What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
I worked for Riber Sports Marketing in Cincinnati, which managed the Senior PGA event in the area. I was on the staff that worked on site and took care of everything from planning the celebrity pro-am to registering golfers for the main event, working with the golf course staff for day-of logistics and everything in between.

Where did you grow up?
Middletown, Ohio (right in the middle of Cincinnati and Dayton)

Growing up, what did you want to be?
A veterinarian or a doctor.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Hike, golf or workout.

If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Corrie Ten Boom. I have always been a voracious reader. As a child I loved biographies. Corrie’s story “A Hidden Place” was a compelling story of courage in the face of great evil and faith in the face of true adversity. Both are things I highly admire in a person and strive for personally.

What is Phoenix’s best-kept secret?
Metro Phoenix has some of the best hiking within 15 minutes of where a significant amount of our population lives. You can get your workout in on a mountain and still be at your desk in the office by 8 a.m.

What do you love most about the industry?
I love that I’m in a service industry. I am allowed an intimate look into my client’s lives — the start of marriages, welcoming children, empty nesting and everything in between. No other industry would allow me the opportunity to welcome a dear friend home from the the hospital with a new baby and then 30 years later have that (now adult) baby invite me into his life to help him purchase his first home.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
I work really hard for my clients. When you hire me, you get me from start to finish, advocating for your needs every step of the way. I’ve sat at the City of Scottsdale One Stop Shop for an out of state client to ensure their questions and needs were answered in regards to zoning questions. I’ve picked up and dropped off clients at the airport. I’ve helped various clients navigate emptying and preparing a home full of 30-plus years of memories to be emptied in order to list it. I’m here for whatever a client needs.

As a boutique agent, I am also careful about the number of clients I’m serving at any one time as I never want to tell a client I don’t have time to do the little or big things that are important to them.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Delivering bad news to a client is never easy. I won’t sugarcoat it or avoid difficult conversations, but they still weigh on me.

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
Stay in contact with your sphere.

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
I’m enjoying the “Acquired” podcast.

What’s your favorite meal in Phoenix?
Seared Feta and Tomatoes at Pinyon for an appetizer and then Eggplant Napoleon as a main.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Phoenix?
Orpheum Theater downtown. I was lucky enough to be in Junior League when they were contributing to the renovation. It was interesting to see the preservation process.

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?
My first job was at the boarding stable where I kept my horse growing up. I cleaned stalls to help offset my board when I was 15 years old.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
Anywhere my husband and I can go that has mountains to hike and views to see! Memorable hiking has taken us to Patagonia, the Dolomites, Innsbruck, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Montana, etc.

What is your favorite city after Phoenix?
Bloomington, Indiana. So many great memories in my Indiana University college town.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Lean into your strengths and don’t give up.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?
Compass app!

What are your social media handles?
@laurajordenarizonaluxuryhomes

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