Sponsored by 40 Under Forty Professional, community, and civic organizations: Mayfield Graves Fuller Center for Housing Board of Directors, Mayfield Graves Board of Realtors Board of Directors, Brahm Joseph Riley Memorial Foundation Board of Directors, Kentucky Realtors Member, National Association of Realtors Member What specific steps or strategies did you take to become successful in your field? One thing I realized early in my career is success does not happen overnight. I started in the Real Estate business at an early age, and I learned very quickly that I had a lot to prove to earn the public’s trust. Real Estate is one of the largest investments most people will make in their lives, and the consumer will not trust just anyone to assist them in buying or selling property. I had to become knowledgeable in my trade and work hard to show people I was a professional, even though I might not have many years under my belt. A pivotal moment in my career was after being in the business for two years; I realized that to become successful, I would have to make Real Estate my full-time job. After making that decision, I can proudly say that I have been in the Real Estate business full-time for the majority of my career, and the success that I have been able to experience is owed to the great clients that have trusted me. What is the best piece of business advice that you’ve ever received? I have received a lot of advice over the years, but the values and the importance of the work ethic my parents taught me have impacted my career the most. I pride myself in working hard for every client I have, and I try to give them the service I would want if our roles were reversed. Professional, community, and civic organizations: Community. Growth. Legacy. Foundation Founder/President, Sundaze In The Park Founder/Organizer, Emancipation Celebration Park Committee What specific steps or strategies did you take to become successful in your field? In my profession, each day is a learning opportunity. From the first day I stepped into a campaign office, I took heed to every word given, and learned from every mistake I made in my novice stage. Showing improvement and aspiring to be the best in my region showcased my capabilities and value to my colleagues and superiors which led to my success in this field. The most pivotal moment that impacted my career trajectory is believing in myself when the time came for me to lead the office that I began only creating spreadsheets in. Although my promotion was swift, I never took my title for granted. Four and a half years and seven campaigns later, I’m proud to say I’ve played a pivotal role in campaign wins on the national, state, and local levels. What is the best piece of business advice that you’ve ever received? “Having the capability of knowing your gift is the first step in pursuing a life of happiness.” That is the best piece of advice I’ve received, not only in my profession but in my pursuit of leaving a legacy in my community. In life, with distractions and adversity that are thrown your way, we as humans are sometimes subject to give up prematurely and not reach our full potential. I take pride in knowing I wake up every day loving what I do as well as knowing I’m leaving an impact on my daughter and the world. Professional, community, and civic organizations: Kentucky Lake Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, 2021 Young Professional of the Year, Kentucky Lake Young Professionals Leadership Team Chair, Marshall County Caring Needline Board of Directors, Murray Young Professionals Member, Central Elementary School Mentor What initially inspired you to pursue your profession? Starting in high school I was drawn to the creativity of mass communications. After developing my career, it’s not only the creative freedom that keeps me in love with my work but the advocacy I’m able to do. I can be involved in my community in a way that allows me to be more impactful than if I chose a different career. It’s important for me personally to have a career but also show my daughter that she can have a career that she finds fulfillment from and have a fulfilled life outside of it. What specific steps or strategies did you take to become successful in your field? I was initially going to college for a degree in Journalism. As a high school student, you have such a narrow view of the world, I thought it was the means to allow me to do what I wanted. In my first semester, I was sitting in an introductory class for an overview of the department I was in, Journalism and Mass Communication, and they described the different aspects of the degrees that fell under the department and Public Relations was one of them. After hearing it described, it was like learning a better definition for a word you’ve always known. That slight pivot has allowed me to have a career that more closely aligns with my personal goals and be more impactful in my community. 16 SEPTEMBER 2023 Jeffery Williams Campaign Manager and Office Manager, At Scale, LLC Jessica Adams Marketing Director, Lake Chem Community Federal Credit Union Justin Suiter Real Estate Broker, Barger Realty
