Our schedules were so demanding; we didn’t have a life anymore. Something needed to change, and I was willing to do whatever it took to make it happen. We were at a New Year’s Eve party and had to leave early because my husband, Christain, had to work at four in the morning on New Year’s Day. It wasn’t uncommon for us to leave fun parties early because of Christain’s demanding work schedule. 

 

Before we left, our friend approached me and said, “It’s like you guys have no life. How do you live like this?” Our friend’s concern was the wake-up call I needed. I didn’t realize things needed to change until someone with an outsider’s perspective noticed just how demanding Christain’s job was. We really couldn’t enjoy anything because his next shift was always looming, and it felt like we couldn’t get ahead financially.

 

Christain’s work schedule was seven days, 70 hours a week. It felt like he was always gone. I was grateful that he was willing to work that hard for our family, but it was a difficult life we were living. I worked part time and took care of our three kids. I realized I would rather work and take some of the load off of my husband if it meant we could actually enjoy the fruits of our labor. 

 

On New Year’s Day, 2019, I signed up for real estate classes. It was something I have always been interested in, but with three kids, I didn’t think I could make it work. Once I realized there was a better way to live life, I was motivated to do whatever it took to make it happen. Our children, Trevor, Holden and Peyton, were all in school, so I had more time to commit to this new adventure. It certainly wasn’t easy, but I managed to achieve $16 million in sales in my first year. It was very empowering to set my mind to something and achieve it!

 

Part of my success was due to the fact that I had worked with Mary Kay several years prior. My neighbors and the people in my community already knew me. The transition into real estate was natural because I had already developed relationships built on trust.

 

One of my proudest achievements has been, during my second year, I made enough income to allow Christain to leave his job. He provided for us for many years. I wanted to give him the freedom to find his dream job, just as he has done for me. He’s currently loving his job as an operations manager for Craftsmen Industries.

 

Through this journey, I have learned a valuable lesson. It doesn’t matter how hard you work; if you can’t enjoy your life, then it’s not worth it. There is always another way, and I am grateful I took a chance and changed our lives. My kids are getting older now––Trevor is 21 and works as a carpenter apprentice. Holden, 19, plays basketball at Northwood University, and my daughter, Peyton, is a sophomore at St. Dominic. She plays soccer on a traveling team.

 

One of our family goals was to buy a lake house and take more vacations together. We’ve made both of those dreams come true! We now own a lake home that also doubles as a short-term rental, and we’re getting ready for our first big destination trip to Costa Rica. We are a family that sets goals and goes after them. I’m proud that my 6-year real estate career has played a big role in making those dreams a reality. 

 

Success in real estate took hard work, but my family was all the motivation I needed to push past any setbacks I faced. I am very relationship driven and love forming connections. Most of my clients are friends, or if they aren’t my friend yet, they usually become one by the end of a transaction. I take my responsibility as a REALTOR® very seriously and am honored my clients trust me to guide them through such an important process.

 

In real estate, no two transactions are alike. I pride myself on being a creative, outside-the-box thinker who can solve any problems that may arise. When you work with me, your goals become mine. I will work hard on your behalf to find the perfect match that fits all your needs. Even after the transaction, I will continue supporting you as your REALTOR® for life.

 

Sincerely

 

Brenda Souter

REALTOR®

LIC# 2019007699

(314) 583-7937

brenda@souterandco.com

www.souterandco.com