Change can be hard, but it can also be transformative. In letting go of the past, I was able to fully embrace the future, leading to so much more than I ever could have imagined.
It was January 2020, and I had just made the toughest decision of my life: I closed my gym. The place I had poured my heart and soul into for six years had become a financial drain and a source of constant stress. I knew I needed to focus fully on my true passion—real estate.
My journey as an entrepreneur is rooted in many of the lessons I learned through running. Growing up in Phoenix, I loved exploring different communities through running. The tree-lined streets and grassy yards of North Central Phoenix, a rare oasis in the desert, became my go-to spot. As I ran, I envisioned my future—living in one of those beautiful homes within a great community.
The discipline and perseverance I developed through running shaped my character. Running in the 115-degree summer heat of Phoenix, I pushed myself to overcome physical and mental challenges. By the age of 19, I had completed my first marathon—the perseverance and focus it took to achieve this would later fuel my entrepreneurial ventures and guide me through the challenges I faced.
After earning a Bachelor's in Communication Studies and a Master's in Public Administration, I worked for the city of Glendale, where I communicated complex policies and budget issues to the public. However, when I left for a fundraising and marketing job, I found myself in a toxic environment. I wanted to serve my community, but the bad experiences drained my passion for the work. I was ready to try something new.
It was then that CrossFit entered my life. I became friends with the owner of my CrossFit gym, and she offered me a managerial position. It was the perfect fit to blend my love for fitness with serving others. I fell in love with the tight-knit community and positive environment, leading me to run my own gym.
I loved running a business and creating a place people wanted to be. Many real estate agents attended my gym, and they often told me I should consider real estate. My husband and I had started flipping houses, and I decided to get licensed to handle our transactions. My very first sale was helping a gym member—I knew immediately this was my calling. Within my first year, I sold 35 homes! Real estate fulfills my passion for service, forming meaningful connections and making a positive impact on the lives of others.
By 2020, I was selling over 100 homes a year. The pandemic was the final push I needed to let go of the gym and move forward. It was the end of an era, but I learned many valuable lessons and applied them to creating something even bigger through real estate.
In 2021, I was able to start Wilder Real Estate, a strong team that shares my passion for real estate. We can now serve more people at a higher level while staying true to my core values of building relationships and making a meaningful difference through real estate education and advocacy. In just 2023 alone, we were able to help over 180 individuals and families achieve their real estate goals. And we plan to continue helping more and more people each year!
My husband, an entrepreneur himself, has encouraged me on this journey to go out of my comfort zone and trust my instincts, which has paid off tenfold. I’m proud of the life we have created for our family. The neighborhood I used to run through and dream of living in is now our home. We have an amazing home and a garden that I love tending to with my kids. My journey goes to show that with perseverance and dedication, you can create the life you want, chase your dreams and embrace change as it comes.
In real estate, every transaction is an opportunity to solve complex problems, negotiate favorable terms and help clients achieve their homeownership dreams. Whether it's guiding first-time homebuyers through the process or managing the sale of a distressed property, I thrive on turning difficult situations into successful outcomes. This drive for excellence and passion for helping others is what fuels my dedication to real estate.
Leading Wilder Real Estate is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. I believe in fostering a collaborative environment where each team member is empowered to leverage their strengths and grow professionally. Building long-term relationships is at the core of our philosophy. We are not just in the business of selling homes; we are committed to being trusted advisors who our clients can rely on for years to come. By prioritizing trust, integrity and exceptional results, we create lasting connections that go beyond a single transaction!