We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Laurie Crouse. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Laurie below.

Laurie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents supported me in all my endeavors. They encouraged me to follow my passions and they led me to believe I could be successful at whatever I chose to do, so it never occurred to me that I wouldn’t be. Growing up in Connecticut, I was really into the arts. They supported my desire to go to school at the University of Denver, where I cast metal sculptures at their foundry and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture. While in school I met my future husband, Martin, who was an electrical engineer. This was in the early 1970’s , which was a very different world than we are living in today. We incorporated my knowledge of metal casting and his cutting edge knowledge of electronics, to create an innovative line of Light Emitting Electronic Jewelry, which we sold in our galleries in Denver, and Winter Park, Colorado. These pieces were very well received. We were featured in New York Magazine’s “Best Bets” column, displayed in galleries from L.A to NYC, and were commissioned by General Electric to make 1000’s of pieces for the opening of their Horizon’s pavilion at Disney World’s Epcot. Martin and I eventually moved back to Connecticut, to be near family. Our jewelry business continued on a smaller scale, taking a back seat to other things, including our growing family. My mother was managing a successful Real Estate office at the time, in my hometown. Looking to explore the business, I began to help in the office on weekends, and soon after, I acquired my Real Estate license. I found the business to be very compelling and my mother was a wonderful mentor for me.. This is, again, an instance where my parent(s) impacted my life and career. 35 years later my mother is long retired and I am still working full time, but I still love to discuss my deals with her and get her feedback.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

An artist at heart, an empath and lover of people, are qualities I bring to all aspects of my life. I found as I transitioned from making art to selling residential properties a continuation of the creative process. I use my design abilities to show my listings at their best and its very satisfying to find just the right home for my buyers. As I explained earlier, when I returned to my hometown after living in Colorado for about a dozen years, my mother was a broker and manager for a very successful office there. I decided to get my license as well. Once I began to work, my career took off and had its own trajectory. Over the course of my Real Estate career I have listed and sold well over 700 homes in Fairfield County CT. I have earned numerous industry high honors over the last 3 decades. I treat everyone as I would my own family. I am a “straight shooter” and have earned an impeccable reputation among my clients and peers which is an accomplishment of which I am very proud. I am a pretty keen negotiator and my in-depth knowledge of the area and the Real Estate market enables me to create a positive experience for my clients. I deliver the same service to clients who are struggling to find an afforable rental property, as I do to the numerous luxury clients I have represented over the years.

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

Integrity and compassion are my guiding principles. My practice is largely a referral business. I never focus on the outcome of one deal, because that would mean I am driven my money vs the best outcome for my clients. I tell my clients “I never want to cross the street when I see you coming. I want you to greet me and tell me you are immensely satisfied and that you will tell all your friends about our great experience together..” This has helped me build a very successful business with many repeat clients. I also enjoy mentoring new agents. They often come to me with questions about how to deal with negotiations or difficult clients. It makes me happy that I am respected enough to be sought out.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I feel like my life is a series of chapters. #1 Growing up in Connecticut. #2 My years in Colorado. #3 Coming back to Connecticut and having children. #4 My most profound chapter, where I really had to pivot, was when my husband was diagnosed with cancer, that eventually took his life. #5 Life after Martin’s death. I share so much in common with others who have lost a life partner or a spouse. In my case, after Martin died, I met a wonderful teacher from India, who often came to stay with me. We hosted workshops, in my home, for people from all walks of life who were interested in meditation and healing.. I met other teachers during this time and they came to share in my home, as well. We filled the space where great loss had occurred with great “energy”. My personal healing began as I developed a strong practice of gratitude. I am acutely aware of the blessings in my life and I integrate this practice into everything I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lauriecrouse.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauriecrouserealestate/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauriecrouserealestate
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-crouse-5a95a6a/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYSWHBOkh9Hb-z_ZXsjPTMA

Image Credits
Martin Crouse Peter Holm Birhan Tonge