Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shay Lee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Shay, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
As a woman business owner, developing my ability to take risks has been a gradual and intentional process. It began with understanding that risk is a part of growth and success. Early on, I surrounded myself with mentors and peers who encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and challenged me to view failure as a learning experience rather than something to fear. Over time, I learned to trust my instincts and the research behind my decisions, and I realized that calculated risks—when approached with the right mindset—could lead to significant opportunities. I’ve also focused on building resilience, knowing that the road may not always be smooth, but the ability to adapt is what makes the journey worthwhile. Ultimately, it’s about balancing courage with strategy and being willing to embrace uncertainty while staying true to my values and vision for the business.
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?
My story in real estate began with my own home-buying experience. Like many, I felt overwhelmed by the complexities of the process—the paperwork, the decisions, and the unknowns. But when I finally found the right home, it was life changing. That experience ignited a passion in me to help others navigate the journey of property ownership with confidence. In 2005, I became a licensed real estate professional, and since then, I’ve had the privilege of assisting countless clients in buying homes, investment properties, and, more recently, land.
In addition to my real estate license and expertise, I bring over 10 years of experience in the mortgage industry. This dual background allows me to provide clients with a comprehensive understanding of both the real estate and financing aspects of the transaction. I’m able to guide my clients through the entire process, helping them secure the best mortgage options and make informed decisions at every step of the way.
As my career evolved, I discovered a deep passion for land. I realized that land offers something truly special—not just space, but an opportunity to create something lasting. Whether it’s for hunting, recreation, investment, or building a future, land offers endless possibilities. This is why I’m excited to help people buy land.
Here are just a few reasons why I’m so passionate about land:
1. Hunting – Land provides an ideal setting for hunting and outdoor adventures, offering both a retreat and an exciting experience.
2. Residential Development – It’s a blank canvas for building your dream home, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
3. Recreation – Land offers endless possibilities for hiking, camping, or any outdoor activities you enjoy.
4. Solar or Wind Energy – Land can be used for eco-friendly energy solutions, such as solar panels or wind turbines, to power your home.
5. Wildlife Conservation – Owning land allows you to preserve natural habitats, supporting wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability.
6. Water Resources – If the land has a pond, lake, or stream, you can enjoy fishing, water sports, or even aquaculture.
7. Vacation Property – Land makes for the perfect vacation getaway—whether it’s a place to build a cabin, camp, or simply unwind.
8. Future Legacy – Land can be passed down through generations, creating a lasting legacy for your family.
With my extensive experience as a licensed real estate professional, combined with my background in mortgages and my love for land, I am committed to helping my clients find the perfect piece of property. Whether it’s land for personal use or as an investment, I’m here to guide you through every step, ensuring that you make the best possible decisions for your future.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, I would say the three qualities that have been most impactful are resilience, empathy, and knowledge of the market.
Resilience has been essential. Real estate, like any business, comes with its share of challenges—unexpected hurdles, tough negotiations, and market shifts. There were times when it would have been easy to give up, but persistence and a positive mindset helped me push through and keep moving forward. For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to embrace setbacks as learning opportunities. The more you keep going, the more resilient you’ll become.
Empathy is another quality that has been incredibly valuable. Understanding the needs, concerns, and goals of my clients has allowed me to build trust and strong relationships. People often make big decisions when buying or selling property and being able to relate to their experiences has been key to my success. If you’re just starting out, focus on really listening to others—whether it’s clients or mentors. It will help you understand the heart of the business and how you can best serve people.
Lastly, knowledge of the market—whether it’s understanding the nuances of local real estate trends, the intricacies of land transactions, or staying updated with industry regulations—has been a foundational skill. It allows you to make informed decisions and offer sound advice. For newcomers, I recommend committing time to ongoing learning—take courses, attend workshops, and engage with industry news. Real estate is always evolving, so staying knowledgeable will keep you ahead of the game.
My best advice to those just starting out is to embrace a mindset of continuous growth. Build resilience through experience, always lead with empathy, and stay committed to learning. Success will follow when you stay focused on improving and serving others.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is someone who is not just looking for a piece of land, but someone who is excited about the endless possibilities that land ownership offers. Whether they’re envisioning a serene escape for family vacations, a place to build their dream home, a retreat for hunting, or an investment for future generations, I’m passionate about helping my clients turn their vision into reality.
I thrive working with individuals who are open-minded and proactive clients who are eager to learn and understand the full potential of the land they’re purchasing. Real estate, particularly land, can be complex, and I believe that the best decisions come from clarity and knowledge. My ideal clients are those who value trust and clear communication, and who want a partner who will guide them with expertise every step of the way. I love being there for my clients to answer questions, provide insight, and help them navigate the process with confidence.
For me, it’s not just about making a sale. I’m passionate about the long-term impact land can have on someone’s life. Whether they’re buying land for personal enjoyment, building a legacy, or securing a financial investment, my focus is always on helping my clients make decisions that align with their goals and dreams. I deeply believe that land is more than just property; it’s a foundation for something meaningful and lasting, and that’s what makes it so special.
The ideal client for me is someone who values a personal, tailored approach to real estate. They’re ready to dig into the details, whether it’s zoning laws, property access, or future development opportunities. I want to work with clients who see land not just as a purchase, but as a unique opportunity to build something important. They trust me to bring all my experience—from my real estate license to my expertise in mortgages—to help them find the perfect property that suits their needs.
If you’re someone who’s ready to embark on a land journey—whether for recreational use, investment, or building your dream home—and you want an experienced, trusted guide to make the process smooth and successful, then I would be honored to work with you. Let’s unlock the full potential of the land together and make your vision a reality.
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