Story & Lesson Highlights with Christy Young of Hilltop Virginia Beach

Christy Young shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Christy, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
The one thing that always makes me lose track of time is time on the floor roller skating. It’s not often, but when I’m able to go and find there’s just a couple of skaters on the floor it’s a feeling I can’t describe. I set my phone alarm so I don’t forget I have appointments in my real (estate) life and by the third lap all is right with the universe and I have that goofy smile on my face.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a Virginia Beach local, raised in Kempsville and I’m super passionate about Real Estate, Roller Skating and the Foo Fighters, not necessarily in that order.
Finding a way to combine two things you love is the best and as your Rollin Realtor I am so fortunate to have the leadership team of OWN Real Estate as my number one enablers. They even bought me beautiful purple skates for THE OFFICE in Virginia Beach.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
I would have to say both of my parents. I was adopted at just five weeks old by the most wonderful people. My mom was an RN. When I was a little girl I was always so impressed by her white uniform and would steal her cap and wear it to pretend I was a nurse. I remember at around age 10 I did not want to go to school one morning and my mother said “do you think I feel like going to work every day? I do not, but I have responsibilities and people are countingon me” This was a lightbulb moment for me, when I realized even grown ups had to do things they really didn’t want to do.
My father was in radio and television ad sales and was just about the nicest guy you’d ever want to meet. He was a DJ when my parents met and shared his love and knowledge of music and the show business with me every day. As I got older he would give me little bites of wisdom I didn’t even notice then but have called on many times in my life.
He taught me how to shake hands and look people in the eye when you were speaking. He taught me it’s sometimes better to be kind than to be right and he told me to never get into business with someone who had less to lose than I did. He also taught me not to believe what I saw on TV and in movies to be real or true “life ain’t Knotts Landing, kiddo” and that family and real friends were the most important gift of all.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was most definitely a time I almost gave up. When I had literally put everything I had and more, financially and emotionally, into my passion project business and it very slowly sucked the life out of me and fell apart. Turns out that’s exactly how it should have unfolded (go figure) in order for me to learn some really tough lessons and come back stronger, smarter and so much more confident that I am precisely where I need to be. Bonus-it made me a ruthless advocate and negotiator.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie Real Estate tells itself is that the praise, prizes, accolades and money are what really matter. Clearly all those things are great, but they are all ego driven and can turn you into someone who needs this attention for all the wrong reasons. What really matters is those friends and clients who genuinely need someone who cares and has the expertise to help and they know you are that person.
There have been times I spent hours and days trying to get answers and help for someone for absolutely zero money and times I’ve been gifted with an easy no effort home sale client for big dollars. Honestly, both feel fabulous and both make me love my job and make me wake up ready to jump in and make things happen…even if nobody else ever notices or gives me a prize for it.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I would love to be remembered in stories about my love of all things roller skating. From discovering local roller derby at the age of 46 and within a year starting my own skate shop and training facility, Roller Derby Virginia Beach, to give skaters of all ages and skill levels a safe place to roll to me rolling through the ribbon cutting ceremony with the city of Virginia Beach for OWN and Creoteric’s new building.
Being able to combine two things you love is a huge career blessing I’m so grateful for every day. I love helping my client friends make knowledgable and informed choices in real estate and I love that I can often skate while doing this. I hope this is the story.

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