Put Up Or Shut Up

Put up or Shut Up

A client of ours recently used the hashtag #whoyouhirematters when referring to our Key2see team …that meant a lot to me and made me think about all that goes into selecting the real estate agent, broker, REALTOR that will become a part of the family for a season and walk you through the emotional process of preparing what is likely the largest investment one will ever be part of. Phew, there is some pressure in that!

We all know there are plenty of agents in the sea, am I right?!  So what makes some rise to the top, while others seem fine with status quo?

I think much can be said for a REALTOR who goes the extra mile, shows passion for not only the staging, photographing and selling of houses, townhomes, and condos…but also a passion for the organizations and policies that keep the industry alive and well.

It is a commitment to go that extra mile and one that Jennifer Hawkins, managing broker at Hawkins-Poe and Key2see teammate, has taken on with gusto!  I see the pace she keeps firsthand and I know how precious and valuable that time is, time that she gives to the organizations she cares so much about.  When asked why she does it, her answer is “put up or shut up!”  Which is pretty on-brand for her.

Recently elected as the Treasurer for the Tacoma Pierce County Association of REALTORS(TPCAR) as well as the treasurer for the Washington Women’s Council of REALTORS (WCR). As Treasurer Jenn will act as the Chairperson for the finance committee, which establishes and oversees the budget, handles big ticket items and the endorsing of political candidates, alongside running and managing the associations building and budgeting the yearlong education schedule.  That is locally, the same tasks are required but on the state level for her WCR position.  One might think she must have been forced into taking all of this on, or at least strongly coerced, in addition to the real estate broker hat(that never truly comes off)… but no, she loves it!

It was about 10 years ago that Jenn adopted the “put up or shut up” mentality. She realized the effect REALTORS have on our local communities, everything from an areas political standpoint to growth management.  “Being born and raised in Gig Harbor I felt very passionate about stepping up to make certain that the majesty of our smaller community stays intact with proper growth, and what better way than to be in charge of the monies.”

Jenn’s takeaway is to “get involved if you want to make a change, I’ve always admired my parents involvement so it just felt natural.”

“It would be my hope in today’s political climate that if people want change that they will step up, there are a multitude of local committees ranging from membership events to political action groups.  There is a seat for everybody”

So that’s where it started, and I don’t foresee an end in sight.  Jenn has served as Women’s Council President, Women’s Council Sponsorship Chair, RPAC (Realtor Political Action Committee) Trustee, and Political Endorsement Committee (with RPAC) …interviewing candidates to be endorsed by the REALTOR party. 

So what lies ahead, great question!  Ask her, and she’d tell you President of TPCAR, and some might venture beyond. Ask her husband Zach and you’ll get a different answer!

What I love so much about Jenn is that she leads by example and has a lot of fun doing it.  She is the life of the party and the first one to lend a hand, the leader of the pack and the first one up in the morning sending bright texts of the days happenings.  One of those people that makes you wonder where she finds those extra hours in a day, truly! 

One of those brokers that bring meaning to the hashtag #whoyouhirematters.

...and one I'm grateful to work alongside,

Whit