Fostering a Tradition of Confidence and Competence — RISMedia – Buzz Credit score

Above, Felicia Hengle addresses the gang at Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realty’s regional awards banquet

The true property business helps people and households discover properties, guides brokers in constructing profitable careers and drives financial development in communities.

That’s why Felicia Hengle, initially pursuing a profession in restaurant and nightclub administration, transitioned to actual property when looking for a profession with higher influence.

She began in a frontline position, gaining hands-on expertise in gross sales and understanding the complexities of actual property transactions. This basis helped Hengle develop a powerful grasp of consumer wants and market dynamics, so when she had the chance to step right into a management position, it was a straightforward determination.

Since 2015, Hengle has served as president of Ohio operations for Coldwell Banker Schmidt Household of Firms. She oversees greater than 350 brokers and brokers throughout eight places within the state—recording an annual gross sales quantity of roughly $400 million.

How did the Ohio market fare in 2024, and what did you see all through the primary half of 2025?
Felicia Hengle: In 2024, our market skilled a dynamic 12 months marked by fluctuating rates of interest, shifting purchaser demand and ongoing stock challenges. Whereas the primary half of the 12 months noticed some hesitancy from consumers resulting from financial uncertainty and better mortgage charges, the latter a part of the 12 months introduced renewed exercise as charges stabilized and shopper confidence improved. Sellers who had been ready on the sidelines started reentering the market, resulting in a gradual enhance in stock in some areas.

As we moved into 2025, the primary few months indicated continued market changes. Patrons have gotten extra strategic, specializing in affordability and worth, whereas sellers are adapting to extra balanced situations. We’re seeing elevated competitors in sure worth factors, notably in entry-level and mid-range properties, whereas the luxurious market stays regular with selective consumers.

What’s your agency’s distinctive worth proposition in your market?
FH: It lies in our dedication to distinctive service, deep market experience and a powerful concentrate on innovation. Our staff has an in-depth understanding of the native market and presents insightful recommendation that drives outcomes. Whether or not it’s navigating neighborhood developments or leveraging market information to tell pricing methods, our experience offers shoppers a aggressive edge. We differentiate ourselves available in the market by providing a mix of personalised, high-touch service and cutting-edge know-how that enhances each the consumer expertise and our brokers’ skill to succeed. Whether or not shopping for, promoting or investing, we be sure that our shoppers really feel supported, knowledgeable and assured of their choices.

What distinctive views do you imagine ladies carry to the desk in actual property?
FH: Coldwell Banker has based a motion referred to as “What Strikes Her,” launched in 2020 to assist ladies in the true property business develop their management expertise and understand their skilled improvement objectives. Ladies in management excel in adaptability and problem-solving, and their views form staff dynamics and decision-making in impactful methods. One of many biggest strengths ladies typically carry to the desk is a collaborative and empathetic management fashion. Actual property is a relationship-driven business, and the power to actively hear, perceive numerous views and foster significant connections enhances each consumer experiences and staff cohesion. One other key power is emotional intelligence, which performs a essential position in negotiations, battle decision and constructing high-performing groups. A powerful skill to learn conditions, handle feelings and create inclusive work environments results in higher communication and belief amongst brokers, shoppers and opponents.

How would you describe your management fashion, and the way do you encourage and inspire your staff?
FH: My management fashion is collaborative, strategic and people-focused. I imagine in main by instance, fostering a tradition of accountability, adaptability and steady development whereas guaranteeing my staff feels supported and empowered. I encourage and inspire my staff by creating a transparent imaginative and prescient and objective. Individuals carry out at their greatest after they perceive the larger image. I talk our brokerage’s mission and objectives clearly, serving to brokers and workers see how their roles contribute to our collective success. I prioritize ongoing coaching, mentorship {and professional} improvement, equipping my staff with the instruments they want to achieve an evolving market. By investing of their development, I create a tradition of confidence and competence.

What methods have you ever discovered efficient for sustaining a wholesome work-life stability in a demanding discipline?
FH: Balancing work and private life in the true property business, particularly in a management position, requires intentional effort and powerful time administration boundaries. I construction my schedule by blocking out time for important work duties, management obligations and private commitments. Simply as I’d schedule a consumer assembly, I schedule private time to make sure it doesn’t get neglected. Self-care and recharging are important to success. I prioritize actions that preserve me energized, whether or not it’s exercising, studying or just taking time to disconnect by spending time climbing, strolling, horseback driving, and so forth. Once I’m with my household or taking private time, I attempt to be totally current.

VITALS:
Coldwell Banker Schmidt Household of Firms
Years in enterprise: 98
Measurement: 85 workplaces, 1,671 brokers
Areas served: Northeast Ohio, Michigan, Florida
2024 Transactions: 12,761
2024 Gross sales Quantity: $4,143,079,387
https://www.schmidtfamilyofcompanies.com