Meet Market: Heidi Schamber
“Who run the world? Girls!”
– Beyoncé
HOW HEIDI LEADS CLIENTS INTO THE REAL ESTATE LIGHT
Go ahead and call me bossy. I take it as a compliment.
I’m Heidi Schamber, and I’m a commercial broker at Market Real Estate. I’m also an avid problem solver, a supporter of women in business, a spiritual gangster, a loving mama who curses like a sailor, and a bona fide boss babe who never takes ‘half-assed’ for an answer. Taking charge is second nature to me, and with honest, human leadership missing from most real estate relationships, it’s become my super power.
FOLLOW THE LEADER.
If I didn’t enjoy my work, I wouldn’t be in this business. Being a partner at Market empowers me to let my leader flag fly and have fun at the same time. With my focus on sales, it’s my job to guide clients through the intricacies of the contract process, and you can bet I do it with transparency, knowledge and good vibes only. After all, investing in real estate is a big deal, so I make sure it doesn’t suck. Simple as that.
I’m a born leader — have been since I was a kid. In kindergarten, my classroom’s second teacher wasn’t brought back after Christmas break because I was in there making sure sh*t got done. And the pattern continues today as I manage tens of millions of dollars in real estate deals, keep my semi-farm running at home, and boss it up like nobody’s business as the mother of two boys and wife to my amazing husband. And as if that wasn’t enough to feed my need to lead, I’m also VP of the Board at Mother House, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping house and support those who identify as women, transgender, or nonbinary, and their children.
WORK IS PLAY.
When I was pregnant with my second son, I left property management to pursue a career in brokerage. This meant leaving the security of a stable job for a rollercoaster of ups and downs. It also meant more joy and excitement in my everyday life. By facing my fear of the unknown and pursuing happiness over a paycheck, I was able to grow so much in my career and as a human being. This transition is proof of the old adage: If you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life. It’s something my dad, an East Coast barber, knew to be true. And now I know it too.
I think I get a lot of my philosophies from my father. He worked his whole life and enjoyed every minute of it. He’s a small business owner. A veteran. A hustler. He always “knows a guy” and is the most popular person I know. Plus, he’s got grit, which he generously (and genetically) gave to me. Thanks, Dad. I begged for my first job at 14 years old, and he helped me get it. We both love to be productive, solve problems and help others.
ALL WILL BE WELL.
My parents have been married for 46 years. They are always happy, smiling, and the first people on any dance floor. Their relationship taught me what it takes to support people — from the loves of my own life (John, Eben and Amos) to my partners and clients. It’s not always easy, but as long as we stay strong and stick together, all will be well.
That saying reminds me of one of my all-time favorite deals: finding the perfect commercial condo for a small, woman-owned business. My client originally wanted a short-term lease, but I encouraged her to look at things differently and consider limitations that we put on ourselves as women. I helped change her perspective, overcome doubt and trust that all would be well if she believed in her own potential. Now she’s the proud owner of a creative space — an excellent investment in herself and her family’s future. Empowering women through real estate is a gift I have the good fortune to impart upon others, and few things make me happier.
WORKING LIKE A MOTHER.
Real estate may be a male-dominated industry, but I just see that as an opportunity to change it. I am so grateful to have mentors who teach me balance. My partner Todd helps me strengthen my craft with his discipline and fearlessness. And Toni shows me how much of a badass boss a woman can be while still making time to get their nails done.
Writing this today, I wanted to present the truest version of myself. So, there you have it. I’m Heidi Schamber. I’m bossy in a good way, hardworking in a hardcore way, and grateful for everything I have. I live my life knowing that I can start my day over any time I want. Because, f*ck. Sometimes it takes a little extra effort to get to the fun part, am I right?