We were lucky to catch up with Aimee Straw recently and have shared our conversation below.

Aimee, appreciate you joining us today. So, one thing many business owners consider is donating a percentage of revenue or profits to an organization or cause. We’d love to hear your thoughts and the story behind how and why you chose the cause or organization you donate to.

Because I care so much about this community and the people in it, I try to give back whenever and wherever possible! The areas I work in are so special to many humans and it’s where I have chosen to raise my family. For every closing I have, I donate to the Summit Foundation’s annua duck raise fundraiser. It’s a win/win because all of my clients get a chance to win a fun prize, but can also feel good knowing that those dollars go toward local scholarships and grants to many other non-profits in our mountain towns. I am a proud member and corporate sponsor of the Rotary Club of Summit County, with countless programs that support the health, education and well being of our community members. I love being a part of Women of the Summit, a local non-profit that has a mission to close the wage gap for women. And believe me, when women win, our whole society wins. I love to sponsor events for my child’s non-profit preschool and support things like the annual chamber music festival. The quote by American actor Jeff Bridges sums it up best: “the way to change the world is through individual responsibility and taking local action in your own community.”

Aimee, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I did not grow up planning to be a real estate agent. It just so happens that I possess the right skills and landed jobs along my way to becoming a Realtor that really honed my customer service and time management skills. I went to college for Communications, minored in Sociology, and had past job experience in bartending and serving at high end restaurants. I was also able to gain valuable life skills through nannying, working in retail, and health care. When I decided to trade in east coast winters for west coast ones in 2012, I acquired a job helping people book their lodging in Breckenridge and Keystone, Colorado. I quickly learned the lay of the land and decided to pursue a career in real estate. I learned from the best of the best while I worked at a real estate office as an admin, and was later mentored by two brokers who were and still are truly an inspiration on how to be a great human and be great at your job. It is really rewarding to see that come full circle and be the managing broker at Cornerstone Real Estate Rocky Mountains and mentor the newer agents. You know what else I love about my job? My clients! I am a “people” person, through and through. Happy clients are truly what motivate me.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Getting involved with local non-profit and networking groups, local recreational sports and even just willing to stop and have a chat with the neighbors while I am walking my dog have all gone a long way to building my reputation as a resource for reliable real estate information. Everyone always wants to know how the market is doing, and I am happy to chat about it! I have also always maintained that my job is never over at the closing table. I build lasting relationships with my clients. I call and check in to see how the family is doing, or to give them updates on where there investment stands. I send gifts, market updates and more. My clients should always be so happy with my services that they are excited to recommend me to their friends and family, and they should never forget my name after their closing. I am genuinely interested in their well-being, and I think that authenticity comes through, helping to build my reputation.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Always aiming for the best service so that my clients come to me for repeat business. They have also recommended me to their friends and family. When I am not out there meeting new people at open houses or local events, I have also found that sending post cards with relevant market information has been helpful. Sending a monthly newsletter with market insights and local events is a great way to stay in touch and probably one of my favorite annual projects is taking photos for a calendar that I send to past clients as well as community members. Thank you notes for everyday services and the daily gratitude that I have for the people in my life are monumental in my success in this business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.AimeeStraw.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aimeestraw_realestate/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AimeeStrawRealEstate/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimee-straw-63199124/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AimeeStraw_RealEstate

Image Credits

All photos shot by either Virtuance Photography or Tim Faust Photography as listing photos or head shots.