From Seattle to Boise, we uprooted our lives to embrace a new adventure. Through a change of location, I found a purpose-driven career and created many cherished relationships in a community I love.
Boise has always held a special place in my heart. Originally from the small town of Sitka, Alaska, I went to the University of Idaho to experience a bigger city. Many of my college friends were from Boise, and after graduation, most of them moved back to their hometown. Visiting Boise both during college and several times over the years, I experienced firsthand the welcoming community similar to what I grew up with while still having the convenience of city life. I fell in love with the area and knew it was somewhere I one day wanted to live.
After college, I landed an internship at Apple in their preventative medicine department. I then moved to Silicon Valley, enchanted by the warm weather in February. I started my career in the health club industry with Western Athletic Clubs, working my way up to general manager for 16 years. But when the company started selling off its facilities, I realized my skills weren't easily transferable to other industries.
My brother, who had just started a real estate brokerage in Boise, suggested I join him. At the time, the health club I worked for was undergoing significant shifts, with my company starting to sell off its facilities. The new ownership didn't align with the values and environment I enjoyed. The appealing aspects of Boise, along with the opportunity for a fresh start in a new career, made it the perfect time for our family to make the move.
In 2011, we picked up our lives and took the plunge. Despite the drastic change, it was an easy adjustment for our family. The cost of living was more affordable, and people were very welcoming. The greatest challenge was adjusting to a commission-based industry. However, I discovered that my background in fitness, where I helped people transform their bodies, translated well into real estate. Just as I had once helped people improve their health and fitness, I now help them find the perfect home and start a new chapter.
What has always driven me is a passion for connecting with and helping people. I want to make a positive difference and real estate became the perfect way to do just that! With my brother’s support, I was able to quickly learn the ropes and started to thrive in my new career.
Over the years, my real estate career has flourished. I became deeply involved in the Boise community, and my work allowed me to connect with many wonderful families moving to the area. I found a sense of fulfillment and stability that I hadn't experienced in a long time. Joining Sotheby's International Realty was a game-changer, as it provided me with the resources and support of a larger organization while allowing me to continue building relationships on a personal level.
Today, our family is thriving. Bella, my oldest daughter, is now a licensed practical nurse. Rosie just finished her freshman year of college and is pursuing a career in the Air Force with the ambition of becoming a fighter pilot. She's also working on getting her real estate license. My husband and I have been happily married for 24 years—in every new chapter, we have supported one another, making these big transitions possible! He works for a builder now, and I still enjoy teaching fitness classes throughout the week.
Our move to Boise was a leap of faith, but it has paid off in ways we never imagined. From my career transition to the growth and achievements of my children, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. We are excited about what the future holds and grateful for the opportunities we've found in this wonderful city.
When I was just 22, I received some crucial advice to be realistic and set goals that are within my abilities and achievable. This lesson has stayed with me and has become a guiding principle in my work, where I believe in under-promising and over-delivering. I help set realistic expectations with my clients and take every opportunity I can to go above and beyond. This approach has been crucial in maintaining my integrity and building trust with my clients.
When it comes to working with clients, I believe in brutal honesty delivered with kindness and sincerity. Real estate transactions involve significant financial stakes, and it's vital to provide clients with the truth, even if it's not what they want to hear. This honesty can save them from potential pitfalls in the long run. I always give my clients all the information they need, weighing the pros and cons so they can make the best choice. Throughout the entire process, I bring professional expertise and positive energy to make an often stressful process fun and exciting, as it should be! When the transaction is over, our relationship doesn’t end there—I am here to support you as your REALTOR® and friend for life.