28 Nov Andrea Ray: Women Who Lead in Real Estate, Construction and Design
What has been your career path? While I was attending Wichita State University to become a dental hygienist, I worked as an accounting assistant. I did tax prep, payroll, and bookkeeping for several small businesses. Following my graduation from WSU, I started my career as a dental hygienist in Kansas City and ended it working for my brother at Andover Family Dentistry. I was a dental hygienist for 13 years. I loved my career treating patients and working in a clinical setting, but found growth was limited. I was fortunate to watch and support a family member run a successful dental practice. I learned a lot about myself, leadership, and people. I was then able to help my husband start his chiropractic business and when the time was right for our family, I decided to make a career change. This is when I met Brad Saville, he introduced me to several people in his company and thought I would be a good fit and an asset in the commercial real estate industry.
Who are your mentors and how have they influenced your career? I was fortunate for Brad Saville CEO of Landmark to give me the opportunity and all that he has taught me along the way. The Saville family are great people not only on a professional level, but a personal. It is safe to say that all the agents at Landmark can be considered my mentors and all have been more than helpful in this transition. Tim Austin at Iron Horse development has been a wealth of knowledge and helpful in preparing me for several site selecting meetings. Prior to getting my license I was fortunate to meet people like Tyson Bean, Whitney Ward. Beau Hudson and Kevin Dreiling all gave words of encouragement and welcomed me into the commercial real estate community. I have enjoyed meeting and working with several agents in the Wichita community and am happy to be part of the Wichita business development.
Best advice for a woman wanting to enter your field? Commercial real estate is competitive, and most would say a “mans world”. I remember early on being at a networking event, I was put on the spot in front of a group of men who have been in the business for some time one asked, who I was and what I do? After disclosing who I was and what I do, I will never forget how uncomfortable I felt with his response which was a condescending laugh followed by a comment “why would you make a career change in a time like this?” In that moment I started to second guess myself, inside I felt intimidated and scared of the career change going from a clinical setting to the business world. Moral of the story is, do not let others intimidate or disrespect you. Demand respect and carry yourself with grace even when offended. I choose to surround myself with positive, influential people who can help grow and develop my skill set.
What do you like most about your role? I come from a family of entrepreneurs and small business owners. I’m career oriented and enjoy problem solving and people. I have enjoyed helping business owners and investors by creating value and bringing my energy and effort to the table to get the job done. This career does allow flexibility to be able be present when needed for my two children, who are 4 and 6. After deals are done it is nice to watch businesses flourish and to feel I was apart of it.
Article posted by the Wichita Business Journal
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