An experienced Realtor currently at Associated Real Estate Group, Julie Beck calls Jefferson City home and has found the community a wonderful partner and place to raise her family.
"I have lived and worked in Jefferson City my entire life and like to stay involved and support the community in a number of ways," said Beck, who attended Jefferson City Public Schools and later graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in speech communications.
She and her husband, Paul, founded the local nonprofit organization Working Wheels for Working Families. For the past three years, the organization has worked with businesses and other members of the community to provide 20-plus vehicles to struggling families to help them better manage their lives.
Over the years, the busy couple have also built, sold and renovated homes in the area and are well versed in the often complicated process they try to simplify for their clients.
"We know first-hand what buyers and sellers want and need," Beck said. "When my clients come up against real estate issues and conflicts, I know exactly who to contact and where to go for a successful resolution and have an in-depth knowledge of the local market."
Driven in her career, Beck is most passionate about spending time with her husband and their two daughters.
"My family members are huge fans of hiking and biking this beautiful Missouri landscape and cheering on our favorite local and statewide sports teams," she said.
A member of Faith Lutheran Church, where she serves as co-chairman on the Board of Christian Education, she's also a member of the Parent Teachers League of Trinity Lutheran School and serves on the Jefferson City Area Board of Realtor's Education and Community Outreach Committee.
Juggling many responsibilities, she always makes her clients a top priority.
"I never let my workload increase beyond my ability to provide the best service that I can to my clients," she said. "As an added bonus, my clients often become my friends. What job would be more rewarding than that?"
Q. Who has invested in you and your career?
A. "So many members of this community have invested in me. From elementary and high school teachers and principals at a young age to coworkers and managers with whom I have been fortunate to work with, be inspired and challenged."
Q. What choices have you made to invest in yourself and your own success?
A. "Beyond my bachelor's degree from Mizzou, I sought out continuing education and certifications, networked and found trustworthy coaches and mentors. I surround myself with positive relationships, and daily use technology and social media to promote my business and organize my life."
Q. What do you think are the biggest issues still facing women in the workplace?
A. "For me, the biggest challenge I have faced in my career is one that is shared by many women: striking a balance every day to be the best employee I can be by going the extra mile and exceeding expectations, while also being the best wife and mother possible and a good servant of the Lord."
Q. What drives you most in life and in your career?
A. "As a real estate agent, I am driven by the ability to provide my clients the consultation they need to make good decisions when it comes to buying and selling. At every opportunity, I try to share/download as much information to my clients in hopes of making them as informed about the market as I am so that they feel sound in the decisions they are making."
Q. What advice would you give to a woman entering the workforce?
A. "Take advantage of the knowledge of your peers and what you can learn from those who have come before you. It's such a waste of time to repeat history. Find someone who is willing to mentor you and don't be afraid to ask questions for fear of making yourself look uneducated. Also, become involved, make your voice heard and network in your trade and community."
See the full October 2016 edition of #jcmo Inside Business here.