We recently had the chance to connect with Lori Hankins and have shared our conversation below.
Lori, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I can spend all day on the back of a horse and the time will just fly. There’s something so special, relaxing and magical about the bond between a horse and rider. Some of my best and worst days have been spent on a horse. But when I’ve had a bad day or I’ve got worries on my mind, there’s nothing quite like saddling up and taking off through nature.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I was born and raised in Weatherford, Texas, but have lived in Arkansas, Oklahoma and now Colorado. I’ve been a Texas real estate agent since 2014 and although I no longer live there, I still facilitate referrals between friends, family and past clients with amazing agents all across the country.
When I moved back to Texas in January of 2014, I never thought I’d leave Texas again….it’s in my blood. But in September of 2020, I was diagnosed with stage 2b breast cancer. On October 20, 2020 I had a double mastectomy, followed by 2 months of radiation and a complete hysterectomy. The chemo pills I was given caused an immediate issue with the heat and humidity. I stuck it out for over a year, but it seemed to just get worse, so in 2022, my husband and I relocated to Cripple Creek, Colorado where the average high in the summer is 74 degrees.
October 20, 2025 was my 5 year cancer free mark and I’m thriving in the cooler temperatures. I miss Texas, but it was definitely the right decision for my health.
I’m married to my high school sweetheart, Joey, and we have 3 wonderful kids and 8 perfect grandchildren. If I could get paid to spend time with my family, I would have the perfect job!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents, Clyde and Nancy Noakes, taught me about honest, hard work. My dad was a fireman and also worked in construction. My mom chose to clean houses so she could be at home to make breakfast and get me and my brother and sister on the school bus each morning and be back home before we got off of the bus. They showed me by example how to take care of myself and work for what I wanted. I owe so much to them and the wonderful example they set.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t be so hard on yourself. I’m a Virgo, which fits me perfectly because I tend to be a perfectionist. I’m harder on myself than anyone else in my life. I want and expect perfection out of myself and that’s just not realistic. I do believe striving for perfection is not a bad thing, as long as you don’t beat yourself up every time something doesn’t go as planned. Life is hard enough without constantly expecting perfection out of yourself. Take time to enjoy the messy moments in life, the times you fail, the times it doesn’t go the way you planned; that’s where life teaches you lessons. Work hard, but always take time to play and rest.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely, I don’t know how to be any other way. With me, what you see is what you get. When I first started in real estate people would tell me that I needed to wear heels and power suits, but that’s just not me. I sold a lot of real estate in jeans and boots and wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s taken many years to feel comfortable in my own skin, but if I try to act like someone I’m not, it’s uncomfortable and feels fake. I am who I am and hope people can appreciate that.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope when I’m gone that people will be able to say that I cared, that I was there for them and that I brought a little joy into their lives. My family and friends are the light of my life and I hope they can say the same about me. I pray that I’ve made a difference in people’s lives and that they will remember me fondly. When you’re younger, I don’t think you really appreciate the importance of friends in your life. I’m fortunate enough to have friends I’ve known my since I was a child who are still a part of my life today. I try to make friends wherever I go, it makes life so much better.
Contact Info:
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
