How long have you lived in the Harrisonburg area?
I've lived in the valley for thirteen years. I came by way of Eastern Mennonite University and like many graduates, adopted the valley as my home. I grew up in Ohio and traveled extensively as a kid. I never suspected I'd be living in the US as an adult, but of all the places in the world I could call home, the Blue Ridge Mountains do not disappoint.
What did you do before real estate?
I studied photography in college and started a wedding & portrait business with my sister-in-law called The Pinwheel Collective. After eight years of the wedding industry, I needed a change of pace. I owned and operated a clothing company for a few years before trying my hand as a hardware store manager and barista.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in real estate?
Wedding photography is not unlike real estate. It's a big day, there's lots of money involved, it's a high pressure situation, and it's a family affair. Art and commerce are, in fact, a natural combination. But in all seriousness, I bought a house with a Realtor who made the process easy and accessible. That interaction sparked my interest and eventual pursuit of real estate as a career.
What do you love about your job?
Real estate is a people business and I love people. No one has exactly the same needs and it's fun to find what works for each individual. Plus, no day is the same. It keeps things exciting.