New Jersey Realtor®—May/June 2021

Page 24

EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

TRUSTEE

Spotlight

Who inspired your career and how did they inspire it? My mother was a huge influence and inspiration. She started her own office at a time when not that many women were small business owners. She was fortunate she had an encouraging husband. Through her involvement in the Realtor® organization, I also met many men and women who were great examples of our business both professionally and with community involvement and volunteering.

Judy Stefanik

Why is real estate a good career choice? You’re basically your own boss therefore you can set your own course. It’s rarely boring or routine, and there’s always a new challenge.

nfluenced by her late mother and past New Jersey Realtors® Educational Foundation Trustee, Gertrude M. “Pat” Stefanik, Judy Stefanik always had an interest helping others. She applied to be a trustee in 2008 and has enjoyed helping students achieve their goals ever since.

How did you get involved with the NJ Realtors® Educational Foundation? I’ve always had an interest in education and knew of the great work the New Jersey Realtors® Educational Foundation did long before I was involved. For years we had a Dollars for Scholars collection in our office when my mother was a foundation trustee. I applied to become a trustee and have been honored to be a small part that helps people achieve their educational dreams.

I

How long have you worked in the real estate Do you have any advice for students interested industry? in pursuing real estate? I have been licensed for over 40 years and Have a good understanding of finance, have been working full time in real money, budgeting and technology. If What is estate since 2000. Prior to that I was possible, try spending a day with an employed in the employment and your favorite agent to observe their work day. training field. motivational quote? What do you enjoy the most “It is never Why did you get involved in about your career? wrong to do real estate? It’s rewarding to help people find the right thing.” It was a natural progression for the perfect home. You meet people me, I was raised in the business. My from all walks of life and always learn – Mark Twain mother, Gertrude M. “Pat” Stefanik, something new. opened her business when my sister and I were both very young. We spent countless Knowing all that you do now, do you after school hours in the office, and we learned a have any advice for new Realtors®? lot about people. I worked in real estate part time while Treat buyers and sellers the way you want to be treated— at my former job which involved assisting people with with courtesy, respect and dignity. Don’t lose your sense their goals of work and school. Now, I help people with of humor, and never spend your commission before the their home ownership goals. sale has actually closed.

22 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2021


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