Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Brinkman.
Hi Ashley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
There’s one quality that I have had from a very young age–and that is drive. I have always been a hard worker and ambitious, determined to grow, never stop learning and become a better version of myself–and that still lies true in my late 30’s. I majored in Advertising at Texas State University, interned in the Big Apple and accepted a position right out of college out of state. I thought Advertising would be my forever career and really enjoyed the combination of creativity backed with data. I worked at an agency after college but found the “cubical life” a quite dull one. I wanted to work with people more, face more challenges, and essentially able to work for myself, hone in on my marketing and creative skills and help others.
After a year stint in Kansas City I moved back to Texas, started working on my Real Estate license while working another job in the middle of a global crash; however I held strong and kept working hard as many things were changing dramatically in the housing market at that time. I started as an assistant to a Realtor. Then a leasing agent in the campus area, and learned more about condos, then a buyer’s agent on a top producing team, then sold condos for a developer in central Austin. After about six years in the Austin market, and learning quite a bit I moved over to Realty Austin for my broker, and never looked back. Since then, I went from $4M in real estate sales to $31M. I have three others on my team that helps me service so many wonderful repeat clients; I am the top 2% of Austin Realtors. I look forward to helping other colleagues, collaborating, tweaking my systems, making the home buying and selling process easy and seamless, educating clients to make empowered, well thought decisions and giving back to local nonprofits.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Struggles along the way. Not having a mentor the first few years – Being licensed at a market down turn, when many were leaving the industry and homes were foreclosing – Personally-it was so heart breaking to be a new agent and watch your friends buy homes without you on their side. Learning how to write contract and understand the in’s and outs -Learning how to manage your life LIKE A BUSINESS-from accounting, to the calendar, to handling rejection Later in my career/ the obstacles I face now: – More difficult conversations – Increasing business by hiring, training, incentivizing and motivating other individuals to take care of clients as you want them to -Learning to be a leader vs. a boss – Keeping organized – How to stay top of mind with clients, top of the real estate game and keep up with market demands – Not being “too busy” for clients when you are in more high demand so they still feel taken care of.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart from others is my authenticity. I struggle with “pretending.” or that whole “fake it till you makes It.” thing. I am who I am, I am honest, a straight shooter and straight forward with others and sometimes pretty witty. My branding for real estate ties into much of my personality and who I am really is. I like to connect and relate to others and I do so by “keeping it real” and yes even at times “cheesy” I do most of this through social media but still adore “snail mail” and hand written notes and try to make others feel special when I can–through good times and the bad. I like to show behind the scenes and the imperfections or struggles of real estate/reality vs. packaging everything up in a bow. I tie in my love for Austin and collection of travel hearts to my marketing as well. And… I enjoy it. I really like watching my ideas come to life, and executing them–they come at my fast, so I do my best between making things light, educating people, keeping it real but also sharing what I can… and it has been fruitful.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Reach out, connect, and check in! I am an open book; I usually say “let’s get it on my calendar!” If it benefits, great! Supporting me=referring me. It shows you trust and care and think I am a good match for someone you care about, which obviously means a lot to me.
Contact Info:
- Email: ashleybrinkman@realtyaustin.com
- Website: ashleybrinkman.com
- Instagram: @ihearttheatx
- Facebook: facebook.com/ihearttheatxrealestate
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGiXatERFdEsd8yNkaB2jFQ?view_as=subscriber
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ashley-brinkman-realty-austin-austin?osq=ashley+brinkman
- Other: https://www.realtyaustin.com/agents/ashley-brinkman
Image Credits
Mercedes Morgan Photography Silver Graph Studio
