Meet Wendy Carter | Community Connector & Real Estate Agent

We had the good fortune of connecting with Wendy Carter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wendy, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
I think of myself as a community connector who helps people connect with businesses, resources, and each other. As real estate agents with in-depth local knowledge, we are in a unique position to help build a better community, and I take that responsibility very seriously. I care so much about the people and businesses around me, and making an impact is rewarding. My passion to support local businesses inspired me to start the Only In Poway Video Series which features local businesses to help increase their exposure to community members at no charge. I’ve produced close to 100 videos in the past three years. During the pandemic, I conducted virtual video interviews to keep promoting businesses and letting people know which restaurants were open and what their new takeout options were. Seeing so many businesses struggle during this period motivated me to step in and help. I’ll never forget how ecstatic I was when one restaurant owner reported back to me that he had 100% growth in their weekend revenue after their video was published online.
I also founded the Women Supporting Women networking group in San Diego that is dedicated to supporting women in business through the sharing of referrals, resources, and friendship. We have close to 50 members now and I am blown away by how much the group is growing and thriving. We have a lot of fun, learn from each other, and get to see so many of our members grow both personally and professionally right in front of our eyes.

What’s the most important factor behind your success?
Relationships with people and serving the community are the foundations of my business. I try to show people who I really am because authenticity builds trust, which leads to repeat and referral business. I also know my success is ultimately based on the success of people around me. So I work hard to make sure that my clients, friends, colleagues, vendors and the community all do well. By doing this, I can build a business I can be proud of, that is healthy and thriving. Ultimately, I want to be a good role model to my three kids by demonstrating kindness, perseverance, and always doing the right thing.

What was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a sales and marketing professional who travelled nationally for Fortune 500 companies, I didn’t have many local professional connections. Being a native San Diegan, and having such pride and love for my community, I yearned to be connected professionally on a local level. It was a dream to think that I could use the business, negotiation, and marketing skills I acquired in the corporate world to help families in my community. I say it was a dream because in my field, 87 percent of real estate agents fail in the first 5 years, which is a shocking number. So, it was 100% risky to go after it. However, in my life I’ve always taken risks and loved adventures to grow stronger and smarter. I made the leap, and today my business continues to grow and serves all areas of San Diego County. I am a Certified Real Estate Negotiation Expert®, a designation held by only 4% of real estate agents nationwide. I pride myself on achieving top results for my clients and am super grateful God has brought me so many amazing people to help. When I look back, the only thing I would do differently is to start sooner.

Do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Yes I do! “A rich life consists fundamentally of serving others, trying to leave the world a little better than you found it” was beautifully said by Cornel West and is prominently displayed in my office. Every day, I try to put this into practice with the people and places I see. One fun thing my husband and I do each year for the 4th of July is give out around 150 flags to our neighbors so that we can show our patriotism by lining the streets with them. Having an impact on people’s lives is really the most rewarding aspect of my business. It is an incredible privilege to support my clients during such a pivotal time in their lives and help them achieve their goals. For those who have moved to a new community, I really enjoy helping them get settled by connecting them to just about any business or person they need. Mentoring young women is another way I’ve sought to make a positive impact through the Poway Unified School District internship program. Last summer I was a mentee to a student named Aya from Rancho Bernardo High School. It was incredibly rewarding to share a journey of growth with her and most recently, to see her acceptance to the college of her choosing. This year I get to mentor a student named Pratibha! Young girls really need mentoring because there is no limit to what they can achieve with encouragement and positive role models.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to honor all the local small businesses who are the heart of our community. They have given up security for their passion, work tirelessly to pay their employees, and make our communities a better place for everyone.

Website: https://www.wendycarter.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendycarterrealtor/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendycarter1/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WendyCarterRealtor

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/wendy-carter-compass-san-diego

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXS9ey1ZgcrymWPxvpZItNg

Other: Women Supporting Women Business Networking Group: https://www.facebook.com/WSWSanDiego Only In Poway Video Series: https://www.facebook.com/onlyinpoway

Image Credits
Stephanie Heath Photography