By the age of 34, I had bought and managed my own business but was feeling burned out. I’ve discovered that one’s paycheck must be balanced with joy in life for there is only so much time we have.

 

I’ve come to appreciate life’s simple pleasures, such as giving time to the people I love, but the lesson came after many years of experience. I grew up on a 200-acre dairy farm in New Castle, raised by an incredible role model: my mom. When my father passed away, she carried the weight of running the family and the business. She taught me resilience and hard work –– my days started at 5:30 a.m., milking cows before heading off to school.

 

After high school, I had an interest in the travel industry, so I dropped off my resume at every travel agency in town. The last one, North City Travel, called me; I parked, walked in, and they needed someone to fill in for three months. I signed a contract with them, knowing I’d be done by December. When December came, I interviewed with another travel agency and started working there. As I was on a work trip in Missouri, stranded on the road, my mom told me over the phone that one of the agents at North City Travel had quit and they wanted me back. It was highly inconvenient, since I was already working for another agency, but it felt right to return to North City Travel. 

 

My hunch was right! After working at this agency for a couple of years, I purchased a 25% share in the business alongside two other partners. A few years later, I bought out one of the partners, giving each of us a 50% stake in the business. When my partner retired, I purchased her share as well. By 1999, not only did I own the entire business, but I bought a building to further ground the business in the area. 

 

The years running North City Travel were great. I enjoyed having my own schedule and working with people. Yet, after 25 years, I got burnt out and was ready for a change. Real estate was a natural fit, combining my love for socializing with the flexibility of self-employment. I got my license and closed 50 transactions in my first full year, earning me Rookie of the Year – while still owning the travel agency!

 

I sold the travel business to dive deeper into real estate, with the privilege of being mentored by one of the top agents at the office. Through the years, I’ve encountered other top agents who have taught me the importance of organization and attention to detail, particularly with contracts. These lessons have stayed with me throughout my career.

 

Today, I'm proud of my success in real estate, but I’m equally proud of my work-life balance. Since COVID—and after heart surgery—I’ve prioritized time with family and friends. I’ll always remember my former manager sharing that his best year in real estate wasn’t the one where he made the most money but the year he spent the most time with family and boating with his dad. It reminded me of my father, who passed away suddenly at 41. That perspective shift has made me value time with loved ones more than ever.

 

Now, I maintain a flexible schedule, balancing client needs with personal time because life moves fast. I cherish moments with my mom, who’s still going strong at 85, and my close friends who are always there for me.  When I’m not working, I spend time with them—sometimes playing bingo, traveling, and going to casinos–– and reading self-help books, which keep me growing. I also volunteer in the community, helping others whenever I have the time.

 

Life’s too short to miss out on joy. Work smarter not harder, and make room for happiness every day.

 

My core work value is treating clients the way I wish to be treated, which I apply in various ways. I strive for win-win situations, ensuring both parties get a fair deal. I go the extra mile to help a client secure their desired home, which means thinking creatively to enhance negotiations. I’m also transparent with clients about any hurdles we may face and avoid selling them false expectations. My commitment to clients drives me to go above and beyond—like the time I helped a client pack and move late at night, despite my fractured heel –– to get her house ready. I believe in offering the help I’d want if roles were reversed.

 

Real estate demands continuous learning, which I enjoy! Working at a brokerage allows me to learn from other agents’ experiences. I’m constantly listening to their stories and studying their contracts so I can improve the representation I offer. My biggest motivation is helping clients reach the finish line and handing them their keys.

 

Sincerely,

 
 
 
  

 

Ronalyn Mitcheltree

REALTOR®

Mobile 724.730.2702

Office 724.654.5555

rmitcheltree@howardhanna.com

www.MoveWithMitcheltree.com