We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Gregory and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks has played a huge part in my career and life. It all started as a child. I was never one to go with the flow, to follow the crowd, or do what everyone else was doing. It continued into my adult life. I grew up in Southern California and I was one of the only people to leave where I grew up and pursue a life in different areas. I never returned to where I went to high school. 35 years later I landed in South Florida to be closer to family, but I did not know a soul. My first career was an elementary school teacher. I taught all grades kindergarten through fifth grade for 20 years. Teaching in South Florida was very different than California. I had more freedom to address students needs in California and in South Florida, I felt confined and unhappy. My parents passed away within 6 months of each other about 6 years ago. I took a year off to grieve and never went back to teaching. I began my career in Real Estate. I passed the tests and became one of a zillion agents in South Florida, specifically Fort Lauderdale. I chose this career because I wanted to help people find their dream homes. Like teaching, in Real Estate I want people to feel successful and reach their goals of homeownership. I run my business with integrity and honesty. I am most definitely mainly about seeing people happy and comfortable rather than the money I stand to make. I believe this sets me apart from other agents. I did not expect to be as successful as I am.

I whole heartedly believe that if you really want something, risk is involved. You have to be uncomfortable in order to make change. Being a Realtor is not easy by any means, I work 24/7 and push as hard as I can to get the best for my clients. I love my job, though. I love seeing my clients happy in their homes, making changes, celebrating holidays and enjoying their lives. I have gone on to get my Broker License and perhaps will use it one day. For now, I have taken on investment properties…another risk…but well worth it!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Getting where I am today was not easy. I suffered with addiction and decided, with the support of my brother, to get help. I am proud to say I have over 5 years of sobriety and wouldn’t change that part of my life for anything. I would not be where I am today had I not changed my lifestyle. Luckily, rehab was a very humbling experience for me and I got out and made the choice to never go back again or be that person again. Getting sober is a risk. You risk being present at all times with the good and the bad. There is no more hiding. Sobriety has changed my life. I have a great relationship with my brother, his wife and my nephews. I take risks every chance I get to make change. Change isn’t easy, sometimes it takes a whole life overhaul to make it happen and live a life you have in mind happily.

Fast forward to my career now. There is a ton of competition. I tend to only compete with myself. I think what sets me apart is the fact that I have integrity. I am not going to push someone into something they don’t want. It is not my nature to be pushy. Most of my clients are referrals or friends. This is what excites me as many had seen me at my lowest and with changing my lifestyle they can trust me again and that makes me very proud. I believe the teacher in me realizes that every closing or sale is a step forward. I set realistic goals for myself and I reach them.

I never saw myself in Real Estate, but I love it, I am especially excited about the investment side for myself. I have had one flip, two rentals that I sold and now I am working on a building from scratch. The building is like my baby – watching her grow! I have big plans for her!

One main thing about me is that I think integrity is very important and I live by it. I even have it tattooed on my arm 🙂 I always stand by my word if it is possible and if it is not, I am sure to let that person or situation know. I think in my field and in my personal life it is good to know what you are getting. Integrity is based on trust, honor and respect. It is how I base my life, my relationships and my career.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d definitely take my friend to Southport Raw Bar. This is one of the coolest places in Fort Lauderdale. It has outdoor seating right on the water, the best oysters in town and the owner and staff are top notch. It is very laid back and chill and where the locals go!

You cannot go wrong with the beach in Fort Lauderdale. We’d bring some chairs, a mini boom box and drinks and enjoy the breeze and warmer water. Plus, you can walk for miles and get some exercise in! There is a quaint restaurant that is very busy right in the mix called Casablanca Cafe – a super spot to grab happy hour and people watch!

Flagler Village has an art walk monthly and it is a fun place to go. It is sort of the Wynwood of Fort Lauderdale if you don’t want to drive to Miami. The best cookies can be found there at Batch Cookies! The owners are super nice and the cookies – well, they are worth the calories.

Broward Performing Arts Center has reopened after Covid and it is a great place to see Broadway shows. We would definitely sneak in one of those!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My biggest supporters throughout my life had been my parents. They did not live to see me in this career and see the success I have encountered in Real Estate. However, my brother, Mike, has been my biggest fan. He is very interested in what I am doing and learning how it goes. He is always the first to congratulate me on my closings and accolades. He tells me he is proud. That means the world to me because it took me a while to really grow into myself. I have always been incredibly proud of him and now he can and is super proud of me. In the last 5 years he has seen me undergo many life changes and he is amazed.

On a side note, if you are a pup person, my doggies, Jake and Cali, are also a support. They are my babies and I give them the best life I can because they are always there and so loving.

Website: https://heathergregoryrealtor.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathergregory_realtor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherlgreg

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=heather+gregory+realtor

Image Credits
Heather Holt

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