At Concierge Auctions, we have built a team of employees who inspire each other and continue to make history across the luxury real estate market. As our team shapes our company, we found ourselves wondering, what influences have shaped our team? We all know that one significant influence in everyone’s life is their mother. With Mother’s Day around the corner, we asked our team to describe their mother in one word and share one important lesson she taught them. The lessons they shared were as diverse and inspiring as our team itself.
Krystal Aeby, VP of Marketing, on her supportive, inspiring and kind mother, Karen:
The most important lesson my mother has taught me, perhaps unknowingly, by example, has been the power of unconditional love. She is my first call every morning, and my children’s last every evening. She always finds the good in people, welcomes with open arms and asks for nothing in return.
Sarah Neal, Marketing Coordinator, on her vivacious mother, Lesley:
If I had to describe my mom using one word, it would be vivacious because she is so fun-loving, cheerful and loud. The number one lesson my mom taught me growing up, and still continues to teach me everyday, is that you create your own happiness. It’s something that will stick with me forever.
Lisa Libertore, Project Sales Manager, on her caring mother, Marla:
Be strong and graceful in the face of adversity and enjoy life to it’s fullest. She is a cancer survivor.
Caitlin Keys, Market Director, on her badass mother, Susan:
My mother has taught me the value of trust and integrity, as well as dedication and hard work. I value her adventurous spirit, and admire that at 67 years old, she just called me to see if I would be her emergency contact while she goes mountain biking in Yukon.
Jenny Morgan, Sr. Marketing Account Manager, on her go-getter mother, Betsy:
“Can’t” is not in my mom’s vocabulary. If she wants something, she finds a way to get it no matter what. While we are very different people, I hear this little voice pushing me whenever I have doubts and it helps me move forward when I want to give up. Fun fact: She calls me every morning on my way to work, sometimes twice a day, and is very supportive and encouraging — great attributes in a teacher (she’s a star math tutor!) and a mom.
Allison Stolard, Controller, on her outstanding mother, Diane:
I have learned so many things from my mother, but the two that come to mind are – never give up, even if people tell you there is nothing they can do, the second is family matters.
Emily Pryor, Senior Graphic Designer, on her daring mother, Retta (aka R-Dawg):
Confidence and kindness. She raised me to be an independent, self-sufficient woman, and she made sure I knew I could accomplish anything on my own. She also loves to say “kill ’em with kindness!” When faced with adversity, she always reminded me that instead of “putting someone in their place,” it’s better to show them kindness, because that’s what they least expect.
Laurie Eden, Office Manager, on her mother with the greatest laugh, Jackie:
Always spend time and money on travel. It makes you more worldly and the opportunity to be a part of more conversations and opportunities.
Kim Fowler, Project Sales Manager, on her amazing mother, Linda:
I learned what unconditional love looks like. She is the epitome of what a mom should be. She is funny, tolerant, and smart, but most of all she is the most patient and loving woman I know.
Jessica Block, Brand Designer, on her fantabulous mother, Alma Dolores Maria de Carmona Rodriguez Block:
The most important lesson I have learned from my mother is to always put family first. My childhood was filled with so many great memories because my mom always made us a priority. But more importantly, I have learned mom is ALWAYS right. ;)
Joshua Havoc, Content Creator, on his strong mother, Lisa:
When I was, like, maybe 10 years old, my mom told me, “If you ask a girl what’s wrong and she says ‘Nothing,’ or if she tells you something is ‘Fine,’ it means something is wrong and she wants you to keep asking her.” As a bright-eyed, innocent young boy, I thought that was easily the stupidest and most confusing thing I’d ever heard. Then when I got older, I realized it was one of the wisest things she ever said to me. Also, my mom always says, “Actions speak louder than words,” which has always seemed obvious to me, possibly because I grew up hearing that. However, it’s been shocking to see how many people I’ve met in life who do not understand this fundamental truth.
Brad Decker, Lead Developer, on his loving mother, Karen:
Be honest, fair and kind – to be a good person.
Katie Lawless, Project Sales Manager, on her selfless mother, Lynn:
There are many “Lynn-isms” from my fabulous mother that I could list, but we’d be here all day. One of the most important lessons she has taught me, she taught by example. And that is to put others before yourself. I have watched my mother go above and beyond for not only her family and friends, but for people that she doesn’t even know very well. A neighbor’s daughter-in-law who lives 3 states away had a baby? Monogrammed baby gift in the mail to someone she’s never met. Someone asks for the recipe to her delicious poppy seed bread? Not only does she give them the recipe, she drops it off at their house with a fresh baked batch of bread.
Sure, she is very thoughtful – but anyone can bake or give a gift. The selflessness I see from my mother never ceases to amaze me. Whether she’s up until 2am helping my siblings with a school project, up in the middle of the night or early morning with my mentally challenged brother, or flying to Austin to help me pack up a whole entire apartment the day before my move — she will sacrifice herself for her kids. And that’s what makes her the best mom ever.
If you can’t tell, I really love my mom. She’s my best friend.
A few others: Don’t be ashamed of pulling Sweet-n-Low out of your purse at the nicest restaurant in town. Just because people say aspartame isn’t good for you doesn’t mean you have to listen. Oh, and to order an extra glass of ice with your iced tea because a lot of places brew their tea too strong. (If anyone has watched her make an iced tea, its an event. 1 iced tea, extra glass of ice, 2 sweet-n-low and a lot of lemons!)
Charlotte English, Client Services Manager, on her warm mother, Gale:
The most important lesson I’ve learned from my mom is to have faith in the Lord and to be kind to others!
Natalia Bernard, UI/UX Designer, on her supportive, motivating, inspirational, strong mother, Elidia:
A golden piece of advice from my mom is “Keep reaching for the stars.” Since I was a child, she would always tell me this when things didn’t turn out the way I hoped and I was sad or upset. Now, when I call her and share exciting news with her, she reminds me of this and motivates me to stay focused and keep working to reach my goals.
Chris O’Neill, Market Director, on his perfect mother, Rosemary:
Of all the valuable lessons my mother has taught me, among the most important is that respect and selflessness are the foundation for building meaningful and lasting relationships. My mom exemplifies this everyday through both her words and actions. Love you, mom!!!!!
Katie McMains, Director of Client Services, on her good-hearted mother, Lynn:
Lynn Giddings is one of the most good-hearted people I have the pleasure of knowing and I am honored to be her daughter. Growing up, my mom always opened her heart and her home to everybody she met. I like to think she instilled this in me, and for that I will be forever grateful. Love you, Mom!
Me and my inspiring mother, Kathy.
I’ve learned so many invaluable lessons from my mom, but perhaps the greatest are to be brave, bold, and kind. Three of her classic quotes are “Everything in moderation”, “Worrying is wasted time”, and “Many hands make light work”. The older I become, the more these ring true!
We are so grateful to all the wonderful moms out there who helped mold our staff into an inspiring All-Star Team of MVPs with their unconditional love, support, and brilliant pieces of wisdom. Happy Mother’s Day!