I spent nearly 30 years in a successful career in the fashion industry, traveling the world, being creative, and meeting countless incredible people. Late 2016 I decided to hang up that hat to pursue my dream of helping people achieve their goals in the real estate industry. This was not easy, but necessary for my soul.

It was a thrilling, yet uncertain time and within the first year, we learned my Mother-in-law was ill. She needed help. We lived in Florida and she lived in Ohio. Fortunately, my new career afforded me the flexibility to go and help her.

We obtained a great assisted living home and I lovingly decorated it for her comfort and pleasure. I moved her in and spent that week there with her. She loved it and became healthier and she was happy. My husband drove from Florida to check on her and to bring me home. We arrived home late Sunday night, and received a call at 4:00 a.m. informing us that she had passed away. 

Back to Ohio we went. I continued to travel to and from Florida and Ohio to help my husband manage Mom’s estate. It was difficult, both emotionally and logistically, especially since I had begun a new career.

Around this time, Hurricane Irma visited. The rain was intense and caused mold to grow behind our walls. Insurance remediated the mold, so we decided to remodel our entire home as we had dreamed. We gutted it to the studs, removed walls, doors, trim, floors and 6 days after the demo, my husband left our marriage.

I was devastated. 

It felt like anything bad that could happen was happening. I was a first year REALTOR® with no money yet. I questioned how I could pay for and manage the house remodel. Looking back, it was maddening, but I was unwaveringly determined to succeed. I kept getting up every day, putting on a smile, and going out to serve people with grace. Persevering through each obstacle gave me the strength to push through the next. I’m now blessed to pass that strength to others and to help them see and reach their goals.

Fortunately, I had wonderful mentors who pushed me to succeed, sometimes gently; other times, not so much. I joined Leadership Academy in my first year and met phenomenal leaders in the industry and community. The following year I served on the Leadership Committee, and then I served as the Chairperson for the next three years.

Every time I pushed myself to get out and serve others, it came back tenfold. I learned a plethora about myself and my community while continuing to serve on other committees at the local and state levels. 

I remember my first sale just five months into my career as a REALTOR®. A friend from my fashion days wanted to sell her home and upgrade to a larger home. That month I had the highest closed volume for my brokerage among 1,200 other agents. At that moment, I knew I made the best career choice I could have ever made. 

With every challenge I have faced, the process of overcoming it has been incredibly rewarding. Being a REALTOR® gives me the opportunity to help my customers overcome their own challenges. I joyfully guide my customers through the process to reach their homeownership goals. The bonus is that most of them are now great friends.

Today, I live in my beautiful, remodeled pool home in paradise and spend my days helping my customers secure their own dreams of buying, selling or investing in real estate. When I am not working, I enjoy the Florida lifestyle I have designed, including my pool, the beach, boating, and live music with friends and family.

Through all the uncertainties and stressful circumstances, I’ve learned how important it is to simply forge ahead. With hard work, perseverance, and God, anything is possible. Every person deserves to realize their dream of homeownership, as it is an exciting achievement. The process can be difficult when you don’t have the right people on your team. When customers choose me, they enjoy my passion and receive expert attention to detail, my mad negotiation skills and full support through the entire process. 

One of the things I love most about my job is working with people from all walks of life. No matter your individual situation, I am determined to help you reach your goals. I will ask questions and understand what you want to achieve, and then I’ll show you all of the options to get there. My extensive involvement in local committees and expert market knowledge give me the edge to make strategic and successful offers. Once the transaction is done, I will continue to support you as your lifelong REALTOR®.

Sincerely,

Jeanne Drath
Broker Associate