Just over a year ago, I decided I needed to start selling things that cost more than $5.
I was bartending late, health coaching for basically free, and booking wedding bars to make extra money for vacation. We were doing fine, but at what cost? I was missing time with my family and time to take care of myself.
I looked at my husband and said, “I can’t do this anymore.” He replied, “Why don’t you go work for Wendy.”
So, I texted Wendy Brown at PureWest Real Estate in Kalispell and asked if I could come work with her. She said yes immediately. And I’m so very grateful for that yes.
Wendy and I have been friends since we were five. Now she’s my supervising broker, patiently helping me learn a profession where every transaction brings something new. In the beginning, I didn’t even know how to send an NDA for electronic signature. A lot of my sentences started with, “I’m sorry, but how do I…”
Her answer was always, “Don’t be sorry. You’re doing great.” We take care of each other, too. I close her office door so she can concentrate. We bring each other lunch so we actually get some protein in. There is literally no way I could or would be doing this without her.
The entire PureWest team has been so welcoming. I’m grateful to have that much knowledge and support around me. Sean Averill went above and beyond to help me find my footing. Ken Stein offered to be a sounding board immediately. My dad, Bill Goodman, a marketing genius in his time as a realtor, has been so excited to see me take this on. Sharing it with him has been really sweet.
That first closing was when it felt real. This is it. I’m a Realtor now.
Of course, the questions persisted: Will this house ever sell? Will I get another listing? Will this closing really happen? Imposter syndrome runs deep. But I’m grateful for what the uncertainty is teaching me, and for the people who let me ask questions while I figure it out.
Most of all, I’m grateful that people trust me with something so personal. My coaching background shows up when I ask, “If you could wave a magic wand, what would this look like for you?” I love getting to hear the answer.
Growing up between the Swan Valley, Kalispell, and Whitefish, we knew our neighbors. You could borrow a cup of sugar or find a friendly face at your favorite restaurant. If you needed help, someone would be there. You weren’t screaming into a void. That’s the Montana I love, and this year reminded me how much of it is still here.
At home, my husband took on some of the groceries, laundry, dinners, and parenting when my schedule was insane. For a while, our couples therapy appointments were one of our only chances to really talk. Now we’re working out together and spending evenings as a family. I’m deeply grateful to him for helping make that possible.
And to my first clients, Jeff and Michelle: thank you for your patience, trust, friendship, and referrals. Thank you for taking the crazy ride with me and staying in the boat the whole time. I know you’ll laugh at that. I’m so grateful you gave me a chance.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements, and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media LLC (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses, or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability, or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party.
