When life handed me heartbreak and uncertainty, I didn’t retreat—I doubled down on discipline and the relentless pursuit of new challenges.

 

I realized I wanted to become a REALTOR®. It wasn’t a lightning bolt or a childhood dream, but a gentle nudge from a friend who saw something in me that I hadn’t yet recognized. She was already in real estate and invited me to join her company. At the time, I was at a crossroads, searching for a new direction after years of exploring different paths. The idea of helping people find their homes, of diving into a world where every day was different, felt like the adventure I’d been craving. So, in 1994, I got my license and stepped into a world that would become my life’s work.

 

 But let me rewind a bit. I grew up in South Bend, Indiana, and after high school, I had no clear vision for my future. I eventually found myself in Austin, Texas, thanks to a deal with my parents: I’d go back to school if I could attend the University of Texas. I got my degree in sociology, drawn by my love of people and curiosity about the world.

 

After college, I stumbled into the jewelry business. A friend introduced me to jewelry making, and soon I was taking classes at the Gemological Institute of America. I became a graduate gemologist, and worked as a jewelry buyer, designer, and appraiser. I loved the science, but after a while, I hit a ceiling in the family-owned company I worked for. I considered a job in Hawaii—my Japanese skills had opened that door—but ultimately, I stayed in Austin.

 

 That’s when real estate found me; my friend’s invitation came at just the right time. Starting over in a new field is never easy, and back then, real estate was a different beast—no internet, just thick phone books and open houses. But I loved the challenge. My goal was simple: to build a life where I could wake up every morning with a to-do list, hit the ground running, and never get bored. Real estate delivered. I started investing, bought rental properties, flipped houses, built homes, and even dabbled in commercial deals. No two days were ever the same, and I thrived on the constant learning.

 

Of course, there were challenges. I’ve always had a ton of energy, but patience? Not so much. Early on, a client’s offhand comment about my punctuality stung, but it changed me. From that day forward, I became meticulously on time—feedback, even when it hurts, is a gift. The biggest challenge of my life, though, came recently. After twenty-six years with my partner, he passed away just two months ago. The grief is still raw, but it’s also given me  a new sense of purpose. I need to stay busy, to pour myself into my work and my goals, because right now, that’s how I heal.

 

I work out twice a day and compete in fitness challenges—thirteen and counting, with a fair share of wins. The discipline and mindset I’ve developed through these competitions have carried me through tough times. I love starting my mornings listening to motivational talks. I’m also a lifelong golfer, and getting back out there is on my list. 

 

Life has thrown me its share of curveballs, but I’ve learned to embrace change, chase new goals, and keep moving forward. Losing my partner has been the hardest chapter yet, but it’s also reminded me how precious and unpredictable life is. For now, I’m staying busy, setting new goals, and trusting that, step by step, I’ll find my way.

 

What sets me apart from other REALTORS® is my depth and breadth of experience. I’ve done just about everything in real estate over the past thirty-plus years, from building and flipping houses to managing my own rental properties and even handling some commercial deals. I’m truly hands-on; I don’t delegate my business to anyone else, because I want to be involved in every detail for my clients. I’m also extremely available—my phone is always on, and I work seven days a week because I genuinely love what I do. If someone can’t reach me, something must be seriously wrong! 

 

My clients know they can count on me for advice, especially when it comes to investment properties, since I’ve been through it all myself. I also have a getaway condo in Port Aransas, Texas, where I sometimes help clients buy or sell property, but even when I’m there, I’m still working. Ultimately, my dedication, accessibility, and decades of hands-on experience make me different from most agents out there.

 

 Sincerely,

 

 

Colleen Rouhselang