Sarah Jenkins, a seasoned professional with a background in project management, relocated to Tampa seeking a career change that offered more personal fulfillment and direct control over her success. At 45, she was drawn to real estate’s potential but was wary of the industry’s reputation for high turnover and often impersonal, sink-or-swim environments. Her initial foray with a large, traditional brokerage in another state had left her feeling like just another number, with limited guidance and a culture that felt more competitive than collaborative. She knew that to truly thrive, she needed a brokerage that invested in its people, fostered a genuine sense of community, and provided robust coaching and mentorship.
Her search for a different kind of real estate experience in Tampa led her to La Rosa Realty. The emphasis on Culture – Family, Passion, and Growth – was immediately appealing. It wasn’t just a tagline; it seemed to be woven into the fabric of their operations. She read testimonials and spoke to La Rosa agents, hearing consistently about the supportive atmosphere and the company’s commitment to agent development. The structured coaching programs, designed to build skills and confidence, particularly for those refining their niche or seeking to elevate their business, gave her hope.
From the moment Sarah joined the Tampa office of La Rosa Realty, she felt the difference. The onboarding process was thorough, and she was quickly connected with a mentor, an experienced local agent who provided invaluable insights into the Tampa Bay market. The coaching sessions were practical and tailored, focusing not just on transactions but on business planning, effective client communication, and leveraging technology. Sarah, with her project management background, appreciated the structured approach to building her real estate practice. She learned how to identify her unique value proposition and target specific neighborhoods and client demographics in the diverse Tampa market, from historic Seminole Heights to the new developments in Wesley Chapel.
What truly transformed Sarah’s experience was La Rosa’s agent-centric culture. She found herself surrounded by colleagues who were eager to share advice, celebrate each other’s successes, and even collaborate on deals. The “Family” aspect wasn’t just a word; it was reflected in regular office gatherings, training workshops where agents learned together, and an open-door policy with leadership. This supportive ecosystem helped her overcome the initial anxieties of navigating a new market and a relatively new career path. She felt seen, heard, and valued.
Inspired by the growth opportunities and the collaborative spirit, Sarah also began to explore the idea of specializing further. With the encouragement of her mentor and the skills gained through ongoing coaching, she developed a niche working with families relocating to Tampa, leveraging her own experience and understanding of their unique needs. La Rosa’s flexible model allowed her the autonomy to build this niche, supported by the company’s strong brand reputation and marketing resources.
While she wasn’t initially focused on team building in the same way as some, she became an informal mentor to newer agents, paying forward the support she had received. She actively participated in La Rosa’s local community service events, finding fulfillment in giving back and strengthening her ties to the Tampa community. Her passion for real estate, once a tentative hope, was now fully ignited, fueled by her successes and the positive environment.
Today, Sarah Jenkins is a highly regarded and successful real estate agent in Tampa. She has built a thriving business based on trust, expertise, and genuine care for her clients. She often remarks that La Rosa Realty didn’t just give her the tools to succeed; they gave her a professional family and the confidence to redefine her career path on her own terms. Her income and job satisfaction have soared, but more importantly, she has found a sense of purpose and belonging that had been missing. Sarah’s story is a testament to how a culture of support, coupled with dedicated coaching and mentorship, can empower an individual to achieve remarkable growth and personal fulfillment, at any stage of their career.
