We were lucky to catch up with Gretchen Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Gretchen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?
The world was grappling with the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic when I launched my Real Estate career. It was a daunting time, but my passion for helping clients find their dream homes and my belief that ‘home is where the heart is’ fueled my determination to succeed.
As I took my first steps into the real estate industry, I encountered a unique set of challenges. The pandemic had shifted the way we connected with one another, and connecting with clients in a meaningful way was not easy. Face-to-face meetings and open houses had given way to virtual tours and Zoom calls.
Adaptability became my greatest asset. I quickly learned the ins and outs of virtual showings, leveraging technology to give clients immersive experiences of potential homes. While it wasn’t the traditional approach, it allowed me to keep clients safe while still providing the personal touch they deserved. In fact, the first home I sold was via video walk through. My clients were looking for a home for their daughter attending CSU. I told them, I will find a home that I would feel safe placing my college aged daughter in. They lived out of state and put their faith and trust in me. When they arrived for the Closing, my client told me that the home looks even better in person! That was such a huge compliment and I was beyond happy that they were thrilled with their purchase.
Despite the challenges, my desire to serve my clients with one of their most significant investments remained unwavering. I understood that buying a home isn’t just a financial decision; it’s an emotional one. It’s about finding the place where memories are made, where dreams are nurtured, and where the heart finds solace.
The phrase ‘home is where the heart is’ took on new meaning during those times. It became a guiding principle in my real estate career. I wasn’t just helping clients find properties; I was assisting them in discovering their sanctuary, a place where they would build their future.
Establishing trust was paramount in a world clouded with uncertainty. I focused on clear communication, transparency, and ensuring my clients felt heard and supported throughout the entire process. Whether it was addressing concerns about property values or guiding them through the intricacies of the virtual buying process, my clients knew I had their best interests at heart.
With perseverance and a commitment to my clients’ goals, I managed to build a successful career even in the midst of a global crisis. Each satisfied client, whether they were first-time buyers or experienced homeowners, reminded me of the importance of my role in helping people find their place of belonging.
As we slowly emerge from the pandemic’s grip, the real estate industry is evolving once again. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the chance to continue serving my clients in innovative and meaningful ways. The lessons I’ve learned during these challenging times have only strengthened my resolve to be a trusted partner in their real estate journeys.
In the end, launching my real estate career during the first phase of COVID was a test of resilience and adaptability. It reinforced my belief that, pandemic or not, ‘home is where the heart is,’ and I am grateful for the chance to play a role in helping clients find that special place they can truly call home.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I was born and raised in Duluth, MN where I spent most of my weekends at our cabin in the Northwoods, exploring, canoeing, hiking, roasting marshmallows, and loving the outdoors. My childhood home was the “koolAid house” where all my friends from the neighborhood spent every night at my house playing “night games” and mom had fresh baked cookies for us every day after school. These memories established the feeling “home is where the heart is” for me. I began my professional career after Nursing school as an RN in the Operating Rooms of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN where I provided patient care during surgical procedures and mentorship to new nurses. During this time I was presented with an opportunity to the Surgical Device Sales Industry where I perfected the art of negotiation with top C-Suite officials as well as Anesthesiologists and Surgeons. I was fortunate to travel our country during this phase and proudly finished my medical career as the Director for Strategic Alliance. I relocated my family to Colorado for several opportunities and we are all thrilled to live here and enjoy the outdoors!
I decided to fuel a long standing passion and talent of mine when I changed my career path to Real Estate. It has been an exciting and challenging!
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I believe in the power of connection. In the world of real estate, success isn’t just about properties and transactions; it’s about people. Building meaningful connections is at the heart of what I do, and my natural abilities to connect with people have been instrumental in growing my real estate business.
Real estate is a people-centric industry, where homes represent not just bricks and mortar but dreams, aspirations, and memories. Recognizing this, I’ve always believed in the power of genuine human connection. My natural ability to empathize and understand people’s needs and desires allows me to connect with clients on a deeper level.
When I first moved to Colorado, I met a wonderful group of women in my neighborhood. They invited me to their monthly “Women Who Wine” group. I am so grateful for their support and inspiration. Now that I moved to Old Town in Fort Collins, I started another Women Who Wine group in Old Town through MeetUp. It’s Called Women Who Wine of Northern Colorado.
Supporting my community is important to me. I am a board member of Hope Lives, The Lydia Dody Breast Cancer Support Center. We provide all types of support for women fighting their way through the many challenges of breast cancer. It means a lot to me to be able to play a supportive role and serve the many women suffering.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Active Listening is one of the key aspects of my ability to connect. When clients share their vision for their ideal home or express their concerns, I listen intently. By truly hearing their words and understanding their emotions, I can provide tailored solutions and options that resonate with them. This builds trust, as clients feel heard and valued.
Building Trust and Credibility is the foundation of any successful real estate business. My genuine interactions and transparent communication have helped me earn the trust of clients, making them comfortable and confident in my abilities. Trust begets referrals, and my business has grown substantially through word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied clients.
Connecting with people often involves finding common ground. Whether it’s a shared love for a specific neighborhood, an appreciation for architecture, or understanding the unique needs of a family, I seek commonalities that bridge the gap between us. These shared interests create a bond that goes beyond the transactional nature of real estate.
Real estate transactions can be complex, often requiring creative problem-solving and collaboration. My knack for connecting with people extends to working harmoniously with other real estate professionals, from inspectors to contractors. This collaborative approach ensures a seamless experience for my clients, further enhancing their trust in my abilities.
My natural ability to connect with people doesn’t stop with individual clients. It extends to networking within the real estate community causing a ripple effect. By building positive relationships with fellow agents, lenders, and industry experts, I can tap into a vast network of resources and opportunities, ultimately benefiting my clients.
The growth of my real estate business can be directly attributed to my ability to connect with people. The relationships I’ve cultivated have led to repeat business, referrals, and a strong reputation in the industry. Clients not only find their dream homes with me but also become part of a growing community of satisfied homeowners.
In the world of real estate, where the human element is paramount, the ability to connect with people is a superpower. It has allowed me to serve my clients better, build trust and credibility, and foster a thriving real estate business. It is because of these relationships that I have been able to successfully open my own brokerage ~ Front Porch Realty Solutions! As I continue to harness the power of connection, I look forward to helping more clients find their perfect homes and creating lasting relationships along the way.
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