We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alison Wheatley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alison below.
Alright, Alison thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with 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.
I choose to donate at least 50% of my real estate commissions to Dreamcatcher Horse Rescue, a 501(c) 3 non profit, to help pay for the feed and medical care of the current 62 horses and donkeys. Its my passion to help these wonderful animals that have been ‘thrown away ‘ starved or abused and ensure they have a wonderful rest of their lives!
Alison, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Most people know me as the Broker Associate who saves horses at Dreamcatcher Horse Rescue in Clermont, Florida… And yes i will always continue my work saving horses and to do this I sell Real Estate! As the founder of Dreamcatcher Horse Rescue & Sanctuary i choose to donate at least 50% of my income back into the rescue to continue this important work! I have over 17 years experience in Horse ownership and started a non profit horse rescue in 2009. The rescue currently houses 60+ equines!
Originally from the UK I have had a love of horses as a little girl but unfortunately was never in a position to own one. In 1999 my family moved to the US and in 2006 I was finally able to realize the dream of horse ownership. My youngest daughter Loran also had the passion for horses and when she reached the age of 16 began taking over the day to day management of the rescue so I could concentrate more on the Real Estate to raise money to help the horses in need. I have been a Real Estate Broker since 2001 in Lake County, Florida and am the former owner of Several Real Estate Companies. I retired from this to work with my son, Broker, Matt Wheatley and become part of Wheatley Realty Group. I have been a Lake & Sumter Realtor Association Multi-Million Dollar Producer for several years and specialise in residential and farm properties.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
My motto is to always be honest, kind and listen to the client’s needs. Being in real estate is not a sales job – it’s a therapist, negotiator, counselor and most importantly a true friend! if you take care of your clients the way you would like to be taken care of they will for sure recommend you to their networking circles. Virtually all of my clients now are repeats or referrals.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In 2001 we had to return to the UK to get a new visa – leaving behind 2 businesses, a home, cars, pets etc we were told it would only take a few weeks. Unfortunately, that turned into 2.5 years! All that time I had to run the business from the UK, find homes for the pets and rent the house out to prevent foreclosure. On top of that we had to start a new life in the UK as the children had to go to school and we needed somewhere to live and a job for income. BUT when one door closes another opens – believe me I had to fight hard to find the open door! It would have been so easy to give up and stay in the UK but deep in my heart I knew my journey was supposed to be in the USA and my determination paid off. We got a new visa and returned to the US in jan 2004. Shortly after that I started the Horse Rescue – I strongly believe this was meant to be my life’s mission and the reason I was meant to live in the USA!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wheatley-realty-
group.findme.com - Instagram: alison wheatley real estate specialist
- Facebook: alison wheatley real estate specialist
- Linkedin: alison wheatley