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Time For A Change
Despite her successes, by 1997 Diana was beginning to
look for new challenges. Significantly, she had learned a great deal
from her parents by watching them build a successful recreational
vehicle sales business over the course of 20 years. She also had deep
roots in the area. Not only was she in love with the Leavenworth County
lifestyle, but also her grandfather had been Basehor's first mayor.
"And I was just tired of working behind a computer all day long," she
recalled. "I needed more interaction with people. I thought there just
had to be something that would meet all of those requirements."
That's when Diana's husband, Tracy, made the suggestion that she try
real estate. "He had watched me work with clients in my graphic design
business and thought I would be a natural," she recalled. "I was already
used to working seven days a week and all hours of the day. I enjoy
being my own motivator. And I like the fact that every day in real
estate is different. It's a new possibility and a new opportunity."
Although "instant success" might be a slight exaggeration, Diana's
talent, insight and, perhaps most of all, willingness to work hard did
lead to rapid achievement. She also knew - and loved - the areas where
she spent most of her time. Her passion for Wyandotte and Leavenworth
counties remains contagious even today. Almost overnight, Diana began to
break records and before long, she rose to become the top real estate
agent for Leavenworth and Wyandotte counties.
Her next big step came in 2001 when she realized that "going to the next
level" meant creation of a team, although the concept was still
relatively new to this area. "We were the first to create a selling team
in Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties," she recalled. "But it made
sense. Six people can do a lot more than one person. Our clients receive
both the expertise of more people, they also benefit from a more
diverse set of skills. And real estate today is complex, so a larger
group helps ensure that you cover all of the bases. The bottom line is
that you are more efficient and effective, and the client benefits."
In 2003, Diana and her team moved to Realty Executives Classic, an
organization she describes as excellent for several reasons. "You have
both the support and the freedom you need to be successful," she
explained. "I have a good business sense and the skills to grow my
business, but they are there when I need them. I can't say enough about
them."
That year also saw Diana's husband Tracy Smith join the team. A medical
equipment sales executive, Tracy had been on the road a lot and Diana
laughingly says she forced him to join her in the business, but in
truth, the combination was logical for several reasons. "We both thought
it was time for a change and together we would make a good team," she
noted. "It's worked out well."
Tracy manages the team's Junction City Realty office. Other members
of the professional group include buyers' agents Larry Knefel, Karen
Poggemeyer, Christa McCloud, Zoran Misic, Terri Behrens and transaction
coordinator Casey Corrigan. The team works with resale clients as well
as the sale of new home developments.
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