Historically, women have had a hand in residential real estate almost since the industry’s inception — in fact, the U.S. residential real estate industry is dominated by women: According to the National Association of Realtors, as of July 2020, 64 percent of all REALTORS® are female.
We are proud to be a firm that embraces women in business, with 52% of our management team being female, and to be a part of an industry filled with respect and support for the women who work in it.
With that in mind, here are the female real estate professionals leading our company, inspiring other women, and making a difference in our industry in 2021.
Donna Kreps
President of Residential Real Estate Services, F.C. Tucker Company, Inc.
What is your favorite part about working in real estate?
Helping people reach their full potential is definitely a favorite part. The opportunities in real estate are incredible and varied, agents can build on their strengths in lots of different ways and it’s fulfilling and rewarding to be part of someone else’s success.
Do you have a mentor you know personally or a certain leader you aspire to be like?
The best mentor I’ve ever ever had is no longer living. Much of who I am today I attribute to her leadership and guidance in my life. We first met when I was eleven years old – she was my Sunday School teacher. We stayed in contact until her passing…….thank you, Mrs. Holdcroft!
If I were to chose someone I aspire to be like, I would pick Brian Buffini.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received that you wish to pass along to others?
“You can be all you want to be. The sky is the limit, so reach high.”
Tell us something about you that you wouldn’t find on your resume.
If I had not entered real estate, I probably would have gone to medical school or been working in the medical field in some way. I continue to have a fascination with science and medicine and think it would have been a logical career path for me.
Angela Raab
Branch Manager, 1st VP Residential Division, Meridian North office
What is your favorite part about working in real estate?
My favorite part is helping people discover and attain their dreams. Whether it’s working with a buyer to get their dream home or encouraging an agent to dream big, being even a small part of somebody’s success fills me with joy!
Do you have a mentor you know personally or a certain leader you aspire to be like?
So, so many. I think what’s fun about working with so many people on a daily basis is that I get to observe so many pathways to success and learn from others that there is always a different way to accomplish your goals. Angel Dean hired me in my first job as an agent and I have learned so much from her, particularly about how to be professional in our industry. Donna Kreps trusted me to take a position at the Agent Support Center, and her ability to ask questions and show empathy is something I strive to emulate. From our staff, our lead agent support specialist, MacKenzie, always has such an even keel, even in difficult situations and I find that to be such an amazing trait! And outside of real estate, Mica Wilson, whom I worked with on the board of the Junior League of Indianapolis, inspired me to be more inquisitive, curious and genuinely enthusiastic about what others are doing.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received that you wish to pass along to others?
Always assume good intent. When emotions are on the rise, you can often diffuse the situation by asking yourself “What could be this person’s good intentions in this situation?” It causes you to take a step back and consider the other person’s perspective before you react.
Tell us something about you that you wouldn’t find on your resume.
I love to hike and want to hike at least one trail at every national park in the United States.
Penni Mayes
Branch Manager, Senior VP Residential Division, Mooresville office
What is your favorite part about working in real estate?
Developing new relationships while helping others achieve their dreams.
Do you have a mentor you know personally or a certain leader you aspire to be like?
Having a mentor is very important. I’ve been fortunate to have 2 ladies whom have inspired and supported me during my career!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received that you wish to pass along to others?
Enjoy your job, so you never have to work a day in your life. I believe this advice is so true.
Tell us something about you that you wouldn’t find on your resume.
A balanced life is important. I love to travel and enjoy family time with my husband and our kids and grand kids.
Jenny Rice
Branch Manager, Senior VP Residential Division, Plainfield office
What is your favorite part about working in real estate?
Helping others achieve their dream rather it be ownership or selling to move on for different seasons in their lives.
Do you have a mentor you know personally or a certain leader you aspire to be like?
Donna Kreps is my Mentor and I strive to be more like her daily. Just being around Donna makes me a better person. The leadership skills, guidance and friendship are priceless!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received that you wish to pass along to others?
If you do your job and do it well you will get paid, the home is not closed until you have a check in your hand and $500 is better then no hundred dollars!
Tell us something about you that you wouldn’t find on your resume.
I love animals I have dogs, cats, chickens and ducks. My new animal I hope to get soon are goats.
Alyce Penry
Branch Manager, 1st VP Residential Division, Keystone at the Crossing office
What is your favorite part about working in real estate?
How can I choose just one?!? I love watching other people set goals and achieve them.
Do you have a mentor you know personally or a certain leader you aspire to be like?
I have several! I owe my career to Jen Puterbaugh, Angel Dean, Michelle Shepherd, Kathy Collings, Lynn Davis, and of course, Donna Kreps! Outside of FCT, I have a group of friends who are 10-25 years my senior who have been my personal role models for over 25 years. We were in the same theatre group many years ago, and still spend four days together each October at a lakehouse in Wisconsin. They have been my mentors through all phases of my adult life.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received that you wish to pass along to others?
Be your authentic, genuine self, don’t try to force yourself into someone else’s vision of who you should be. Believe in your capabilities; if you believe in them, others will as well.
Tell us something about you that you wouldn’t find on your resume.
I am a theatre girl and love all things Broadway.
Lissa Evans
Branch Manager, 1st VP Residential Division, East office
What is your favorite part about working in real estate?
Being a part of something BIGGER! Watching someone buy their first home, or move on to the next chapter of their life somewhere else… Watching my agents succeed, and watching them learn and grow from the setbacks. Every day I feel like I am part of a bigger picture and a bigger team, and it’s so motivating and fun and rewarding to give your all so the team can succeed together.
Do you have a mentor you know personally or a certain leader you aspire to be like?
Ed Gallagher, one of my first managers at Keystone. I learned so much from him, and I’m still discovering each day how much I learned but didn’t realize at the time. I find myself displaying “Ed behaviors” without realizing it, and when I do, I just chuckle and know that he’s smiling down at that realization.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received that you wish to pass along to others?
In real estate: Always pass the ball back. In life I’m always finding words of wisdom that resonate with me, but right now these words from Kathy Collings are what are top of mind: “5×5 Rule: If it’s not going to matter in 5 years, don’t spend more than 5 minutes being upset about it.”
Tell us something about you that you wouldn’t find on your resume.
I’m obsessed with flying trapeze classes and have 4 catchable tricks (and 2 that aren’t…we’ll get there…).
Kristi Snider
Branch Manager, Senior VP Residential Division, Fishers/Geist office
What is your favorite part about working in real estate?
My favorite part of real estate has got to be working with the agents in my office and my clients. In my role I have the opportunity to recruit new agents, help new and seasoned agents achieve their goals! I love being involved in helping agents establish their business plans and set their path to achieve those plans. Real Estate as career is special to me because you get to be a marketeer, leader/coach, and most of all develop deep friendships. My passion is making a difference in other peoples lives and my real estate career fulfills my passion very well.
Do you have a mentor you know personally or a certain leader you aspire to be like?
When I think about all the people that I have worked with over the span of my career there are so many that I think of as mentors — folks that were there to offer me guidance, counsel, and advice. It’s impossible to pick just one person.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received that you wish to pass along to others?
The best advice I’ve ever gotten and pass along to everyone I know is to LEAD BY EXAMPLE! While I’m not perfect and no one is, I work really hard everyday to lead by example and to me that means acting with integrity, compassion, and vision even in those time when it seems impossible!
Tell us something about you that you wouldn’t find on your resume.
When I’m not rocking my Real Estate Career you can find me traveling!! I love to travel anywhere – My husband and I take weekend trips on our motorcycle and a quick getaway to the beach is always a special time, especially with my kids and grandkids.
Jennifer Butts
Branch Manager, 1st VP Residential Division, East office
What is your favorite part about working in real estate?
There is always something new to learn.
Do you have a mentor you know personally or a certain leader you aspire to be like?
I have had several strong female mentors and I aspire to be like a mixture of each of them.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received that you wish to pass along to others?
You are right where you are supposed to be. Be kind to yourself. We can do hard things.
Tell us something about you that you wouldn’t find on your resume.
I do not like to quit or give up on things. No matter how big or small the challenge. I will problem solve the “you know what” out of something until it is finished.
Angie Garard
Branch Manager, 1st VP Residential Division, South office
What is your favorite part about working in real estate?
Each day offers new and different opportunities to collaborate, work through challenges, and impact lives in positive and meaningful ways.
Do you have a mentor you know personally or a certain leader you aspire to be like?
So many! I’m open to receiving whatever wisdom and knowledge someone wishes to share! Top of mind would be my co-manager, Tom Johnson who is someone I not only consider a mentor professionally, he’s one of my closest friends. Being able to work with and learn from Tom has been a tremendous gift I cherish.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received that you wish to pass along to others?
“We rise by lifting others.” — Robert Ingersoll
Tell us something about you that you wouldn’t find on your resume.
I rarely watch television but am almost always listening to music!
Angel Dean
Branch Manager, Senior VP Residential Division, Carmel office
What is your favorite part about working in real estate?
Educating and empowering clients and agents to achieve their goals.
Do you have a mentor you know personally or a certain leader you aspire to be like?
Donna Kreps
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received that you wish to pass along to others?
Slow down & process your thoughts before you speak.
Tell us something about you that you wouldn’t find on your resume.
I have 2 daughters (Abby & Emma), 2 chocolate labs (Mousse & Milo) and 2 ducks (Tucker & Tilly!! I literally have my own little zoo!
Michelle Gassyt
Branch Manager, 1st VP Residential Division, Downtown office
What is your favorite part about working in real estate?
Being able to work with and for so many different types of humans!
Do you have a mentor you know personally or a certain leader you aspire to be like?
I feel I am incredibly fortunate to have worked around strong, kind, fun and thought provoking individuals. My friendships over this last quarter century are amazing, truly all kinds of people.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received that you wish to pass along to others?
Love what you do, the rest will follow!
Tell us something about you that you wouldn’t find on your resume.
I am a band nerd!
Jennifer Puterbaugh
Branch Manager, Senior VP Residential Division, Carmel office
What is your favorite part about working in real estate?
Being a trusted advisor and helping others formulate a plan to help them achieve their goals.
Do you have a mentor you know personally or a certain leader you aspire to be like?
I am so very thankful to my mom for so many reasons. I have always appreciated and admired her and the other women in our family for their entrepreneurial spirits and the strong examples they set.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received that you wish to pass along to others?
We don’t reach our goals overnight. We move closer to them (or further from them) each day with each action we take. You have to be consistent and intentional with your time and your actions.
Tell us something about you that you wouldn’t find on your resume.
I love history, and I love hiking and playing board games with my family.
