Meet Rachael Smith- Meadors

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rachael Smith- Meadors a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachael , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My parents as well as being raised in the Midwest. I’ve been working since really I was in middle school hustling world’s finest chocolate. From there my mom had me selling jewelry with her every weekend. I LOVE working. I think it was just always a positive outlook in my mind that work made me happy.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m Rachael Smith, a real estate agent specializing in Airbnb Like properties in mountain communities, with a focus on Big Bear Lake, California. My journey into real estate began by coming out to Big Bear sight unseen to manage a rental company (based off a conversation with someone at the Kentucky Derby. From there I ran the rental company and moved into Real Estate.

What sets my work apart is my straightforward, honest approach paired with a touch of creativity. I don’t just sell homes—I help people invest in a lifestyle, whether it’s a cozy cabin for family vacations, an Airbnb with strong earning potential. I love putting a unique twist on everything.

I also love turning challenges—like unique property quirks or a slow market—into opportunities by leveraging fresh marketing ideas, stunning visuals, and authentic storytelling. I even wrote a book called Transformed by Trouble in which we need to lean into God and let him transform that trouble into something great by keeping a positive outlook.

Right now, my brand is growing, and I’m focused on a few exciting projects:

Big Bear Real Estate Living Book: A bi-annual showcase of listings tailored for our unique mountain community.
Video and Social Media: I’m diving deep into creating YouTube and Instagram content to educate, inspire, and connect with buyers and sellers, showing off the best of mountain living.
Expansion Goals for 2025: I’m working to hire a buyer’s agent and a videographer to better serve my clients while reaching more people through high-quality, engaging content.
I also have a heart for giving back. My faith fuels my desire to serve, and I’m always looking for ways to mentor others, whether it’s new agents or individuals navigating life’s challenges. Recently we also built a toilet building and a house for a family in Cambodia. As well as gifted to an orphanage for Christmas in the Phillipines.

Whether you’re dreaming of mountain mornings, interested in an investment property, or just curious about what makes Big Bear so special, I’d love to connect and be a part of your story.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities have been game-changers in my journey as a real estate professional:

Resilience and Adaptability

Communication and Relationship-Building

Marketing Savvy and Storytelling

Above all, stay consistent. Growth takes time, but with the right mindset and dedication to improvement, you’ll see incredible results.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

Without question, God has been the most instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and develop the skills and qualities I needed to succeed. Every step of my journey—whether it was navigating difficult markets, handling tough negotiations, or balancing work and family life—has been guided by His hand.

Through prayer, I’ve found clarity in moments of doubt, strength when I’ve felt overwhelmed, and peace in the midst of uncertainty. God has taught me resilience through trials, humility through success, and the importance of serving others with integrity and love.

I believe every challenge I’ve faced has been an opportunity for growth, carefully designed to shape me into someone who can better serve my clients, my family, and my community. My advice to anyone starting their journey is to lean into faith. Trust that God has a plan and is equipping you with everything you need, even when you can’t see the bigger picture yet.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.buyinbigbearlake.com
• Instagram: rachaelsmithrealestate
• Facebook: rachaelsmithrealestate
• Youtube: Living in Big Bear