Today we’d like to introduce you to Colleen Barton.
Hi colleen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been involved in so many businesses along the way–out of college I was in medical sales; while raising children I operated a jewelry vendor business–putting booths in festivals, etc–so I could be my own boss and be home when my children were home. Family is always my first priority and I walked away from a lucrative career to be more available to them–and it’s the best thing i ever did! While raising children, I got discovered in the mall for TV commercials–and the next thing I knew I was filming commercials, music videos and industrials. You just never know what door God is going to open that you didn’t expect, so I think it is so very important to be open to opportunities as they come along! I had some cool jobs–like being the mom in The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” video.. I eventually spent 5 years doing live TV spots on the local version of The Today Show and Talk of the Town for a flooring company–it was so much fun and such a growth experience! I absolutely loved it! That led to a few opportunities to actually do some TV hosting…another fun, growth, living outside of your comfort zone experience! At one point my husband was suddenly downsized and I needed ” a real job”–I grew up around real estate, so decided that was my next door I needed to open. I’ve spent the past 11 1/2 years building a business with The Ashton Real Estate Group of REMAX Advantage and have been very blessed. God is so good and faithful!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not–I’d been working in more creative spaces and now I needed to learn more technology and contracts—so that was a huge leap at 50 years old! Plus, i had to build a business from the ground up—I was older and not around as many people as I was when my kids were younger. There were some pretty lean, hard years. But I’ve been fortunate that many prayers were answered and people have referred me and been kind to help me grow my business. I had dear friends who believed in me from the start and trusted me with their precious properties–something i don’t take for granted. It’s an honor to be asked and trusted with such a big part of a family’s life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Two things—I adore doing TV and spokesperson work. Sharing a message in a quick, fun format is an exciting challenge to me! I’m a logical thinker and an outgoing personality—so combining those traits comes naturally to me. It’s never frightened me or made me overly nervous—it excites me!
As a real estate agent, I specialize in residential properties–within about a 90 Minute radius of Franklin. I’m known for listening to my clients and being a calming presence in a crazy business. i answer my phone. I show up and I try to think 3 steps ahead in deals–you have to stay on top of things and be a strong multi tasker. I’ve closed some deals that seemed impossible at the onset–and I’m so happy to have helped those people. I pray about every deal–that God’s hand will be on it and keep things smooth and peaceful–sometimes that’s a big challenge! I’m proud to have survived some pretty crazy markets these past years and made the most wonderful relationships and friendships with so many of my clients! At a birthday party one year, people were going around asking how everyone knew me–and so many replied”Oh she was my real estate agent years ago..now we are friends!” I am blessed and grateful.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Nashville and Franklin are so very special .Growing up I moved my entire life and when my husband and I moved here when our first child was 2 months old, I told him I’d found ‘home”–this was it! The people are generally happy here and happy to be here. They are kind to one another. There is so much to do!! i love the music scene as I’m a huge music fan. We go to a lot of concerts and song writer’s nights. The outdoors is great! We like to hike, walk, play pickleball and kayak–all of which you can do here! There is always a new restaurant, shows at TPAC or sporting events. We have 4 distinct seasons…the list just goes on and on. One night, I got out of my car at a corner in downtown Franklin to pick up a pizza–there was a guitar player on one corner and a violinist on the other–i thought “all is right in Franklin Tn..::
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @colleenbartonrealtor
- Facebook: @colleenbartonrealtor
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-barton-861a805a
