Cathy Sutton, had recently retired from her real estate career and her office, Royal Lepage Top Producers. We thought it would be interesting to interview Cathy on her memories of a wonderful career in real estate. Here is an insight in the career and life of a successful Realtor:
Q.) What motivated you to embark upon a career in real estate and what year did you become a member of the Winnipeg Real Estate Board/Association?
A.) It's kind of an interesting story. I was working for a Halloween Costume company in 1991. A very seasonal job. I had hired a lady to work at one of the stores who's husband was the manager of New York Life insurance in Winnipeg. After the Halloween season was over, I had no idea what I was going to do. This insurance manager asked if I was interested in being tested for insurance sales. So I agreed. I went and was tested and passed, but I wasn't sure that it was something I would enjoy. So he had me do another test. This test backed up the first results, but still, something held me back about selling insurance. After three rounds of successful testing and not feeling right about the job, the guy threw up his hands and said, "I don't know why you're not selling real estate?" A light bulb went on my brain and I thought "ya, I don't know why I'm not selling real estate either!" I immediately called our Realtor, John Robinson, and talked to him about it. He too said, "ya, I don't know why you aren't selling real estate too?"
Q.) What did you do before you started your real estate career?
A.) It's like I've had several lifetimes of careers! Initially, I worked at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Dentistry as a tech. I was encouraged there to take training for X-ray technology. I worked in that field for a number of years, until kids came along. Next I had a small business, (Barsuca Exercise Wear), where I designed and manufactured aerobic and swim wear for quite a few years. I still see the odd pair of color blocked Barsuca tights out there. The recession at the end of the 80's hit and I closed that business down. The next endeavour was Masquerade International, the Halloween costume company. I got the job as setting up, staffing and overseeing five shops in Winnipeg. I spent a week in Scottsdale, Arizona at a training seminar for this. Unfortunately, it was in August and not January! Hot, hot, hot! The next move was into real estate sales at Royal Lepage.
Q.) Do you remember what your first few days, weeks and months were like as a new Realtor?
A.) Yes, I remember. I was scared to death! I had wonderful work mate at the Royal Lepage office at the corner of Grant and Centennial. Wilma, Susan, Bev and Linda made my initiation in the field smooth, successful and loads of fun. I did at least two open-houses a weekend.
Q.) What are your Top Five movies of all time?
A.) 1.) Chicago 2.) Really Bad Things 3.) Four Rooms 4.) Men In Black 5.) Men In Black 2
Q.) What advice would you have for a new Realtor to help them get established and productive?
A.) Do open-houses. Keep track and keep in touch with all your clients. They will forget you fast if you don't.
Q.) Do you recall your very first sale and the clients you helped either find or sell their home?
A.) Honestly? No I don't. I remember lots of memorable deals that occurred right near the beginning. I had a house listed in River Heights that, Claude Davis, than at Delbro, wrote an offer on. The Hot Water Tank was rented. I forgot to put that in the listing. Claude's purchaser was not happy and didn't want a rental, so Claude arranged for my manager, Gord Wilson, himself, and me to split the cost three ways of a Hot Water Tank. He claimed partial responsibility because I was a newbie. That taught me that your reputation is worth a lot more than money! I tried to gear my behaviour after Claude's for the rest of my years in the industry.
Q.) What is your favourite restaurant and what is your favorite meal there?
A.) Bistro Dansk, the Goulash Soup.
Q.) Throughout your career you were a consistent recipient of numerous local and national awards. What was it within you that gave you the nudge to "go to work" each day and be so successful?
A.) Wow! There are an awful lot of way more successful Realtors out there than me! I like the job. I like the challenge and I liked the money.
Q.) For many years you volunteered your knowledge and time at the Winnipeg Real Estatew Board/Association to help make our industry better as a Board of Director. as well as the many committees you were on. What do you feel was the contribution you made to our industry that you are most proud of?
A.) I truly "bought into" the fact that the WREB belongs to and is operated by the Realtors who are members. I liked being in that situation that I personally could bring about change in our industry.
Q.) If you gazed into your crystal ball, where do you see our career path going in the years ahead?
A.) I really don't need a crystal ball! :) I now am moving forward with my jewellery design career. My designs, Nepenthe Studio, are available locally at Bijou Gallery, Desart, Artifacts, Winnipeg Art Gallery, Woodlands Gallery, Glitz, Museum of Man and Nature, Fishfly Gallery and in galleries in B.C., Ontario and Alberta. www.nepenthestudio.com I do lots of custom work as well.
Q.) If you could travel to any place in the world, where would that be and why?
A.) Nile cruise. I'd love to see the countryside along the Nile River.
Q.) If you had to do real estate all over again, what would you do differently?
A.) I'd keep better track of my clients. That's about all. The rest was great. Being partners with my shorter sister was definitely a highlight. we really had fun.
Q.) Was there anything that disappointed you in your career?
A.) Lots of things! Every time I would look at the new listings and see a past-client had listed with someone else, I would feel sick. It was my own fault, I hadn't kept in touch.
Q.) What's next in Cathy Sutton's life?
A.) Well, Florida Keys for March 2012. Lots of fishing and snorkeling. Next year the Tucson Gem show, the beginning of February, I'll be picking a jewellery workshop, likely in San Francisco, next fall. A month somewhere warm. More Jewellery.
On behalf of all of us at Royal Lepage Top Producers, thank you, Cathy, for sharing some of you and your thoughts with all of us. Wishing you continued success and we all hope you will stop by at your second home every once and a while?
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