From Sashes to Sold Signs — The Heart of West Bend
I'm a southern girl at heart, but West Bend, Wisconsin has been home for the past 20 years and I wouldn't have it any other way. I moved here with my husband of 27 years and our four kids, and from the moment we arrived, this community wrapped its arms around us. What started as a new chapter quickly became the place where we put down roots, built a life, and never looked back.
West Bend is special, and I'll tell anyone who will listen. There's something here for everyone, from the charm of the downtown and the farmers markets and concerts at Old Settlers Park, to the live performances and movies at the Bend Theatre (my son even has his piano recitals there!). Regner Park has a beautiful man made swimming area with inflatables and a splash pad that our kids grew up loving. The Museum of Wisconsin Art, Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary, and even a Labyrinth Garden round out a community that's as rich in culture as it is in heart. And don't even get me started on the restaurant scene, Krimmer's, The Orville, Gary's Place, The Norbert, and the West Bend Country Club are just a few of our favorites. It truly has it all, wrapped up in that small-town feel that's so rare to find any more.
The West Bend School District serves over 5,500 students and ranks in the top 8% in the state, something I've been proud of as a mom. My three oldest children swam on the high school's Dolphins synchronized swim team and watching them perform is one of those memories I'll always treasure.
My two daughters also discovered pageantry when they were just 6 and 11 years old. Watching them light up on stage, making friends from across the state, and giving back to their community through appearances and volunteer work was something truly special. Eventually, they turned to me and said, "Mom, you should do it too." So, I did.
I entered the Mrs. Wisconsin America competition for the first time in 2017, and I'll be honest, the swimsuit portion was terrifying. I was 38 years old, a mom of four, competing alongside women half my age. But my husband and kids believed in me, and that belief was enough to get me on that stage. The competition includes Interview (50%), Evening Gown (25%), and Swimsuit (25%), and what I quickly learned was that pageantry is so much more than appearances. It's about advocating for causes you're passionate about, volunteering in your community, and connecting with incredible women from all over the country.
My first year, I earned 2nd runner up. My second year, 1st runner up. My third year, I won both Interview and Evening Gown and still came home as 1st runner up. I could have stopped there. Most people would have. But I went back a fourth time in 2020, and that year, I won the title of Mrs. Wisconsin American.
I was 41 years old and in the best shape of my life, physically, mentally, and emotionally. That journey taught me something I carry with me every single day: grit matters. Not every door opens the first time you knock. Sometimes you have to come back, work harder, and refuse to give up. I wanted my children to see that. I wanted them to know that if something is worth having, it's worth fighting for even when it's hard, even when it takes longer than you hoped.
That same determination is exactly what drives me as a real estate agent.
I started my real estate career the same year I won my title, and the parallels have never been lost on me. In pageantry and in real estate, success comes down to preparation, persistence, and genuinely caring about the people you serve. I am proud to be dual licensed in both Wisconsin and Florida, which means whether you’re planting roots in the Midwest or searching for a sunshine state escape, I can help you get there. When I work with buyers, I am fully in your corner negotiating hard, protecting your interests, and keeping my eyes on the goal even when the road gets bumpy. When a “first offer” doesn't go our way, I don't get discouraged. I get focused. We learn, we adjust, and we keep moving forward until we get you to that closing table.
My clients know that I show up for them, not just as an agent, but as someone who truly cares. I know what it's like to plant roots in a new community and build something beautiful from the ground up. I understand what home means. And when I am helping you find yours, I don't take that responsibility lightly.
West Bend has given so much to my family over the past two decades, and every day I get to help someone find their place in this community feels like the greatest privilege. Whether you're buying your first home, upsizing for a growing family, or finding the perfect place to settle into the next chapter of your life, I am here for all of it.
From sashes to sold signs, I am the heart of West Bend. Let me help you find yours.
