Kris Ballage knows the language of the real estate business - and those of Germany, France and some Slavic nations, too.
A Jefferson City native, Ballage set out to see the world early in her professional career, working internationally in the motivational travel industry. When Ballage and her husband, Tim, relocated to her hometown, she said they were anxious to find a place to build their home. Through the process, she caught the bug for real estate and is now an agent with RE/MAX.
"That started the initial input into the real estate market, building and developing," Ballage said. "It was something I had never done before, so I got the most information I could to make the most informed decision that I could, and that led me to the real estate license. Looking back, I always had the desire for more education, which will open the doors to anything."
Ballage doesn't only tout that motto, but lives by it. In December, she will receive a degree in German from the University of Missouri.
Her German ancestry is rooted in Jefferson City, and she remembers her grandparents and father speaking the language. Someday, she added, she may teach languages, but for now, Ballage said she's enjoying her time as a residential Realtor, with experience ranging from fixer uppers to luxury homes. In her free time, she can be found with her family - husband, Tim; daughter, Mika; sons Andrew and Stefan; and grandchildren, Jackson, Maddie, Lizzy and Sloan.
Q. Who has invested in you and your career?
"I would have to say it was family. I come from a large family, and our parents encouraged us to seek greater education and opened the gate to explore the world. That was followed up by my own immediate family of husband and children. My parents were quite insistent in doing that and encouraged not only education, but early travel. I was a language major in college, so I worked a great deal internationally and lived abroad during college."
Q. What choices have you made to invest in yourself and your own success?
"Education, education, education. Secondly, I think adventure. I wouldn't say that I'm particularly a risk taker. But when I look back at my life and what I did in my life, I never closed the door to opportunities. I had never been on a plane before, and when I was 19 years old, I climbed on a plane and went to Europe for four months. ... I wouldn't classify myself as a risk taker, but looking back, it's probably not letting opportunities pass by. And always furthering my education. I just feel that you can do anything you want to do if you educate yourself and arm yourself with the means to do it. It's just that simple. I started in real estate in the very same way."
Q. What do you think are the biggest issues still facing women in the workplace?
"I am happy to see that the issues that I faced in the '70s and '80s are not as prevalent for young women entering the workplace today. Women are receiving marvelous opportunities, and the glass ceiling of the past has been raised considerably. Harassment and double standards in promotions and pay have not completely receded into the background, but they are certainly not at the forefront either. That being said, because these standards have become more equal, young women of today strive to succeed in their chosen careers and yet still maintain success in relationships and/or motherhood. This is not an easy balancing act, and I admire the manner in which many young women overcome and meet these formidable challenges.
"The emphasis to be a supermom and still have a successful career is extremely difficult. I believe we are seeing significant changes in the workplace (working from home part-time, flexible hours and equal leave when becoming parents, to name a few) for both women and men so that they may enjoy their homes and families while still meeting their job requirements. It is incumbent upon employers and employees to continue this effort into the future."
Q. What drives you most in life and in your career?
"Service... particularly in the field that I'm in now. It is so wonderful in real estate to help or to facilitate making people's dreams come true. This is a home - this is where they spend their lives, where they raise their families, where they retire, where nine-tenths of their lives are spent. It's just so rewarding. Honestly, I think it's service to others at this point in my career. And secondly, family - my children and grandchildren."
Q. What advice would you give to a woman entering the workforce?
"Trust yourself. Don't let opportunities pass you by. I guess that's where the trust comes in. We all receive so many opportunities in our lifetime, and some are good and some are maybe not so good, but trust yourself. Be adventurous and trust the decisions you make. You've got the ability and the power to make a lot of decisions about your life."
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15 in 15 Profiles:
Carrie Tergin: Third generation entrepreneur shares time between business, mayoral duties
Erin Wiseman: Attorney balances courtroom duties with a heavy dose of community ties
Nikki Payne: Boutique owner brings something new to hometown
Kris Ballage: Real estate agent never closes the door to opportunities
Suzie Nichols: Passionate musician composes second career in finance
Mary Kay Kempker: Jeweler connects with customers as friends
Catherine Crum: Salon owner relies on faith and community to spur success
Dr. Angel Allen: Experienced dermatologist focuses her business on stopping melanoma
Regina Garr: Birds-I-View owner a longtime presence for those who share her passion
Marilyn Herigon: Saleswoman who loves her work at age 71 has no plans to retire
Dr. Paige Hedgpath: Optometrist set her career goals early, knowing she could achieve them
Carolyn McDowell: Longtime store owner is civic-minded community fixture
Lisa Mankin: Restaurant owner credits faith and family for success, perseverance
Judy Dietzel: Sign company president is matriarch of family business
Jami Wenzel: Self-made woman balances real estate sales, grocery store ownership