Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
5 new local realtors share why they chose this career, building relationships + more
Reading time: 4 minutes
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Real estate is a career that’s all about building relationships and the agents at Ray & Poynor are incredible at doing just that.
We spoke with five Birmingham-area realtors who joined the team in 2023 to learn why they chose the career, how they’re making connections and more.
1. Tonya Jones
You may know Tonya Jones as a longtime Mountain Brook hairstylist and owner of Tonya Jones Salon & Spa in English Village. Now, she’s taking her communication and relationship-building skills to the real estate industry.
“I love the beauty that real estate offers and the relationships that you build. So far, I’ve learned that real estate is a nurturing process and very rewarding when you make your client’s dreams come true in finding their forever home.”
Tonya Jones, Agent, Ray & Poynor
2. Thomas Webb
Thomas Webb is finishing up his first year in real estate after moving back to his hometown of Mountain Brook from Denver, Colorado. He always knew he’d end up working in real estate and has learned a lot about the career during his first year.
“I chose real estate because of the schedule flexibility and the long-lasting relationships.
During my first year, It’s been interesting to see just how fast-paced the day-to-day can be. Each day presents a unique set of challenges.”
Thomas Webb, Agent, Ray & Poynor
PS—if you’re looking to buy or sell your home, you can trust the team at Ray & Poynor to guide you in the right direction.
3. Liz Rich
Liz Rich grew up with parents in real estate and married a real estate appraiser, so she was bound to thrive in the industry. Her biggest goal (besides selling houses) in her career is to find a good balance between work and family life.
She said her mother was a wonderful example of that.
“My mom has been a wonderful example of having a very successful real estate career while balancing a family and raising kids. I have learned so much from her and her incredible work ethic over the years. I hope to have the same success and the same positive impact on my own children—although she has set the bar pretty high.”
Liz Rich, Agent, Ray & Poynor
4. Mary Steele Johnson
For new agent Mary Steele Johnson, the personal connection that comes with real estate is what made the career the perfect choice.
“I love having the chance to have a positive impact on someone’s life and being able to learn about clients as they tell us what they’re looking for in a home.
The constant interaction with people, whether it is in the office or with clients, makes this job so fun.”
Mary Steele Johnson, Agent, Ray & Poynor
5. Kathryn Strubel
After working in the business world, Kathryn Strubel began studying for her real estate license when she got pregnant with her first child. Life took a different path for a while, but now she’s pursuing her longtime dream.
“I love houses, interiors, the challenge of making things happen and working with people. Mesh these all together and real estate it is!
I want to help those I already have relationships with and also develop new relationships as well. There is so much to
Kathryn Strubel, Agent, Ray & Poynor
learn in this industry—and no two transactions are the same, so the learning never stops.”
Get started in real estate today—Ray & Poynor can help.
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