Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley N. Wilbert.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ashley. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As a freshman at Clark Atlanta University and trying to figure out a major, one of my older cousins said to me, “What is your passion? Choose a major that will fulfill your passion, and that’s something that you are willing to do for free.” I chose psychology assuming that I would be passionate about it because I’d be able to help people who suffer from mental illnesses like my older brother. Moving forward to the first seven years after earning my MBA, I searched for an industry where I would feel passionate about the work I was doing. I held jobs in various states in a variety of industries like mental health support, healthcare administration, human resources, along with others; however, none of them gave me the satisfaction that I, both, longed for and deserved. Unfortunately, I was unable to identify my purpose with regard to my career. Each day I became more and more eager to figure out, “What am I supposed to be doing?” I was ready to find my passion.
After nearly 10 years, I relocated back to Atlanta, GA. I was still searching for the answer to the lingering question in my head and then two words popped into my head. Those words were “real estate”. Truthfully, I had NEVER thought of becoming a real estate agent. I began to research the field of real estate and just like that, I knew it was for me! I’ve always been the type of person who loves being in a classroom setting, so taking the real estate pre-licensing course excited me for the career path that was to come. I must say the course was very challenging and the challenge constantly motivated me. I passed the pre-licensing course and test, then went on to take the GA Real Estate Commission licensing examination. The first time I took the state exam, I failed by one point, but I didn’t let that stop me. I went back two days later to retake the exam and I passed it… I was a licensed real estate agent in the state of Georgia!
Not too long after becoming a real estate agent, I signed on with my current brokerage. I also became a REALTOR® and a member of the Atlanta REALTORS® Association. On my journey as a REALTOR®, I’ve been able to incorporate both my undergraduate psychology degree and MBA because I’m constantly engaged with people and different behaviors while running my business as RealtorInConverse.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, not by any means has the road been smooth! I must say that I didn’t think the road would be as bumpy when I first ventured into real estate. However, I am a challenge-driven person so I appreciate each bump I’ve endured and overcame thus far. Before I started my real estate career, I was totally oblivious to the “world of real estate” and all that it entailed. My biggest struggles have been getting discouraged, me beating up on myself, and business finances.
When I started my business, my initial thought was that everything was going to hit the ground running and skyrocket but that definitely wasn’t the case. I will be very transparent, I didn’t close any transactions during my first year in business. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the funds to invest in purchasing leads from companies like Zillow or RedX so I had to authentically generate my business by hosting open houses, making cold calls, marketing myself on social media, etc. It was very discouraging when making phone calls or knocking on doors to try to get clients but very few people were being receptive; however, I had to press my way through and overcome the struggle. I had to constantly remind myself to remain patient because successful businesses do not become successful overnight. I often smile to myself when I flash forward 20 years and see RealtorInConverse’s achievements and I’m able to say, “The struggle was real but I’m still here.”
Money has to be spent to maintain a real estate business. Monthly expenses are required for marketing materials, brokerage fees, association fees, etc. Finances were a struggle for me because as I stated earlier, I didn’t close any transactions throughout my first year. Regardless of that fact, I was still indebted to every expense. It was during my first year as a REALTOR® when I realized that I’d found my passion… I was working for free, better yet I was actually paying expenses and fees to work for free all the while loving the work I was doing!
ANW Real Estate – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I know and understand that purchasing or selling a home is complicated, therefore I assure my clients are fully informed from the very beginning to the end of their process. I make sure my clients know I’m working to get what’s best for them. As a full-time REALTOR®, my clients know I am readily available to answer questions and address concerns. Whenever you think about a pair of Converse All-Stars, you tend to think about a pair of shoes you’ll wear on a relaxed day off from work. RealtorInConverse is known to make people feel comfortable and relaxed while they’re on their real estate journeys. I’m the REALTOR® who’s wearing the Converse while working hard for my clients!
Along with helping clients purchase or sell a home, my business also keeps individuals informed about topics, events, and places. Each month I send out a newsletter, entitled “A New Month with RealtorInConverse” which includes a motivational section and useful information to individuals across the United States. On my social media platforms, followers get real estate market updates, local hot spots, weekend events, and even a look into my personal life so they can get to know me as a person, not just a REALTOR®.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
The way I define success is not stopping even in darkness and when faced with adversity. This is my definition because before starting my real estate career there were times when I felt like I was in a dark place on my career path. It was dark because I didn’t know exactly where I was going but I choose to not stop searching for where I was supposed to be. I was faced with many adversities while seeking ain industry. Adversities like lay-offs, being told I was over-qualified and turned down for positions, unexpected health issues, etc. occurred. In spite of them all, I kept striving to find my career.
Real estate is a very complexed, fast-paced, constantly changing, and competitive industry. Since I’ve achieved becoming a REALTOR®, there have still been dark days. There are times when I’m working to keep up with every component of this industry and it seems like I’m wandering in a dark tunnel searching for the light at the end. I am a logical thinker. I love math, word searches, putting puzzles together, and other things like that. So whenever I feel like I’m in the dark place I tell myself to not stop and continue to figure more and more out about the complexities of real estate.
Whenever I feel like I’m in the dark place I tell myself to not stop. I’m the type of person who likes figuring things out. I love math, puzzles, word searches, and things like that so during the dark days I am continually seeking to figure more and more about the complexities of real estate.
Contact Info:
- Address: 115 Perimeter Center Pl. NE, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30346
- Website: www.ashleynwilbert.com
- Phone: 504.813.5834
- Email: ashleynwilbert@kw.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtorinconverse
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anwilbert/
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