From the beginning, Jody’s career was shaped by people navigating tough times. She entered the industry during the aftermath of the housing crash, working with foreclosures and short sales. Helping families through those difficult transitions gave her deep empathy and unique expertise, she said.

“A lot of agents right now don’t know how to handle these situations,” Jody said. “I have a very high success rate of closing short sales.”

While markets change, Jody’s people-first focus remains constant. Whether helping buyers compete — or guiding them today when the pace has slowed — she knows that patience and understanding are key.

“Now, buyers have some time to think,” Jody said. It’s in these decision-making moments that her favorite parts of the job appear: the smiles that come when clients find the home they truly love. “This is why I love my job.”

Over the years, Jody has become more than a REALTOR® — she’s become a trusted partner and friend to buyers and sellers. For more than 15 years, Jody has been connecting buyers and sellers across the Chippewa Valley and beyond. “There are a lot of challenges as a REALTOR®,” Jody said. “But you just need to know who to talk to — there’s always a way to resolve everything.”

Jody remains connected with her clients through bi-annual home value updates, coffee catch-ups and client appreciation events. She noted, “I’m more of an agent for life.”

Her clients know that Jody’s steady guidance takes the stress out of major transitions. “Having one agent navigate both your home sale and purchase makes everything easier,” Jody explained. “I hold your hand from start to finish.”

Looking back at the year thus far, Jody said it’s been incredibly busy in her new role with Hometown Realty Group.

This new change of pace inspired Jody to bring her son, Brennan, on board to help her serve clients better, she said.

Together, the two have kept their focus where it matters most: the people behind every home.

Jody’s commitment to the Chippewa Valley extends beyond her career in real estate. This year, she ran for City Council in Chippewa Falls and was elected to represent District 3. Whether in city hall or across a closing table, a continued dedication to listening, understanding and serving others has become “Jody’s signature,” she said.

When she’s not helping homeowners find their next chapter, Jody is enjoying hers — boating on the lake in her restored 1957 wooden “Thompson,” hiking with her kids and dogs, or volunteering through the Eau Claire Rotary Club and other area organizations.

You might even spot her in a local parade, proudly towing that same wooden boat which represents so much of her love for both community and craftsmanship.

Success in real estate isn’t about the number of transactions — it’s about the people whose lives are changed along the way, she said.

After all, for Jody, it’s always been about the people.