Get to know our members who share their expertise to help shape the future of our association and industry!
We chatted with our 2020-2021 RPAC Fundraising Chair Rachel Scheid, Coldwell Banker Realty, to find out more about her career path, why she volunteers and more.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN THE INDUSTRY?
9 Years
WHY WERE YOU INTERESTED IN GETTING INTO REAL ESTATE?
I actually wasn’t interested in real estate right away! My best friend’s mother was, and still is, a top producing broker on the North Shore and she asked me to be her licensed assistant. During those first two years in the business, I had no idea where I’d be today, but I did know how much I loved the industry. I grew out of that position and joined a top team where I learned not only the ins and outs of real estate, but also how to really manage your real estate career like a business.
WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT IN YOUR CAREER TO DATE?
I’d say my biggest to date is being honored on NAR’s 2020 30 Under 30 list! It’s such an honor to be recognized among 30 of my peers locally and nationally as being at the top of our game at such a young age.
WHAT HAS HELPED YOU MOST TO GET WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?
Honestly, speaking up! If you’ve ever been in a room or on a call with me, you know I’m never at a loss for words. I started volunteering with CAR when I was 23 years old, starting with YPN, which is still one of my favorite committees to date! I learned quickly that if you get the opportunity to be in a room with like-minded individuals, you better speak up; Ask questions, bounce ideas off each other, invite someone to coffee, etc. I’ve learned more from my peers, the leaders of committees I’ve served on and brokers asking me questions than I think I could have ever learned on my own.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR CAREER?
Helping others. Everything I do stops and starts with these two questions: “How can I help make a difference for this person?” and, “How many people can I help by doing this?” That really guides me in every way. From the committees I serve on with CAR, to the nonprofit boards I volunteer with, to being a managing broker co-leading over 300 brokers, I’m all about being of service to others because I know that what you put out there, you get back in droves.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS WHO ARE LOOKING TO TAKE THEIR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
My word for 2021 is “elevate.” I’m laser-focused on helping my brokers, and anyone who will list, elevate their business and brands in 2021. The two biggest things I come back to are brand awareness – do people know who you are and what you do – and taking action. You can attend every single seminar, coaching session and Q&A, but if you aren’t actionable with what you learned, then it was a waste of time.
Also, time-blocking is your best friend. Color code yours if you’re a visual person!
And committing to excellence should be your mantra. Do what you say you will do and do it better than someone else will.
WHAT DOES VOLUNTEERING MEAN TO YOU?
To me, volunteering is essential! I feel that if I don’t focus on giving back my time, energy and resources, then I am not living to my higher purpose. My parents instilled in me from a very young age that no matter where you are in life, or what you find yourself needing in life, there is always someone with a greater need. And if you have anything you can offer, it’s your obligation to reach out.
WHAT HAS BEEN MOST VALUABLE TO YOU/YOUR BUSINESS SINCE YOU GOT INVOLVED IN OUR INDUSTRY?
My fellow brokers and the Chicago Association of REALTORS®! I promise they didn’t pay me to say that! The relationships I’ve built with my fellow brokers and the educational, networking and leadership opportunities I’ve experienced through CAR have truly been the top two most valuable things. Your relationships in this industry are crucial and the educational opportunities through CAR are almost endless.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH US ABOUT YOUR REALTOR® STORY?
Just that I am so beyond grateful to serve you all as a member of the Board of Directors, and I hope to continue to grow my relationships with each and every one of you!