Sumner REALTORS® Member Spotlight

Sumner REALTORS® will highlight the incredible work, industry contributions, and community involvement of our board members, chair members, and REALTOR® members. We aim to showcase our hardworking members and the impact they make in the real estate industry and their communities. Stay tuned as we highlight the incredible professionals of Sumner County!

By Katherine Russo June 12, 2025
How long have you been working in the real estate industry? 20 years. How did you get into real estate? I started out as a real estate investor, focusing on fix-and-flip properties. I eventually got my license to sell my own properties, and that’s how my career in real estate began. What inspired you to join Sumner REALTORS®? I joined for the continuing education opportunities and to stay informed about the local real estate market. There are so many industry updates you can miss if you’re not connected. I also value the local networking within our profession. What goals or metrics would you like to help Sumner REALTORS® achieve in 2025? My goal is to support continued growth and help build a strong sense of community within the Association. I also want to contribute to making the Home Tour a major success this year. What is one key lesson or insight you’ve learned over the years in the real estate industry? Never become complacent. The market is always changing, so you need to stay adaptable, keep learning, and be ready to pivot when needed. How do you see Sumner REALTORS® making a difference in the community or industry you are in? Sumner REALTORS® does more than advocate for homeownership, they actively serve local communities and stay deeply involved in community issues. What advice or words of encouragement would you give to someone aspiring to join the Board or take on a leadership role? Don’t be intimidated by the time commitment. It may seem like it will take away from your business or personal life, but the busiest people often get the most done. The rewards of contributing far outweigh the challenges. How do you enjoy spending your time outside of work? Anything outdoors is my jam. I love to travel and typically take four vacations a year, two big and two smaller trips. Hiking is one of my favorite outdoor activities. What is something that most people might not know about you? Most people don’t know that I’m a prankster, I love playing jokes and making people laugh. Also, I’m extremely afraid of heights!
By Katherine Russo June 6, 2025
How long have you been working in the real estate industry? 38 years. How did you get into real estate? I'm a third-generation REALTOR®. Real estate is the industry I was born into; it's always been part of my life. What inspired you to join Sumner REALTORS®? It was a natural step for me. My mother was a REALTOR®, I joined her office and then shortly after joined Sumner REALTORS®. I was drawn to the sense of community, the networking opportunities, and the focus on continued education. What goals or metrics would you like to help Sumner REALTORS® achieve throughout the rest of this year I want to continue fostering strong, collaborative relationships between brokers, partners, REALTORS®, and property managers. I'm also passionate about increasing involvement in the property management field. What is one key lesson or insight you’ve learned over the years in this industry? My mother taught me that it's never about money. We're not selling homes for paychecks, we're serving clients. Integrity and honesty must always guide your actions. You must prioritize your client's best interests above all else. What’s one thing you’re particularly excited about in 2025? I'm always excited about playing golf! But professionally, I'm hopeful for more stability in home prices and mortgage rates. It's been a seller’s market for too long, and some balance would be welcome. How do you see Sumner REALTORS® making a difference in the community or industry you are in? We're deeply engaged in tracking and influencing legislation that impacts homeownership. Sumner REALTORS® plays a key role in advocating for policies that keep housing attainable for more people. What advice or words of encouragement would you give to someone aspiring to join the Board or take on a leadership role? It’s our responsibility to share our skills for the benefit of others. No matter what your talent is, there’s always a way you can contribute and help Sumner REALTORS® make a difference in the community. How do you enjoy spending your time outside of work? I love playing golf and spending time with my Dalmatian.
By Katherine Russo May 23, 2025
Platinum Preferred Partner Spotlight: Parkside Builders
By Katherine Russo May 15, 2025
How long have you been working in the real estate industry? I have been in real estate for seven years. How did you get into real estate? My husband is a builder, and once our children were grown, it made sense for me to sell his homes rather than hire someone else. I dove in head-first and quickly discovered how much I love it! What inspired you to join Sumner REALTORS®? I initially joined another association at my first broker’s recommendation. After switching brokerages, I moved to Sumner REALTORS® and quickly saw its convenience, enhanced training opportunities, and clearer communications. Being closer also made it easier to connect with fellow REALTORS®. What goals or metrics would you like to help Sumner REALTORS® achieve throughout the rest of 2025? I’d love to see more members get involved. Involvement builds community, fosters growth through peer learning, and creates genuine support rather than competition. Even attending a single class can open doors to new ideas and connections. What is one key lesson or insight you’ve learned over the years in this industry? Success in the real estate industry demands consistent effort. It is a service industry, and it will pay off if you're willing to invest the time and hard work. What’s one thing you’re particularly excited about this year? I’m excited for continued growth and learning. Every year feels like a blank slate. There’s nothing more thrilling than asking, “What can I make happen next?” How do you see Sumner REALTORS® making a difference in the community or industry you are in? By nurturing an ever-expanding sense of community and encouraging members to ask, “How can we do better?” Active engagement unlocks our collective potential and impact. What advice or words of encouragement would you give to someone aspiring to join the Board or take on a leadership role? Just get involved. Don’t worry about who you know or compare yourself to others. If you’re a doer, you’re needed. Even small contributions make a difference. How do you enjoy spending your time outside of work? I love being with my family. I’m a proud soccer mom, and I enjoy baking and helping my 16-year-old daughter, Lucy, with her nonprofit, Lucy's Love Blankets. She makes blankets for children who need a little extra love! What is something that most people might not know about you? I have nine amazing kids!
By Katherine Russo May 9, 2025
How long have you been working in the real estate industry? Since 2011. How did you get into real estate? When I bought a home in 2009, my REALTOR® suggested I consider real estate as a career. She thought I’d be good at it, and she is still a REALTOR®. I’ve always been in sales and customer service, and this is a great way to combine my talents and serve our local community. What inspired you to join Sumner REALTORS®? My broker at the time was a member, and since I’ve always lived in Sumner County, I wanted to get involved locally. While I wasn’t initially “inspired” to join, I knew it was the right move to stay connected with my community. Becoming involved on the Board over the last 2+ years has opened my eyes to everything they have done and continue to do. What goals or metrics would you like to help Sumner REALTORS® achieve throughout the rest of the year? I currently serve on the RPAC Committee, and one of my goals is to help this year's chair surpass last year's fundraising record. Last year, I served as the Sumner REALTORS® RPAC Committee chair, and it was the most investments we have ever had. We exceeded every measurable metric in the previous year, and much of that success is thanks to Jeff Hebb. He’s more passionate and involved than any CEO we’ve had in years past, and he truly champions RPAC’s mission. What is one key lesson or insight you’ve learned over the years in this industry? Relationships are key to success. What’s one thing you’re particularly excited about throughout the rest of this year? Helping families achieve home ownership. Also going to visit new waterfalls this summer. How do you see Sumner REALTORS® making a difference in your community or industry? They’re involved in nearly every aspect of the community, from government and local charities to schools. Their goal isn’t to disrupt but to support. Whether it's citywide initiatives or small local causes, they work to strengthen every corner of our community. What advice or words of encouragement would you give someone aspiring to join the Board or take on a leadership role? Be open-minded, and don’t be afraid to speak up. Get involved in any way you can because no matter how you serve, you can make a difference. How do you enjoy spending your time outside of work? Family always comes first. I enjoy going to church, fishing, trying local restaurants, and spending time with my kids, and they keep me busy! What is something that most people might not know about you? I grew up in Kentucky and appeared in the movie Major League when I was younger. In the scene where “Wild Thing” strikes out a kid from the Yankees, look just above the dugout, I’m in the front row wearing a gray sweatshirt.
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