A Father's Legacy

When I think about the foundations of my career in real estate, I can't help but reflect on the profound influence my father, Billy, had on shaping who I am today. His lessons in integrity, discipline, and generosity have become the cornerstones of my approach to business and life.

A Small Town Start

My dad's story begins in Havana, Illinois, a small town that instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance. His parents divorced when he was young, which was unusual for that time. This early experience of adversity shaped his outlook on life and relationships.

As a young boy, Dad helped out in his father's tavern. He'd wake up at 5 AM to carry beer bottles down to the basement and bring the full ones up, all before heading to school. This early taste of responsibility laid the groundwork for his incredible work ethic.

When he joined the Navy, Dad found it to be a breeze compared to his earlier life. While others complained about the early mornings and rigorous routines, he thrived. This adaptability and positive attitude in the face of challenges are qualities I've tried to emulate throughout my life and career.

The Power of Integrity

If there's one word that encapsulates my father's core values, it's integrity. He drilled this into my head from an early age, always emphasizing that your word is your bond.

"You are a person of your word. If you tell somebody you're going to do something, then that's what you're going to do."

This lesson has been invaluable in my real estate career. When I make a commitment to a client, whether it's to find them the perfect home or to sell their property at the best possible price, they know they can count on me to follow through. In an industry where trust is paramount, my father's emphasis on integrity has been my guiding light.

I remember Dad saying, "You can lose a lot of things and get them back, but you can't get your integrity back once it's gone." This wisdom has helped me navigate countless situations in my career, always choosing the path of honesty and transparency, even when it might be easier to cut corners.

Discipline: The Key to Long-Term Success

Another trait I inherited from my dad was his unwavering discipline. Even now, at 80 years old, he maintains a strict schedule that would put many younger folks to shame. Mondays at the gym, Tuesdays for grocery shopping, golf on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays — it's clockwork.

This discipline has been crucial in my real estate career. The market can be unpredictable, but having a solid routine and work ethic keeps me grounded and productive. Whether it's following up with clients, staying on top of market trends, or continually educating myself, I approach each day with the same discipline my father instilled in me.

For my clients, this translates into reliability and consistency. They know that when they work with me, they're getting someone who will be there every step of the way, not just when it's convenient.

Generosity: The Heart of Service

While integrity and discipline form the backbone of my approach, it's my father's generosity that truly sets the tone for how I interact with clients and colleagues alike. Dad always looked out for others, especially his fellow Navy men. I remember Joe Gadko, a sailor who didn't have any family. Dad would invite him along on our family camping trips, essentially making him a part of our family.

This spirit of generosity has deeply influenced how I approach my work in real estate. It's not just about closing deals — it's about truly caring for the people I'm helping. When I'm working with a client, I'm not just thinking about the commission. I'm thinking about how I can go above and beyond to ensure they're getting the best possible outcome.

There have been times when I've cut my commission to help a young couple afford their dream home or spent extra hours researching to find the perfect property for a client with specific needs. These actions might not always benefit me financially in the short term, but they align with the values my father taught me — and they've helped me build a reputation and a business based on genuine care and service.

The Unexpected Path to Real Estate

Interestingly, it was my dad who nudged me towards real estate, though I didn't take the hint right away. After retiring from the Navy, he ventured into real estate himself. He must have seen something in me that I hadn't yet recognized.

One day, out of the blue, Dad called and said, "Deb, do you know that women can make as much money in real estate as men if they're willing to work?" At the time, I was 25 and unhappy in my marriage. I needed a way to support myself and my son independently. Dad's words were the push I needed. I got my license and never looked back.

This moment perfectly encapsulates my father's influence — he saw potential in me, offered guidance without being pushy, and ultimately empowered me to make a decision that would change my life. Now, when I'm working with clients who are at a crossroads in their lives — maybe considering a big move or investing in property for the first time — I try to channel that same supportive energy. I provide them with the information and encouragement they need to make confident decisions about their future.

A Living Legacy

As I approach my 40th year in real estate, I'm profoundly grateful for the foundation my father laid. His lessons in integrity, discipline, and generosity have been the cornerstone of my success. But more importantly, they've allowed me to make a real difference in people's lives, one home at a time.

When you work with me, you're not just getting a real estate agent. You're getting someone who was taught by the best — a man who understood the value of hard work, the power of keeping your word, and the importance of helping others. These aren't just nice ideas — they're the principles that guide every interaction I have and every decision I make in my business.

So, whether you're buying your first home, selling a family property, or looking to invest, know that you're working with someone who brings not just expertise, but a legacy of values that ensure your interests will always come first. Because in the end, that's what my father taught me real estate — and life — is all about.