In Vicki's own words...

My strength was tested at the age of 19 after the tragic loss of both of my parents, leaving me with the challenge of fighting for custody of my three minor-aged sisters. My parents’ untimely deaths also left me with many other challenges to my life that I believe helped to contribute to my successes both professionally and personally. My life went a completely different direction than planned: I was a pharmacy major in college. With this turn of events, real estate became my salvation for the financial needs of this new, unexpected family that I was now depended upon to support.

It is important for our members to have a leader with the energy to keep up with the demands of the job and at the same time be effective in representing them. Involvement motivates me and keeps me energized. In 2004, I was an active member of 22 commissions, committees, boards, work groups, and not-for-profit organizations, chairing more than half of them. Only people with the energy to be effective are given the opportunity to serve.

One of the reasons I enjoy being involved in NAR and in many other organizations is to keep informed. The issues we face as an industry help to bind us as a REALTOR® family. As a Federal Political Coordinator for my Congressman since 1989, I stay current with the federal issues. I also remain active at the local and state association levels and serve on the Arizona Real Estate Advisory Board. My continued service on committees at every level helps to keep me informed and in touch with our members, which is necessary for making sound decisions.

As passionate as we REALTORS® are about family life, I have that same passion about my business. I run my business like a family. The REALTOR® community across the globe is in some ways like a family – we may not always agree, but we have respect for each other and we work together to ensure the success of the industry and our members. My commitment to the success of our members is driven by my passion for our industry. I read somewhere that passion equals stamina. For 32 years I have had a passion for our industry…and that feeling grows stronger every year.

I have been a chairperson of the Golder Ranch Fire District for 16 years and am keenly aware of the importance of responsiveness. When someone calls for an ambulance, the chances of survival increase the faster you respond. Our industry is moving at such fast pace that being able to respond quickly to what our members need and to protect their bottom line is critical to their survival. Outside forces will continue to attack our industry…the banks, the Department of Justice, or someone else...and we must keep our focus on safeguarding the future for our members.