business
in
women
COLDWELL BANKER Denny Groves and Associates
By Sarah Gray
Coldwell Banker Denny Groves and Associates recently celebrated three of its realtors at the 2017 Hillsdale County Board of Realtors awards meeting in December. Becki Jaegar was named Realtor of the Year Christine Bowman was named Rookie of the Year Mary Brandeberry was given the Lifetime Achievement Award. Becki Jaegar
Christine Bowman
How long have you been at Coldwell Banker Denny Groves and Associates? Becki: I’ve been in real estate since the fall of 2015. In 2016 I was Rookie of the Year for southwest Michigan and this year was chosen as the 2017 Realtor® of the Year for doubling my career sales from the previous year as well as all the volunteering that I do. Some of the services I am most proud of include the Samaritan Purse Project which helps rebuild from the flooding, being a member of the Jonesville Presbyterian Church, and a board member for Life Challenge. Christine: Just shy of two and a half years. Mary: Twenty-nine years in April. I became a realtor in 1989. In 1993 I obtained an associate broker’s license. I have maintained my career at Coldwell Banker Denny Groves & Associates as the only company I have worked through. I love the knowledge and training sessions learned through them over the years. Technology in all aspects of real estate is growing at a rapid pace and the leaders at Coldwell Banker have aided us in staying abreast on these changes. What made you want to go into this profession? Becki: I was not happy being retired. My job was a reason for getting up in the mornings, something to look forward to. In fact I still maintain my registered nurse license. Christine: Tim and Sherri Groves made me do it! In all honesty, real estate just seemed like a natural fit for me. I get to use my network, skills, and knowledge gained in my past work life in community/economic development, my strong interpersonal skills, and my gift for marketing/promotion, to effectively serve my sellers and buyers. Mary: The ability to help others in some way. Real Estate seemed to be a good fit. I enjoy negotiating. 28
Mary Brandeberry
What do you love about your job? Becki: It’s the people! I love to help them through the process of being a new home owner. I also am able to assist current home owners to move up or expand using real estate as an investment opportunity for their future. It is also a way to gain new friendships. Christine: No two transactions, customers, or properties are the same, so it’s a continual learning process. And because I don’t punch a time clock, I can still do the community service work I enjoy, like being a Junior Achievement volunteer. Mary: The interaction with people and the excitement of sellers selling and buyers finding their perfect fit for them. I enjoy the overall challenge of the job. Who is your inspiration? Becki: It was my Dad, the late Herb James, he was an entrepreneur. He always told us that he learned from “tough knocks university.” He learned from his mistakes and shared what he learned to whoever would listen. Never be afraid to try anything! If it was hard, try again and find another way to do it. Christine: It changes, depending on what I’m going through at the moment, personally or professionally. My biggest source of inspiration is my family, especially my sister Michelle and my husband Tim who are not above “inspiring me” with a reality check when warranted! I also receive constant inspiration from my small group of friends and business mentors who constantly inspire me by outwardly displaying their commitment to their family and their craft. Mary: My clients, both buyers and sellers, are my inspiration.
What are some issues facing women in business today? Becki: One issue that I still see and hear comes from men still thinking that most women cannot handle something better than they can. I believe there are more women becoming business owners and more women to men in the job market. Women are more willing to take any job and work hard and move upward in the profession. The flexibility of many jobs and the ability to work from home is something that is also beneficial to women. Christine: I find it disappointing that successful businesswomen are still often viewed as arrogant, cut-throat divas. Even more disappointing is I see this perception perpetuated more often by women than men. I’m thankful to currently work in an environment where successful women are celebrated and positively supported, by both women and men. Mary: Having to manage home, work and play. The long hours, seven days a week, including holidays and weekends. Needing to be technologically savvy and have excellent communication skills. However, patience and understanding along with being a good listener is extremely important. Coldwell Banker Denny Groves and Associates has been Hillsdale County’s Real Estate Authority since 1986. Their staff of dedicated realtors has the knowledge and experience to guide its clients through every step of the home buying or selling experience. With more than 100 years combined expertise in commercial, residential, waterfront, agricultural, hunting properties, and vacant land, Denny Groves and Associates is also a full-service real estate brokerage firm. For more information about Coldwell Banker Denny Groves and Associates or to find a home listed by Coldwell Banker visit www.homesofhillsdale.com or call 517-439- 1511. They can also be found on Facebook.