Employee background:

I graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in human resources and a master’s degree in business administration. I worked for a staffing service for 13 years holding positions to include employment specialist, service manager, and branch manager. After my husband obtained his MAI, we decided to move back home to Mississippi, and he opened an appraisal firm. Wanting a change of career, I joined him in 1999 as an office assistant setting up QuickBooks and other administrative duties.

As our business grew, so did I. I started taking appraisal classes. Back in those days, you had to go off for a week at a time to take a class. There were no online classes offered or classes offered locally. I will never forget being seven months pregnant taking Advanced Sales Comparison in Atlanta. Fast forward 20 years, three children, and luckily a marriage still intact. I am now a certified general appraiser. We had our own appraisal company until 2018 when we decided to join Valbridge.

What is your title and what do you do at Valbridge?

Senior Real Estate Appraiser. In addition to appraising, I wear several hats including managing operations and all aspects of human resources for our franchise which includes three offices throughout the state of Mississippi.

How did you become a part of Valbridge and VWC?

My husband is one of the partners for Valbridge of South-Central Mississippi. When we joined Valbridge in 2018, I obtained some information about the VWC and immediately joined. With the start up of a new business, I haven’t had the time to join a committee; however, hopefully soon.

What are your specialty areas?

I appraise all types of commercial property but specialize and enjoy eminent domain projects. We do work for many of the government entities appraising utility easements and right-of-way acquisitions.

What are some of the most interesting projects you've worked on at Valbridge?

There have been many interesting jobs throughout the years. Most recently I appraised six funeral homes. Let’s just say, I view large walk in freezers a bit differently now.

What do you like most about working at Valbridge and being a member of the VWC?

Being a part of Valbridge is the best business decision my husband and I have ever made. Valbridge has provided us with so many resources that have made us better appraisers. Having Datappraise and the national database has allowed us to compete on a whole different level. The wealth of knowledge and qualifications among the appraisers throughout Valbridge is impressive. What I like most about working at Valbridge is that I feel like I am a part of a winning team. I am part of a company that has a good reputation within the appraisal industry which makes me proud. I have met so many wonderful people that I would have never met if we had not joined Valbridge.

Even though I have not been directly involved in the VWC, this is a great group. I have attended most of the meetings and have found them to be informative and beneficial. The VWC provides opportunities that one may not be able to receive on a local level. I am thankful for Valbridge and the VWC and feel so fortunate to be a part of an amazing organization.