her footsteps and pursued this career, opening her own brokerage. “It was kind of neat to be able to finally do something that she always wanted me to do.” Before choosing real estate, she was an assistant marketing director and operated a restaurant. She started the brokerage in 2016 with two agents and has grown it to 19 agents/employees. Lemoine-Raymond has experienced many setbacks and knows that with success comes many obstacles. Her biggest challenge was actually her
March-April 2018
business growing too fast. “It’s a great problem to have, but success has come much faster than I ever thought it would. I am humbled by this business every day and I am so thankful for all of our clients, who allow us to help them with the process of buying or selling.” When faced with obstacles, Lemoine-Raymond pulls from the wisdom of her late mother. “My mom always told me to follow my dreams. So, I would (also) tell others not to give up. Keep pursuing your dreams.” It is this very relentless pursuit that has aided Lemoine-Raymond in building a business she loves doing and showing up for “130 percent” each day. Family not only lends itself as a legacy in Lemoine-Raymond’s career, she also draws much support from them. “I have a great family. My husband, Leo, is always there by my side, encouraging and supporting me no matter how crazy he thinks my ideas may be. He is patient and loving. My son, Landry, is my biggest inspiration. This kid never ceases to amaze me.” Her son was born with major foot issues, and doctors told his parents he would not be able to participate in many sports because of this. Now he is running in track meets for St. Stanislaus and placing in the top 10 percentile in the state, Lemoine-Raymond says. “When I look at him run, it encourages me to keep pushing forward.” Her support system also includes her dad, an accomplished musician, who works alongside her, lending a hand in day-to-day operations. Holly is very excited about what’s to come for her and her business, and continues to urge other women to work hard toward their dreams. HER BEST HOME TIP! “Keep it simple!” Don’t overcomplicate things in your home. If it isn't something you’ve used in a year, have a garage sale and get rid of it. KEEP UP WITH HER You can find Holly Lemoine-Raymond featured on HGTV and Great American Country Network (or GAC) on the shows, such as, “Beach Front Bargain Hunt” and “YOU LIVE IN WHAT?”
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