Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael Johnson.
Hi Rachael, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I got started with STL Real Producers through a friend. I was at a job where I was always stressed, I missed my children’s events completely, or if I did go, I was very late and missed their solo performances or wrestling matches. I couldn’t commit fully to an organization, Jefferson County Homeless Youth Initiative, that I volunteer for, which also upset me. I was miserable with my career. Then, a friend of mine told me about a job with someone we both knew, so I called the lady that was hiring, I told her what I was looking for, and we decided to have breakfast to go over what the company was, what my job duties would be, etc. About 2 hours later, I became the Account Executive for the STL Real Producers and the Metro East Real Producers. I worked hard, even as a single parent of 2 teenagers. My bosses saw that and promoted me to Operations Manager for STL, Metro East, New Orleans, and Chesapeake Real Producers.
Since being with this company, I have met some amazing business owners and Realtors. I get to travel. I was able to take my mom on vacation, fully committed to the organization I volunteer with, and most importantly, I have more time with my kids. I attend every performance, teacher meeting, and wrestling match/tournament.
Previously I stated that I volunteer with Jefferson County Homeless Youth Initiative. That organization is very near and dear to my heart. We help homeless youth ages 15-20 get to school when needed, helping with expenses, graduation costs, Christmas gifts, and food, and even having a scholarship fund to help with college. I got involved after meeting the organization’s president while at Jazzercise. I loved what she was doing and decided to join. At first, I would go to events to help distribute school supplies and Christmas gifts. After a couple of years, I ended up on the organization’s board. We needed to get the word out more and start speaking at events to help raise money. I am also helping with building a Youth Drop-In Center.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I am a single mom of 2 kids to start with. It was not a smooth road. I struggled lived paycheck to paycheck, and sometimes, those paychecks stretched far. I became depressed, and my anxiety was out of control. I was a mess, crying every night, not being present, and missing out on the good things, such as my mom and my children. I was in a negative mindset, wondering why life hated me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I am the Operations Manager for STL Real Producers, Metro East Real Producers, New Orleans Real Producers, and Chesapeake Real Producers. I specialize in matchmaking, meaning the Publisher and I match Realtors with Partners of the magazine (vendors), such as Plumbers, Contractors, Electricians, etc. I also help plan networking events that the magazine hosts for our Partners and Realtors. Real Producers is known for our amazing magazine, working for our Partners and Realtors, and of course, our matchmaking skills! I am most proud of the magazine and our amazing events! I love when I get the magazines from all of our publications and make an afternoon of reading them all! I also love attending events, introducing people to one another, and watching the beauty of networking.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Having a positive mindset, an open mind to changes, determination, drive, and me being such an extrovert.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.realtorfocus.com
Image Credits
John Kaddouri Photography (Main Photo) and BTP by Alison Julian Sue Photo and Video
