Patti Howard

I attribute my success primarily to the relationships I’ve built over the years. As a teacher, I was deeply involved in the community and developed strong connections with students, colleagues, and local leaders. That visibility and trust laid a foundation that naturally carried over into my work as a businesswoman. I’ve always believed that success comes from contributing meaningfully and consistently, and relationships are at the heart of everything I do.

Earlier in my career, I worked at a high level in construction, managing multi-million-dollar projects, but I felt called to transition and form my own team. That shift allowed me to leverage the longevity of the relationships I’d cultivated, many of whom have returned to me repeatedly to buy or sell homes. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see those connections grow and evolve over time.

I also see strong parallels between teaching and real estate—both are about helping and educating people. My teaching career provided a built-in network of clients and a skill set focused on guidance, trust, and service. Moving into real estate felt like a natural extension of that work, and the way it all fit together has been both fulfilling and remarkable.

The best career advice I’ve received is to genuinely care about people and stay in touch with them. When you put relationships first, it drives you to be excellent—making sure clients have the right information, opportunities, and support throughout the process. Mentors like Brian Buffini have shown me that prioritizing people over money or transactions is the key to long-term success, and that’s the approach I’ve carried into my business and team.

For young women entering the industry, my first piece of advice is to keep developing your skills after earning your credentials. Join a brokerage that provides strong training and support—learning how to present listings, work with buyers, and navigate the business correctly is invaluable.

Relationships are also key. Be genuine in following up with clients—not just about transactions, but to check in on them personally. I make it a point to care for people beyond the business, whether it’s visiting someone recovering from a fall or simply seeing how they’re doing.

Finally, be flexible and thoughtful about your approach. Success isn’t just about commission—it’s about building trust, serving your clients well, and being adaptable to their needs.

The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are relationships, genuine care, community service, and faith. I strive to build meaningful connections, approach every interaction with authenticity, give back to the community, and let my faith inform the decisions I make and the way I lead.