Linda’s Story

I love my career and I love Stillwater! I did, however, fall into both by chance.
In 1979, I was newly single and living in Toledo, Ohio. A friend convinced me to visit a cousin of hers in Stillwater, MN, (where the heck is that?) and being in need of a break, I went. Upon arrival, I volunteered to drive to town for groceries. Instead I bought a book on the history of Stillwater and spent the rest of the day taking black and white present day photos of homes mentioned in the book. I also trekked through the cemetery photographing tombstones of our founding fathers. I sat in Pioneer Park absorbing the beauty of the St, Croix River and this quaint little rivertown thinking 'I could live here.' The next day I was researching the important things for our family, cost of living, school system, recreation nearby, being avid skiers, campers, and canoeists. Elated with the research of the area, I called my mother and said, 'send the children (daughter 16, son 6 at that time)! If they like it as much as I do, we are going to relocate!' When Ted got out of the car in Stillwater he said, ' the air smells funny here.' Interesting how he had gotten used to pollution, now fresh air 'smelled funny!' We have enjoyed life in Stillwater, I married to a local Real Estate Attorney in 1993, and still not a day goes by as I drop over the hill heading downtown each morning that I don’t say 'I LOVE STILLWATER!' as I absorb the beauty of the St. Croix Valley.

I have been equally blessed in my career. A friend once told me 'you love the area so much, you should sell real estate, you would be a natural.' I never thought of myself as a salesperson, but I have always been very service oriented (background in office management), so I decided to give it a try. Being licensed in the early 80’s, mentoring under a motivating Broker, and developing the philosophy of providing a service that clients need rather than looking at it from only the income producing side. Within 2 years I became a Broker and took over the company. Another 2 years later, Edina Realty was thinking of coming out to the St. Croix Valley and I was one of 2 Brokers chosen to be the pioneers for Edina Realty. We are very proud of our accomplishments, and today Edina Realty has more to offer our clients that any other full service Real Estate company.

                     **  Emma Rovick Award Winner of 2005 **