Are top salespeople born or made? For AJ Whitfield, it’s an impressive combination of both.
Whitfield lives and breathes real estate. She was immersed in the profession at an early age, observing the complexities of the business from her grandfather and industry trailblazer Forest E. Olson, who originally founded Olson Realty and later became CEO of Coldwell Banker.
When entering the highly competitive world of luxury real estate sales, she embraced the fact that nothing is given and everything is earned.
To provide next-level service to clients and set herself apart from her peers, Whitfield began building and designing homes four years ago. She provides input and realistic expectations of what’s possible when looking at properties, a skill set that helps her ever-growing network of buyers and sellers net the best possible price.
Born-and-raised in Newport Beach, Whitfield also has an extensive knowledge of the neighborhoods and luxury properties within Newport, Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, and Eastside Costa Mesa.
In less than 10 years, Whitfield has built a reputation in coastal Orange County as one of the top-selling luxury real estate agents of her generation.
What does a typical day look like for you? Early morning wake-up call by my eldest daughter – 5:30 a.m. to be exact, followed by pancakes, coffee… more coffee… and then off to work. In real estate sales and construction, and with two little girls, every day is different regardless of how well it is planned. I have learned to start with my morning routine and then roll with the punches.
What qualities are important in a leader? Integrity, empowerment, and conviction.
Who influenced your success early in your career? Evan Corkett. She (and Steve High) gave me my first job in the industry. Her work ethic and industry knowledge have always amazed me and driven me to work harder. She has continued to cheer on my success, given me countless opportunities and pushed me to be better. We are both slightly competitive – so no help is needed there.
The real estate business is quite literally in your blood. Your career path was highly influenced by your grandfather. What did he say when you told him you were pursuing a career in real estate? “Well, it’s about time you figured it out.”
What advice did you hear earlier in your career that you now share with others? Hearing “no” means that you are that much closer to hearing a “yes.” It has always stayed with me, especially being in sales. It’s all about your viewpoint.
How do you effectively manage work-life balance? Work-life balance? What is that?! Instead of finding balance – since I’m not convinced it exists, I focus on being present. This helps me manage my time, but more importantly, enjoy it. (With two little girls at home this is a constant juggling act.)
Now that you’re a mom yourself, in what ways did your own mom inspire and encourage you? She was and is a dedicated full-time mom, which is the hardest job on the planet. She is my confidant, my best friend and she calls me out when I need it. My mom is still teaching me to find the best in everything and everyone. In all things, she reminds me to be grateful and “to go get ‘em.”
Favorite place in coastal Orange County? The Newport Harbor is my absolute favorite. The activity, the sailing, the homes, all of it comes together in a lifestyle that is completely unique.
Who is on the guest list for your ideal dinner party? My family – and then a magical cleaning crew that swoops in to clean up the mess, because there are a lot of us!
Alma maters? I will admit I have lived in a bubble my whole life – and loved it. I went to Carden Hall, Newport Harbor High School and then the Marshall School of Business at USC. Fight On!
Why is empowering women in the workplace important to you? It was important to me before having my girls, but now, it is even more so. The pressure is so great to be superwoman, but the reality is, you can’t do it all… alone. This was a tough pill for me to swallow when I started my career, but I’ve learned that support and community, both in the workplace and at home, are what make it all possible. I don’t want my girls to be forced into all-or-nothing choices. I want to see us build the support systems, mentorships, and peer groups that can empower women in all facets of their life.
450 Newport Center Drive, Suite 100
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949.433.8989 • villarealestate.com
Homes for Sale in Newport Beach, Ca
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