LIV Sotheby’s International Realty (LIV SIR) is a company that celebrates women in leadership. From our President in Colorado to our many female brokers and managing brokers, women are thriving in their careers at LIV SIR. These women are embracing the highest standard of professionalism, finding innovative ways to do their jobs, and lifting others.
Females in leadership roles weren’t always common in the real estate industry. At the start, women held mainly clerical roles and slowly moved into broker roles at the end of the 19th century. In 1974 women were given the right to take out a home loan without a male cosigner, further increasing their stake in the real estate market. Today, female real estate brokers are the majority.
As we celebrate the achievements of women in real estate, let’s meet some of the leaders, the decision-makers, and the entrepreneurs here at LIV SIR, part of the Majestic Realty Collective.
Shannel Ryan, President, Colorado
Q: Who inspires you?
A: Sacajawea showed Lewis & Clark the way while carrying a baby on her back. For a thousand miles!
Q: Who is a mentor or role model that has helped pave the way for your success?
A: John Fahrenkrog, real estate legend and former owner of Fuller Towne & Country Properties.– John stood up for me in many ways during the early years of my real estate career, from my first raise to taking time off for myself, you could tell John was a pro at being a girl dad. I miss him and think of him often.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self?
A: Fueling your passions will fuel your life- write that book, travel alone, and honor your authenticity and courage, for they are precious commodities.
Q: What are some of your favorite events/places/activities to enjoy in Colorado?
A: Anywhere that I can enjoy live music- Red Rocks, Ford Amphitheater Vail, Mission Ballroom and hopefully, the new Sunset Amphitheater in Colorado Springs!
Q: What recommendations do you have for other women as they strive for greatness?
A: Strive to be happy and greatness will follow.
Q: As students and young women starting in our careers, many of us envisioned ourselves in certain industries or roles. How is your current position similar to, or different from, what you anticipated for your career?
A: With plans to attend law school, I worked for real estate attorneys to get an early jump on the practice of advocacy. What I gleaned, was that real estate professionals needed the most advocacy of all!
Q: What sets apart the LIV SIR leadership team?
A: I am incredibly grateful for the women on our LIV leadership team. While we all have different skill sets and backgrounds, we share a common work ethic, a love for our industry, and the tenacity to support our teams to exemplary levels of success.
Q: How do you set the tone for a productive and successful day?
A: I don’t let my feet hit the ground until I visualize my children happy, my husband happy, and my 6-year-old self happy.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share on leadership and success in the real estate industry?
A: If you don’t have a headache, you haven’t hit the ceiling, keep going!
Jill Franklund, SVP, Majestic Realty Collective
Q: Who inspires you?
A: The amazing women in my family inspire me every single day – my 84-year-old mother who is a saint, my four older sisters who are very dynamic women, and my two incredible daughters who are beautiful and talented in numerous ways!
Q: What advice would you give your younger self?
A: Trust yourself more … you are wise beyond your years. And time is the most precious gift of all – cherish the time you are given with your loved ones.
Q: What are some of your favorite events/places/activities to enjoy in Colorado?
A: Red Rocks, live sporting events, fly fishing at Otter Creek in Silverthorne, hiking at Mount Sanitas in Boulder, and Strawberry Lane in Vail.
Q: What recommendations do you have for other women as they strive for greatness?
A: Never say never and reach higher than you even think is possible … with enough determination, grit and grace, each of us can achieve what we deeply desire.
Q: As students and young women starting in our careers, many of us envisioned ourselves in certain industries or roles. How is your current position similar to, or different from, what you anticipated for your career?
A: Growing up, I always believed that I would be a teacher – either an elementary school or special education teacher. My late husband brought me into the real estate business and taught me immense skills. My career has grown beyond my wildest dreams thanks to many people believing in me, including and especially Scott Webber.
Q: What sets apart the LIV SIR leadership team?
A: The LIV SIR Leadership Team is a young, vibrant, and highly intelligent group of seasoned professionals. It is an honor and privilege to work alongside such a talented group that was beautifully and strategically orchestrated by our esteemed CEO, Mr. R. Scott Webber.
Heather Heuer, SVP Operations, Majestic Realty Collective
Q: Who inspires you?
A: I can’t attribute this to one person. I am inspired daily by those around me that are working hard, living their best lives, and keeping a positive mindset. Sometimes, just building off of those around you, can provide you that extra little push to be an even better version of yourself.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self?
A: Remember to have fun! I get focused on what’s next and how to take things to the next level and sometimes, I forget to just take a break and enjoy time with those that are important to me and even, just having alone time to learn something new.
Q: What are some of your favorite events/places/activities to enjoy in Colorado?
A: I love watching a concert at Red Rocks, skiing, paddle boarding, being outdoors, and reading on any number of our beautiful days. I just got a motorcycle license, so who knows what’s next?
Q: What recommendations do you have for other women as they strive for greatness?
A: Take time to acknowledge the efforts of those around you. We all have different goals, but if we work together, we can all achieve AND we create great connections and friendships along the way.
Q: As students and young women starting in our careers, many of us envisioned ourselves in certain industries or roles. How is your current position similar to, or different from, what you anticipated for your career?
A: I thought that I would be heading up a hospital after going through the ranks of being a Registered Nurse and learning all the aspects necessary to be successful in that role. In some ways, I am using the same type of skills related to communications and working with many different departments to achieve company goals and then, clearly, not the same role!
Q: Who is a mentor or role model that has helped pave the way for your success?
A: I have had many role models from a Coach in high school, to Rebekah Brock, who taught me everything about real estate and has continued to encourage me. Now, my closest friend, who not only encourages me daily, but also challenges me to put my best self out there, to take risks and to be proud of who I am.
Q: How have other women supported you through your career, maybe through networking, collaboration, or accountability?
A: Absolutely! I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many women throughout my career in many walks of life. Everyone has a story and a passion, and I enjoy learning how I can do more and be more through examples in their journey that correlate with my own.
Q: What sets apart the LIV SIR leadership team?
A: LIV SIR is unique in that we have many women in leadership roles. We are fortunate to have ownership and other women on our leadership team that believes in hiring and supporting women as leaders and helping them reach their full potential.
Q: How do you set the tone for a productive and successful day?
A: I check my schedule the day before, so I’m prepared and ready for the following day. I’m an early riser and I’ll get in a workout or get my kids to school and then I come into work believing that it’s going to be a good day. If we start out with the right mindset, it’s a lot easier to keep that momentum. I also try to have a fun story to share – when I make others smile, I smile too!
Q: Anything else you’d like to share on leadership and success in the real estate industry?
A: It takes all of us to be successful. Help others rise and excel in their respective roles. In order for one to grow in leadership it is important to train your successor. Delegation can be hard, but the biggest reward is knowing that you have a team around you that can support you AND push you to do more so you can continue to grow and rise to the next occasion.
Be inspired to live the life you love!