How did you get started in your career? 

I began my real estate and homebuilding career the latter part of 1991.  While attending University of Colorado at Denver, I was also working full time at Strings Restaurant and trying to decide where my career was headed.  As coincidence will have it, I was attending a party of a close friend (those of you who know me well, can chuckle now) and I began talking to the host’s uncle Al Alba.  He was the owners of Omni Vest Realty and also a principal in a development company doing the infrastructure for a semi-custom and design build community in the heart of Greenwood Village called Huntington Pines.  We talked about the industry and how I might fit into it at some point.  Little did I know the hardship and personal downfall of someone else would become the beginning of my career? 

The gentleman who was hired to be the on-site Sales Professional ended up having a significant problem with alcohol and couldn’t perform his responsibilities.  In a pinch, Al called me to see if I would be interested in coming on as a sales assistant. I know deep down he had very little expectations of me other than to smile and keep the doors open.  As I was able to work my schedule with my classes, I accepted.  I remember showing up to the community and had to park on the city street and hike in as the infrastructure wasn’t completed yet.  That little grey trailer and my trusty blue prints ended up being my home for the next two and half years.  As I was girl in my early 20’s, I knew I had a lot to learn but I was determined to do the job and not as an assistant but as the lead sales person.  And that is in fact what I did.  I got my real estate license in 1992 and began selling for builders such as Bainbridge Custom Builders, Sunshine Master Builders and Richmond Homes.  During this time, we opened another community down the hill where I also represented Peregrine and Horizon Homes.  I couldn’t have been happier doing what simply came naturally to me. I look back knowing that I made them a small fortune but it was there, that I got my start and will always be grateful. 

This experience then led me to my next 7 year endeavor working directly for Richmond Homes.  As I had been selling for them, they recruited me to work in Rock Creek.  I did so for about two years and then went into management.  Great experience and a good run but it finally took a pretty big toll.  A long drive to Northern Colorado, a new baby and a declining market was not a good composition for health and happiness.  I recall almost to the day in June of 2001 when the faucet turned off in Northern Colorado.  Just in time for the ultimate reality of Sept 11th to hit our nation like nothing before.

My career with Richmond ended in October 2001 but as they say, one door closes while another opens.  I went on to be the V.P. of Sales and Marketing at Morrison Homes and then held the same position at Meritage Homes.  In both cases, my role was a core part of the startup team and have taken great pride in the results we accomplished in those organizations.  My career hit another rough spot in 2008.  Well not much explanation needed but with the changes in the market, I re-invented and went back somewhat back to my core.  I partnered with a colleague and we began marketing and selling for builders as well as private resale transactions.  During this time I connected with Cheryl Schuette who had recently been through her own changes.

We connected in a way I would not have ever imagined. As to not be too long winded, I began helping her with her recruiting at JWilliams and it simply lead to all kinds of things from there including my current position with TRI Pointe Homes. 

Has there been someone along the way that you credit with helping you get to where you are?  And why? 

I have to say that there has been a few people in my life that have had a profound impact on me.  One of which was Noel Cunningham who owned Strings Restaurant.  He was a mentor and role model for me through the years.  He had very high standards for perfection but he was an honorable man who lived the majority of his life trying to make a difference for others. He taught me to never back down if you really care about something and that there are always people who need something more than you.   I only wished I had understood his demons before he took his life a few years ago.

Cheryl Schuette is another person who has made an impact on my career.  She renewed a sense of love for the industry and a desire to do the right thing.  She is one of the kindest people I had ever met and I am forever grateful to her for bringing me along in her journey.  I can absolutely credit her for getting me re-engaged with the HBA and SMC.  Without her strong nudge and encouragement, I know I wouldn’t be doing what I am today. She is genuine, unbelievably generous and I love her to death!

 I am also grateful for Chris Presley and her perseverance through difficult times.   We worked together at Meritage and although it was very tough in the end, we created a special bond and I am honored to be part of her executive team for PWB. 

What do you love about the Home Building industry? 

I love so much but especially the connections I have made through this industry. We are a pretty tight group and I think you can have healthy competition and rely on one another when you need guidance.  We are all in it together so we might as well enjoy one another!

Tell us 3 things about yourself that people don’t know.

1) I hate these kinds of questions as I realize I’m a bit boring!
2) Ever since I was a child, I have had the ability to see and know things I really shouldn’t.  Call it psychic, call it intuitive, it’s just me.
3) My greatest gift is the inspiration I get from raising my boys.  It is for them that my life has intense purpose. 

Anything else you would like to share? 

Thank you for this spotlight nomination.  I truly value the friendships I have made and I look forward to creating new ones too!