I’ve always felt called to guide, uplift, and advocate for others—real estate simply became the platform.
It was 2020 and due to Covid, the job I had was eliminated and I was let go. I had never been unemployed before…and it shook me. Around that same time, my husband Ryan and I had just bought a condo as an investment property. Ryan is a contractor who remodels and fixes homes, so together we transformed that condo into a beautiful space.
One day, as I was helping him paint the walls, I remember thinking, wow, we’re providing a nice home for someone. This is big. I fell in love with the staging process and the idea of renting it out. Real estate suddenly felt powerful to me—a tangible way to serve others. My mother-in-law suggested I get my license, but honestly, I was scared of working a commission-only job. When I was laid off during COVID, I decided to push that fear aside and go for it.
Looking back, life had been preparing me for real estate for years. I studied sociology and religion in college, seeking leadership opportunities. I always felt comfortable with faith, never doubting that God existed. I was drawn to that energy of unconditional love and wanted others to experience it too.
I led campus ministry and retreats, eventually landing my dream job as a youth leader at the church where I grew up. I moved back to Cincinnati to work in youth ministry, and my heart grew tremendously during that season. I loved guiding young people toward trusting themselves and the guidance they were receiving. It was an honor to watch them blossom into who they were meant to be. I always tried to lead with love and peace.
Over time, though, I found myself bumping heads with church leadership. The institution was male-dominated, and I often felt looked down upon as a woman. It was disheartening. I wanted to stay for the kids, but I also knew I needed a more empowering environment.
That led me into marketing and fundraising. For three years, I raised money for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Fundraising taught me marketing, relationship-building, and how to clearly communicate value. From there, I became marketing director for a wellness practice, then moved into sales at a physical therapy office. Both roles centered around connection—educating people, building trust, and creating rapport.
Eventually, I realized something important: it wasn’t about selling a company’s product. I was the brand. My name, my integrity, my reputation—they mattered. I wanted to represent things that were truly good for people; that became my standard.
When I finally got my real estate license, I was ready. I brought every lesson with me—faith, leadership, marketing, connection, and advocacy. Today, it’s an honor to walk alongside clients during difficult seasons or hand them the keys to a home they thought they could never afford. In many ways, real estate has become my new ministry.
What sets me apart from other agents is my blend of professionalism and genuine humanity. I’m real, a little goofy, and deeply value authentic connection. My professionalism comes from a true desire to serve people well. I work hard to remove as much stress from the process as possible—whether that means arranging for a home to be cleaned and staged before listing, helping pack items for donation, or simply holding my clients’ hands every step of the way. I meet people exactly where they are and support them through each transition with care and patience.
Having a husband who owns a remodeling business is an added advantage, as he offers consultations and insight on potential renovations or improvements. I also maintain strong relationships with other agents, which gives my clients an edge during negotiations and transactions. I stay highly accessible, consistently answering my phone and remaining available, so deals move forward smoothly and without unnecessary delays.
Sincerely,
Jen Crosby