Today, I want to share a story that celebrates the profound impact of mentorship. This force can change lives, inspire growth, and forge lifelong connections. My journey, growth, and accomplishments that span decades are a testament to the transformative power of having the right mentors by your side.
Picture this: a young high school dropout caught up in street life and drugs, the result of a troublesome youth marred with trauma. That was me in my twenties. I wandered down a dark path, caught in the whirlwind of street life I never intended, and I am lucky to have survived.
But at the age of 26, a miracle happened. I became a mother. This pivotal moment forced me to reassess my choices and ignited a spark to create a better future for myself and my child.
I stumbled into real estate, not by design but out of necessity. I was not educated nor trained to do anything outside of the restaurant business, where late nights, partying, and excess were the norm I no longer wanted to be a part of. Little did I know that this random shift would lead me to the guidance and support I needed. AKA my first mentorship experience.
My journey into real estate began with a humble desire for stability and direction. I joined my local chamber of commerce, scared, ashamed, and insecure. I was afraid of everyone and everything. I would have rathered stick needles in my eye than speak publicly or lead in any way. At my first Chamber of Commerce meetings, I met remarkable individuals—seasoned business owners who had succeeded tremendously. These business leaders took me under their collective wing, and their guidance was the compass that charted my course forward and saved my life.
One mentor, an exceptional woman named Laurie, went beyond mentorship to become a dear friend. She saw potential in me that I couldn't see in myself. She didn't just offer advice; she extended a helping hand when I needed it most, even providing capital to overcome obstacles in my journey.
Our relationship blossomed into a deep, lasting friendship filled with countless adventures and shared experiences. It was a bond that transcended mentorship and business. Eventually, I had the privilege of taking her children under my wing, just as she had done for me—an affirmation of the circle of support that mentorship can create.
With the unwavering support of my mentors, I began to climb the ranks in my county. Three years after joining the chamber, I served as the Chairwoman, leading the way for local businesses to thrive. But I didn't stop there. I and other business owners founded the Putnam County Business Council. This is yet another testament to the incredible impact of mentorship. I had followed the lead of these influential business owners every step of the way.
My journey didn't end with business leadership. I immersed myself in the real estate industry, eventually built my confidence up to serving on various boards and then moved on to chair some. The invaluable lessons I continued to learn from my mentors paved the way. In 2010, I became a partner in a real estate company, embarking on a journey that transformed my career. I helped build the company from a 30-million-dollar business to a powerhouse with nearly 300 million dollars in sales and 120 agents. I attribute this accomplishment to having great coaches and mentors on the path.
Amidst the pandemic, I harnessed these leadership skills to extend a helping hand as the Chairwoman of the PCBC. I offered mentorship and guidance to hundreds of small businesses who found themselves blindsided and left in the dark due to the uncertain actions of local, state, and federal officials. It was a remarkable experience to pay forward all the invaluable help and guidance I received throughout my journey.
It was then decided to become a professional coach, and my personal growth blossomed. I got super serious about my physical and mental health under the guidance of my coach. I even quit drinking. I then began my path into owening my own coaching business.
Today, I've retired from real estate, but my coaching journey continues. The cyclical nature of it has even allowed me to coach some of my mentors. It's incredible to give back and support those who once guided me. I have worked with several coaches over the years. Having a coach for all the areas one wants to grow in is critical.
My story is a testament to the power of mentorship and coaching. This force can change lives, nurture potential, and create lifelong friendships. My mentors and coaches didn't just teach me about business; they taught me about resilience, determination, and the unwavering belief that we can improve our lives.
In conclusion, my journey from a high school dropout to a businesswoman and coach was made possible by the guidance and mentorship I received along the way. I owe a debt of gratitude to all those who believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. Their influence has shaped me into the person I am today, living with integrity and impeccable values and living out my mission to carry the torch of leadership to those in need.
Your guide to personal and professional transformation,
Jenn Maher
Business Coach, Implementer & Life Force Strategist
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