I’m starting a series of posts as we lead up to Johnson Home and Land’s 10th Anniversary. It has a been a time for me to reflect on my 16 year real estate career. First…let’s set the stage.
I have wanted to be a real estate broker almost as long as I can remember. I got a taste of the business through my dad’s sister, Aunt Darlene, who operated a successful firm in Glen Dale, WV. She let me tag along to open houses and hang out in her office. I was hooked! Say hello to Aunt Darlene….aka Dar.
After high school I wanted to go into real estate right away but my mom encouraged me to go to Northwest College first. This is my mom!
I majored in business administration and then married the man of my dreams, Rob Johnson, in July of 1994. Here is our engagement photo.
A few months later I contacted Dennis Brothers, a local banker and family friend about an unsecured loan to fund the first step of my dream. I had some financial history with Dennis being as I had borrowed $1000 to buy a 1971 Volkswagen Bug when I was 16. 😉 Dennis was gracious and he might have felt a little sorry for me. Regardless….he loaned me the money and with Rob’s full support I registered for the Wyoming Real Estate Institute’s pre-license classes. As the day for me to leave for Cheyenne approached, one of our vehicles broke down and then the other. I had no transportation until my parents in law, Bob and Sharon Johnson, helped make arrangements for me to catch a ride with someone who was headed down for the broker version of the same class. I got a ride to Cheyenne with Oscar Hill.
My instructor was Bruce Burkhart who stunned me with his real estate knowledge. I was shocked to realize what all I didn’t know! I was a sponge and I took in more new information that I thought possible.
The testing company used to mail our tests off for scoring so I stalked the Cowley post office for two weeks until a little slip of paper finally came in the mail and changed my life! I managed to save it all these years.
One hurdle down. Now all I had to do was find a broker to hire me. That should be no problem….right? To be continued…..
Sarah Johnson
Hi Sarah,
I loved your story about getting your license. What great memories. I only wish you had been in my class.
I hope your market is recovering well in Powell.
Best Regards,
John
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Hi John! The market is pretty good here right now and we are thankful for that. The first time I met you was at the cocktail party you put on right after I took the test. That was fun!
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Sarah, I can’t believe it has been ten years. You have done so well in your real estate business. Your parents-in-law are very proud of all you you done. Keep up the good work.
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Thanks so much!
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