My life has been about achieving goals and finishing what I started. No challenge is impossible to overcome. I aim to make a difference in people’s lives by helping others achieve their goals.

 

Growing up in California in the 70s, I often felt different. I was a bit of an introvert in high school who didn’t quite always belong. I joined many clubs in high school and found home with the marketing team.  I made some great friends and discovered I was good at working with people to solve more significant issues. Yet, it wasn’t until I entered college that I found my true community in the theatre world. I came out during that time.  It was the first time I felt welcome in a group of people who truly understood my internal struggles. I had never met anyone like me until I found my people—creative, expressive, and accepting. Singing, acting, and being part of the theatre community built my confidence and helped me find my voice, literally and figuratively.

 

But as empowering as this time was, school wasn’t for me, so I joined the workforce.  Those who know me know that I have many jobs: appliance sales, handyman, singing waiter, and so on. Eventually, I landed in the hospitality industry. The world of hotels and customer service fascinated me, and I was eager to learn more. I started as a busboy in a hotel restaurant. I worked my way up: first to server, then to supervisor, then to the front desk, and finally to handling reservations. I was hungry to absorb every aspect of the business.

 

After years in the industry, I was hired as an executive housekeeper tasked with opening a hotel. I was tasked with building my team, selecting room furnishings, and having the opportunity to infuse my culture and style into the hotel. This role was pivotal because it taught me the joy of making a difference in people’s lives. It all started when most of the applicants for housekeeping roles were Spanish speakers who didn’t know English. My manager had insisted on hiring English speakers, so I proposed a solution: “Let me hire them, and I’ll teach them English.” After work, I started free English classes for our employees, including their family members. It was an enriching experience for them and more so for me. I’d made a difference in their lives.  I would spend the next 18 years opening new hotels around the world.  Leading teams of 50+ people in all corners of the globe!

Around this time, I met Keith—my husband of 20 years—and we began a life together. We decided to adopt from foster care and, after a long journey, welcomed our son Bryan in 2009. That same year, I lost my father, who was my best friend. It was a year of profound loss and gain—one important person left just as another entered.

 

Life took another turn when COVID-19 hit. I was the Director of Learning for a company that focused on cleaning large spaces like hotels, hospitals, airports, etc.  I was tasked with developing training for a new way to clean, and I tackled it with tenacity.  The intense workload made me ask, “Is my paycheck worth the effort and time I invest?” The answer was no. That realization marked the beginning of my journey into real estate.

 

I got my license in 2021, and it felt like a natural fit. I loved connecting with clients and working as a team—with lenders, attorneys, vendors, etc.—to help clients fulfill their dreams. Again, I was making a real difference. I remember being named Rookie of the Year and surprising colleagues who didn’t realize I was new to the field.

 

Now, I’m happily settled as a REALTOR®, and I cherish time with my family when I'm not working. We love taking cruises and spending time with my grandma, who I make sure feels acknowledged. I’m also the president of a theater company, where I sing and act on stage while producing and directing plays.

 

Finally, I returned to college to complete a leadership and organizational studies degree. I wanted to show my son the importance of finishing what you start. I worked full-time during the day and studied at night, ultimately graduating with honors. That accomplishment reminded me of the power of perseverance—with the right mindset, no challenge is impossible to overcome.

 

Real estate is about more than transactions; it’s about human connection. I pride myself on understanding my clients, empathizing with their needs, and bringing light to stressful situations. As a fun and compassionate REALTOR®, I aim to deliver precisely what clients want without wasting their time. I meticulously research to ensure every home shown is a match, offering options and solutions tailored to their needs.

 

I blend creativity and expertise, seeking ways to uplift my clients in ways they might not expect. I also enjoy the analytical side of real estate, diving into data to provide solid recommendations that empower clients to make informed decisions. Transparency and authenticity are central to my philosophy; there are no hidden agendas, just respect and helpful service for buyers and sellers alike. Whether it’s navigating the emotional or practical aspects of buying or selling, I’m committed to being a reliable partner who makes the journey smooth and transparent.

 

Sincerely,

 
Glen Riggs