SOPHISTICATED WOMAN: MARY WERNKE

Mary Wernke of the Mary Wernke Real Estate Group at Encore Sotheby’s International Realty talks about her path to success and how she manages to achieve that ever-elusive work-life balance.

Written by Suzanne Huntzinger

How would you describe yourself ?

In order to be successful in real estate as an independent contractor, you have to be self-motivated and driven. I love getting up each and every morning to serve my existing clients’ needs as best I can, and the ongoing interaction and social aspect of the business is really enjoyable to me. It’s satisfying to continually connect with colleagues and friends to help obtain and win new potential customers.

What led you to where you are now?

It all started post-college back in the late 1990s during my Xerox days with their professional sales training. I learned so much about selling and client interaction; that’s when I also discovered that I love everything real estate-related and that I’m so passionate about it. Then I moved to Chicago and started selling condos and houses and had so much fun; it’s also where I met my husband, Michael.

Describe one of the most challenging aspects of your industry and how you work to overcome it.

In order to be on top of your game, it’s a constant grind to keep up with all the trends, neighborhoods changing, new developments, companies hiring or relocating staff, and all the things that affect home values. I work with many high-profile executives professionally and am also personal friends with a lot of them, so that certainly helps me get ahead of the game on these types of trends.

Mary Wernke with husband Michael and children Ryan (15), Ellen (10), and Tanner (13)

Describe one of the most rewarding aspects of your industry. Helping others and meeting new people every day.

Looking toward the future, what’s the outlook for your industry and how will you adapt? Technology and global reach is changing our industry, but some constants will always remain the same – hard work, polished negotiation skills and a clear understanding of your local specialized real estate market.

How do you balance work life and home life as a busy working mother?

My three kids make it easy. They’ll be at three different schools this fall: St. Luke Catholic School, Park Tudor, and Cathedral. We create our own busy lives with this crazy schedule, but we love being busy. Michael is active in coaching the boys’ sports, and I enjoy being at equestrian events to watch our daughter show ponies. My husband and I also design, remodel and build homes in addition to our real estate careers–it helps me have a natural eye for real estate. But it’s not all work–we balance it with travel and sports. Skiing is our favorite sport, and we go on several ski trips each year to places like Utah, Jackson Hole, and Beaver Creek.

What do you love most about Indianapolis?

The people. I also love how it has that small-town feel but it’s large enough that we can host “big city” events. We love taking advantage of going to all those events like the Indy 500, college sports games, Pacers, Colts, and concerts; we enjoy all the entertainment Indy has to offer. You can also find us at Meridian Hills Country Club on the golf course or tennis courts, or biking the Monon.

Tell us something most people wouldn’t know about you.

My husband and I biked through Prague and from Santa Barbara, California to Ojai.

For more information, visit marywernke.com