Chamber Spotlight: Sasha Farmer, Story House Real Estate

How did you choose the field you’re in?

I think the field chose me! I was in a miserable job right out of college for a year (I took whatever job I could find that would keep me in Charlottesville) and was going to buy a house when I realized I knew nothing about real estate, mortgages, personal budget, finances, or the economy. I took the Principles of Real Estate class to become better informed, did really well and liked the material, and decided to get my license. That was in the middle of the real estate recession, so it’s crazy how life turns out- it certainly wasn’t the smartest business decision of my life, but it ended up working out!

What work tools do you use every day?

I have to do lists for my to do lists, so there is definitely some technology keeping me to task with my hundreds of projects, clients, and goals I am juggling at any one time. I operate heavily off of Trello (task manager/project collaboration tool) to organize my life, my brain, my big projects, and my team. We also use Slack for all of our inter-office communication and keeping things running smoothly. I journal and plan my day every morning using Michael Hyatt’s full focus planner, which most of my team has also adopted as well to go into the day with focus and purpose, and then I also use the Scribe Bible journal, which is for morning bible study and helps get my day started right!

I think the tools I DON’T use every day are equally as important! I have removed Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and all other forms of social media (and most time-wasting websites) from my phone and iPad altogether. I think lots of people get hung up on all sorts of complicated ways and tools and gadgets to be more productive and more efficient, and ignore the ones that would probably be the simplest and most effective!

What’s most important for the future of our regional business community?

I am truly concerned about and focused in on skilled trades. For my industry specifically, we are heavily reliant on different trades and craftsmen, and I am truly worried about our future labor pool and workforce. Skilled technicians- folks like electricians, plumbers, craftsmen, HVAC installers, well and septic experts, etc are truly on the decline. The need is only rising, and I am concerned about the gap in these industries as well as just in the skilled workforce generally needed as compared to what the current generation is being trained for.

What's the best advice you ever got (or gave)?

Trust your instincts. What good is intuition if you let second-guessing drown it out? The worst enemy of success is self-doubt.

Also, don’t worry so much about what others think. Do your very best, and your best is always good enough.

What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?

Truthfully, almost exactly what I’m doing right now. Alongside raising a family!

Who do you cheer for, and why?

UVA, all the way!! I am a huge sports fan and will happily attend ANY sporting event for ANY team, but my heart is with the Hoos! We go to most football, basketball, and baseball games- and try to alternate some of the others in as often as time allows!

What’s your most prized possession?

The United States flags from both of my grandfathers' burials at Arlington National Cemetery.  My grandparents are among my greatest role models and friends and are some of the most cherished people in my life.