roleModel of the Week: Jan Deckert
Interview
Jan Deckert: Mother of 2, Wife of 45 years, Grandmother of 5, Realtor & Associate Broker for over 30 years... and so much more...
"My family has always been my priority. I decided to go into real estate as it gave me the autonomy to manage my time and set my own hours thereby enabling me to be present in the daily activities of my family members. Having the freedom to plan my days with my husband and children would have been difficult with a typical 9-5 job! I know this description does not sound like the “hustle bustle” of a successful real estate career; however, I have been blessed to find balance. The flexibility of my career gave me the gift of being present for every important stage of my children's development. I have so many wonderful memories of my time spent with my daughters while managing a rewarding career." Jan Deckert roleModel of the week. As Mother's Day approaches this weekend, it's an honor & privilege to share some of my Mother's journey with my readers. For as long as I can recall she has been my role model and a Super Woman & Super Mom who I aspire to be like everyday. A loving Mother, a devoted Grandmother, a loyal wife, successful Real Estate agent, and so much more. If you are a woman who is entrepreneurial, new to real estate, or a family gal who is wondering how to manage a career while being there for your children, this interview is a must read. Thank you, Mom for sharing some of your wisdom and for being there for your family every step of the way. You are my hero in every way! Lauren xo
You are such a beautiful, intelligent, and inspiring woman, tell us about your decision to choose Real Estate as your profession?
I have always enjoyed helping others. In my real estate career, I have the privilege of assisting buyers and sellers with what is, in many cases, their biggest financial investment. Beyond the investment factor, being involved as a “trusted advisor’ to buyers navigating the housing market and searching for a place to call “home” gives me a great sense of satisfaction. My clients are choosing the place where they will make their memories and cultivate their lives. It is an honor to provide my real estate services and expertise. Each client is an individual with different wants and needs, no 2 homes are alike, and the financial market is always changing. I thrive on the challenges of an ever-changing housing market. After 30 years, I still love what I do. I am proud that 90% of my business comes from repeat clients and their families and friends.
Hometown: Stamford, Ct
How did you balance being a businesswoman and being a Super-Mom?
Jacqueline Kennedy once said.” If you bungle raising your children, I don’t think whatever else you do matters very much” My family has always been my priority. I decided to go into real estate as it gave me the autonomy to manage my time and set my own hours thereby enabling me to be present in the daily activities of my family members. Having the freedom to plan my days with my husband and children would have been difficult with a typical 9-5 job! I know this description does not sound like the “hustle bustle” of a successful real estate career; however, I have been blessed to find balance. One of my earliest mentors in the business encouraged me to “make appointments” (schedule time off) with my children and family, and to honor the schedule. I am happy to say that I was present for all the dancing lessons, horseback riding shows, swim meets, drama productions and all the activities my girls enjoyed growing up. I never had to ask a manager or boss for “time off”. In the summertime, my children enjoyed pursuing their individual interests, even if the lesson was only 35 minutes!
The flexibility of my career gave me the gift of being present for every important stage of their development. I have so many wonderful memories of my time spent with the girls while managing a rewarding career. I am so proud of the young women they have become.
I keep a copy of one of my favorite books, A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen on my desk in my home office. It helps me keep everything in my life in perspective!
What motivates you?
I am an only child, and my entire life I have been self-motivated. I always strive to be the best I can be in all areas of my life. Even as a young student, I did not need external pressure to achieve my goals. I remember my parents telling me to stop studying!
Even with the many accomplishments and awards I have received during my business career, I generally shy away from the “awards ceremonies”! I am definitely not motivated by fame and recognition!
I derive the most satisfaction from helping others, so I can honestly say that service to others motivates me.
Enjoying the arts, theater, music, and creative exploits motivate me daily as well a planning for the future with my loving husband of 45 years.
The changing seasons are a “forever-source” of wonder for me. I can’t imagine living in an area where the weather is always the same!
My beautiful grandchildren motivate me to stay healthy and alive to share the joy of watching them grow
Who are your role models/ women who inspire you?
My own mother was my best friend and true role model. She gently encouraged me to be the best I could be while teaching me all about love, forgiveness, understanding others, being strong, pursuing goals, and being a good person. Although we experienced extreme sadness in life together, she taught me that finding gratitude and appreciation is the key to resilience. This lesson is instrumental in seeing me through difficult days as I venture through life. She was the most altruistic person I have ever known. By example, she demonstrated that happiness is not in “things” but in ourselves. She was a sunny person who brought out the best in everyone. She found a silver lining in every cloud. I still feel her gentle guidance in my daily life although she went to heaven 20 years ago.
I have always admired Jacqueline Kennedy for her human qualities beyond her chic sense of style. She was intelligent and her elegant demeanor, in the midst of extreme adversity, will never be forgotten.
I read the autobiography of Amelia Earhart while I was still in elementary school, and the courage of this woman aviator in the early 1900’s still inspires me. I can only imagine the fortitude required to be a female pilot facing the challenges she did in a male dominated world. I often think of her quote when I try new things, “The most effective way to do it, is to do it”.
What are your favorite foods to eat?
I love seafood, lobster, crab & shrimp with lots of leafy greens, and fresh fruits. I never eat anything out of a can! Chocolate is high on my list!
What is your favorite form of exercise?
I enjoy deep water fitness as an organized program, but I relax walking our 2 dogs with my husband twice daily at the field and watching the canines frolic with their furry friends. Any activity outdoors in snow is my all-time favorite including tubing, sledding, and skiing. Beach time with ocean body-surfing on the Outer Banks is the only time the temperature needs to be above 80!
We know as a Mom, Grandmom, Wife, and Businesswoman every day is hectic and unpredictable, describe your favorite day?
My favorite day is one surrounded by my entire family doing something active outside…preferably in cold weather! Last year we marked the 8th anniversary of Carter’s passing( grandson) with a family tubing trip to Ski Liberty. Such a fun day of joyful remembrance for all ages.
As a Successful Agent, Mom, and a Mentor, what advice do you have for young women starting in your profession or on a new endeavor?
Find something you really enjoy doing, and do it well! Pour your energy into it, but save some energy for those you love! Service to others has always brought me the best rewards. Provide the service (and really care) and the success will follow. Set priorities and do not abandon them! In Anna Quindlen’s book, she notes that no one on their death bed ever regretted not spending more time in the office!
