DEANNA WIENER Deanna Wiener got her start in the real estate business forty years ago. During the sixties, her father began his own real estate business, and Deanna grew up watching his hard work pay off as his imprint, Cardinal Realty, flourished. In 1977, Deanna decided to follow in her father’s footsteps and earned her license. “It’s the best thing I could have ever done,” she remembers. “I love what I do.” In the years that followed, Deanna carved out her own reputation for incisive leadership, people-oriented service, and long-term vision. She has served in several roles to advance her community and industry, and has helped countless clients on the path to homeownership. Today, Deanna serves as Broker and Co-Owner of Cardinal Realty. She works solo, but is a part of a team-oriented office. “We’re a smaller, local, independent company. Aside from our agents, we have a talented staff of two that act as a great support behind the scenes for the whole team. Together, we back each other up, support one another, and we have a team mentality.” While Deanna primarily serves the greater Twin Cities area—particularly Metro East—she’s also willing to travel wherever clients lead and is licensed in the state of Wisconsin, as well. Cardinal Realty is similarly far-reaching in its scope. In addition to realty services, there’s also Cardinal Homebuilders and Cardinal Remodeling, adding supplementary layers of industry expertise to Deanna’s repertoire. “Our businesses intermesh well together,” she explains. “I always tell my clients: if you ever need a plumber, a roofer, a painter— call me, and I’ve usually got at least two sources to give so that homeowners aren’t blindly trying to find the right vendor. That sets us apart as a resource.” Likewise, Deanna also partners with her brother, Tom Wiener, to head a specialized development company catering to empty-nesters, and they’re currently at work on their ninth neighborhood. “We focus on new construction buyers, creating a main-level, luxury next home for those beginning the next chapter in their life,” she says. All in all, Deanna’s knowledge of and experience in all things real estate affords her a keen eye for the market and area inventory. With 70% of her business driven by repeat and referral clientele—along with substantial contingent of new-construction buyers—Deanna not only understands people’s needs, but also what’s required to get a deal done. “I’m good at what I do and I know what I’m doing,” she says. “I know how to negotiate, and how to help buyers and sellers in their respective situations.” Aside from her demonstrated commitment to her clients, Deanna has long displayed a devotion to her colleagues and their industry. She’s served in a variety of roles in professional organizations, including as the first female President of the St. Paul Area Association of Realtors during the group’s 100th Anniversary year. Her involvement in her organization’s Government Affairs Committee even inspired her to become Top Agent Magazine
more involved in the state’s civic scene, and she went on to run for and win a seat in the Minnesota State Senate, where she served for ten years. Even today, Deanna continues to travel to Washington D.C. as a Federal Public Coordinator representing the National Association of Realtors. She was also appointed to the Campaign Finance Board for the state of Minnesota and was recognized as Minnesota’s Realtor of Year in 2012—a high honor. When it comes down to it, Deanna’s talent and unflagging ethic have led her to new heights as a citizen and professional. Homebuyers and sellers who work with Deanna trust her deep well of knowledge and longstanding commitment to bettering the lives of those she serves. “I love matching a buyer and a seller. I believe in working with other agents and keep my clients’ interests at the forefront of my mind,” she says. “I explain to buyers and sellers that there are always hurdles, but I’m going to help them over those hurdles and get their house sold or bought.” When working with home sellers, Deanna applies her trademark strategic approach. Before hitting the market, listings are often staged and then photographed in their best light—ensuring that online presentations are immaculate and immersive. She makes use of social media’s vast influence and also taps her long-cultivated network of area agents to find the ideal fit. To extend her spirit of service to her local community, Deanna and her office host an annual spaghetti dinner benefitting cancer research. Not only does this event raise considerable funds, but it also provides a natural opportunity for Deanna to connect with past clients and their loved ones who come together for a greater good. Additionally, many team members at Cardinal Realty have served in positions of professional leadership. “Our Realtors are very active in our association. We believe in our profession and we like to give back,” she says. Deanna’s office also participates in a walk benefitting juvenile diabetes and Deanna herself served on the Economic Development Committee in her hometown of Oakdale. In her coveted free hours, Deanna and her husband, Jim Tilsen, enjoy hiking, biking, and travel. As a grandmother to eight, Deanna also relishes time spent with family, including a so-called Grandma Camp she hosts each summer for her grandchildren. As for the future of her business, Deanna has no plans of slowing any time soon. She hopes to continue growing her team and has even begun to expand in tangible ways—like in the building of a new office to support the changing needs of today’s modern Realtor. With four decades of experience behind her and a keen eye on what’s to come, the best is still ahead for Deanna Wiener and the team at Cardinal Realtors.
To learn more about Deanna Wiener call (651) 387 - 8036 or e-mail Deanna@CardinalRealtors.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 37