Describe your business in one sentence.

We are a premier Mercer Island residential real estate company who has served the Island and surrounding communities for more than 30 years.

Are you an Islander? How did you decide to open a business on Mercer Island?

I have been an Islander but moved to the Eastside when I got married. I came to the Island as manager of our company in 1997 because Windermere felt I would be a good fit. I fell in love with our team and the Island real estate market and have been here ever since.

Do you remember the moment or time when you told yourself, “I have to do this”?

Yes! In 2000, when I decided to become the owner of our company. I love the opportunity to lead a team and set us apart in a community that we know and love.

What makes your business so unique?

Our people, who are the absolute best in our industry. Our commitment to being good stewards of our community. Our commitment to doing what is right.

What was your experience adapting to the new COVID reality?

It was a challenging transformation for our industry, especially given the social nature of our activities and relationships. We are a people business! Learning to work remotely and acquiring adequate PPE supplies for our team when in-person meetings were necessary were top tasks early on.

We often say innovation comes from questioning the status quo. Have you uncovered new ways of doing business or launched new products or services that you would not have thought of before? How did it work out?

Learning how to meet with clients, and even show homes remotely, was a huge shift for our team. We can look back now, and it is hard to believe we did not use these tools more pre-COVID. Everyone certainly has more tools in their toolkit today than they did prior to this time.

If there was a single product, service, or expertise your business should be known for, what is it?

Phenomenal client representation. Our clients benefit from their Windermere broker’s knowledge and expertise. We are client-focused and offer real estate advocacy in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner.

Tell us something about your business that would surprise us.

We are a mother-daughter owned company. My daughter Jennifer joined us fifteen years ago as our marketing and design guru. I am the old sage, and she brings a fresh new vibe.

What is your favorite Mercer Island spot?

There are so many. I love the MICEC [Mercer Island Community and Event Center], Luther Burbank Park, the Lid Park [Aubrey Davis Park], Pioneer Park… and the many, many trails that connect parks, streets, and waterfront landings.

Since you've been in business on Mercer Island, what have you discovered about Islanders or the Island community in general?

I have found Islanders to be humble, connected, and approachable.

When you aren't working, what's your favorite pastime?

Outdoor photography, hiking, backcountry bicycling, cooking, and painting.

If you had to convince a non-Islander to come discover Mercer Island, what would you tell them?

The Island is an oasis centered between two metro areas. There is not a local community like it. Its natural beauty and waterfront access make it a phenomenal place to visit and live.

Learn more about Windermere Mercer Island at windermeremi.com.