A conversation with Patty Carter of Shirley Zeitlin & Co. Realtors

Nashville Business Journal

Personnel file

Name: Patty Carter
Title: President
Company: Shirley Zeitlin & Co. Realtors
Type of business: Residential real estate sales
Web site: www.ShirleyZeitlin.com
Revenue: In excess of $15 million
No. of employees: 105 sales associates, 31 staff
Most recently read books: "The Year of Magical Thinking," by Joan Didion and "People Still Matter," by Steve Murray
Favorite music artist: Andre Bocelli
Education: Bachelor's of arts - University Redlands, Calif.
Family situation: Husband, who is a Vanderbilt professor, two grown children, four grandchildren

Essential business philosophy: An effective leader must always demonstrate open communication, integrity, compassion and respect.

What are your main business goals for the coming three years? Capitalize on our market position and brand to take us to new levels of performance and client service. Continue our reputation of leadership in the real estate industry and the community.

What trends are shaping your industry? Technology has dramatically changed the way we do business and those changes are ongoing. We must always be ahead of the curve with all developmental trends and maximize the benefit to the client, integrating our service in the process to perform at higher levels of efficiency. New real estate business models are entering the market offering varied levels of service. Mergers and acquisitions are also a very prevalent trend.

What would people be surprised to learn about your industry? The personal dedication agents have to representing their clients' needs - with monetary rewards being secondary. Additionally, most do not realize the expansive client services that are provided.

Best way to keep competitive edge: Focus on relationships, both with staff, associates and the client. Relationships in business are a lifetime, transactions are temporary.

Most respected competitor: All those companies that represent the highest ethics in delivering real estate services. We have huge respect for the competition and feel our industry standards are raised when we adhere to a high moral responsibility.

Word that best describes you: Motivated

Goal yet to be achieved: My style is never to be satisfied with the status quo. My goal is to always evaluate the company function and strive to make it better today than it was yesterday.

Best decision: Joining Shirley Zeitlin in 1983 and benefiting from her extraordinary leadership

Toughest decision: Moving from sales - which I love - to management.

Like best about job: The people

Like least about job: Paperwork

Describe your average day at work: My average day is never the same and that is what I most appreciate. Generally speaking, however, my day normally includes management consultation, agent support, client interviews and budgetary considerations.

If I had a $1 million check for charity, it would go to: Medical research, the arts, animal protection

It's 11 on Saturday morning. Where are you? Sometimes working, exercising and catching up with personal obligations and family.

Professional pet peeve: Limited time for balancing professional and personal life.

Most important lesson learned: My ethical base comes from my parents, my teachers, and my mentors and that is the most valuable lesson in both business and life.