LISA LIPARI
Dobi Real Estate, Birmingham; wearedobi.com
Who is your role model?
I have different role models for different qualities. My mom is one because she has so much drive and determination to be successful and never stops educating herself. My dad is one because he always taught me to work hard and to be my own boss, so I don’t have to answer to anyone but myself and the sky's the limit. I also have a multitalented uncle — he’s a lawyer, a movie producer, a playwright, a philanthropist and an all-around wonderful person who I look up to.
Favorite quote?
“Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.” – Benjamin Franklin.
Favorite hobby?
Between work, life and young kids, I don’t have a lot of time for a hobby, but working out has become a passion. Last April I decided that I was going to focus on my health and make working out a priority. It has helped me physically and mentally — I can’t imagine it not being a part of my daily routine.
Real estate is a demanding profession. What do you do to take care of yourself?
In addition to working out, I do get manicures and pedicures. I hate actually sitting there while it’s happening, but people are looking at my hands when I open lockboxes, so they have to look nice! Also, taking vacations is important to recharge and clear my mind. Whether it’s with my family or friends or alone with my husband, it’s important to reward yourself with even a short trip to escape.
What’s your favorite room in your home?
I love our living room the most because that’s where we always hang out with our kids, and it’s open to the kitchen so it feels like we are always close together in the evenings.
What do you love about your job?
The best part of my job is when I hear from a client, sometimes months after we’ve closed, and they tell me how happy they are in their new home. The process of buying or building a home and moving is very stressful and sometimes it’s hard for buyers to see the finish line, so I love making it as easy as possible for them. When they finally get settled into their new home and realize they’ve picked the perfect house and all of the stress is behind them, it is extremely satisfying for them and me. On the flip side, when I’m selling a home, I love when my clients tell me how easy and seamless I made it for them, and how much they appreciate my constant communication throughout the process.
MEREDITH COLBURN
The Agency, Birmingham; meredithcolburn.com
Who is your role model?
My role model is my mother, Nanci Rands. She was a trailblazer in the real-estate industry and is still at her best after 50 years of success and expertise in the local market. Her work ethic, integrity and unwavering commitment to excellence inspire me every day.
Favorite quote?
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." — Winston Churchill.
Favorite hobby?
Skiing is my ultimate escape. There's something incredibly exhilarating about it. It's not just a hobby; it's a passion that always both invigorates me and keeps me grounded amidst the hustle of everyday life.
Real estate is a demanding profession. What do you do to take care of yourself?
Self-care is important, yet so difficult to prioritize. I do my best to carve out time for activities that nourish mind and body — indulging in a spa treatment, taking a long walk, or simply spending quality time with my family and dogs.
What’s your favorite room in your home?
My kitchen is the heart of my home. It's not just a space for cooking; it's the best casual environment where everyone can be together. There's an undeniable warmth and joy that permeates this space, making it my sanctuary.
What do you love about your job?
I love so many aspects of my business. Whether it's helping clients find their dream home or assisting them in selling a property that holds sentimental value, being a part of such significant life moments is incredibly fulfilling. Plus, the dynamic nature of the real-estate industry keeps me on my toes, allowing me to constantly evolve and challenging me to strive for excellence.
SHEEL SOHAL
Sheel Sohal Realty Group / KW Domain, Birmingham; sheelsohal.com
Who is your role model?
My wife, Samantha Proffer. She has worked tirelessly to establish herself as a dedicated hairstylist recognized in Metro Detroit, Nashville and Los Angeles, and she illustrates qualities that resonate deeply with me — her unwavering commitment to caring for others, prioritizing clients’ needs above all and putting in the hard work to achieve excellence. These characteristics inspire my approach in the real-estate world, where client satisfaction and dedication are paramount. She has also seamlessly embraced a new role as the lead designer for our real-estate group; her creativity and attention to detail have infused our projects with a unique aesthetic that resonates with our clients. On a personal note, Samantha is also a remarkable mother to our two-year-old son, Parker. Her boundless care and love for our family inspire me daily, reinforcing the importance of balancing professional success with developing personal relationships.
Favorite quote?
“In the business world, everyone is paid in two coins: cash and experience. Take the experience first; the cash will come later.” — Harold Geneen.
Favorite hobby?
Traveling with my family. Our favorite go-to destinations are Miami, Cabo and Paris. We love returning to those three often and hope to explore new adventures soon.
Real estate is a demanding profession. What do you do to take care of yourself?
In the hustle of my busy schedule and constant client focus plus family, carving out time for self-care is non-negotiable. I kickstart each day at 5 am with a workout routine, ensuring I prioritize my physical well-being — and it energizes me for the day ahead.
What's your favorite room in your home and why?
Our living room is the heart of our house, where we have fun together. Samantha, our son and I create lasting memories, from building foam block structures to playing with his favorite trucks and toys and reading his favorite books. But it's more than just playtime — it's where Samantha and I carve out moments to talk about our future goals and hatch plans for projects and trips.
What do you love about your job?
I love the profound impact I can have on people's lives. Assisting clients in finding their dream home or successfully selling a property during significant life moments is incredibly fulfilling. The active nature of the real-estate industry and the unique challenges each client brings keep me engaged and excited. Building trust and witnessing our clients’ satisfaction makes every day in this profession so rewarding.
LISA NEDERLANDER
Max Broock Realtors, Birmingham; lisanederlander.com
Who is your role model?
Barbara Corcoran [founder of the Corcoran Group in NYC, where Nederlander started her career]. She was an ingenious leader on the forefront of technology and set the industry standard on creating an environment based on agents supporting one another rather than competing against each other. Barbara also threw a fantastic party.
Favorite quote?
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou.
Favorite hobby?
My first love is live theater, with my upbringing in a theater family. A close second is fine and decorative art. Being on the board of directors for the Friends of Modern & Contemporary Art (FMCA) at the DIA is incredibly fulfilling for me.
Real estate is a demanding profession. What do you do to take care of yourself?
I find tranquility in learning and make sure to take some quiet time to myself every day. I also meet my personal trainer twice a week and go on my elliptical in my home gym on off days. Mostly, I feed my soul by watching my daughter blossom — being mindful is key.
What’s your favorite room in your home?
I have the most wonderful windows throughout my home, and turned the formal living room into my home office — so my work space is also the most elegant room in the house.
What do you love about your job?
I get to have an abundance of variety in my life while also feeling like I am helping people as we maneuver through the moving process, which can be very daunting. I get to know my clientele on a very personal level. I also love that I’m often moving about town and every day is different. I feel like the luckiest person to have become a real-estate agent.
CHRIS PERO
Max Broock Realtors, Birmingham; chrispero.maxbroock.com
Who is your role model?
My dad. Hard working, family first, responsible, reliable, great husband, good sense of humor and lots of other qualities that have provided me admirable footsteps to try to follow in.
Favorite quote?
“I never lose. I either win or I learn.” — Nelson Mandela.
Favorite hobby?
I enjoy a lot of different things but my favorite is watching my kids perform or play sports. I can forget about everything else and easily be in the moment.
Real estate is a demanding profession. What do you do to take care of yourself?
I recently joined a group of guys in a walking challenge — 100 miles a month. It is great to just get outside and stay active.
What’s your favorite room in your home?
My living room. No TV — I turn the fire on and can just relax, even if it is only for 10 minutes.
What do you love about your job?
Pretty much everything. Of course, nothing is perfect but I am extremely fortunate to love what I do.
CANDICE RICH
@properties | Christie’s International Real Estate, Birmingham; candicerich.com
Who is your role model?
My most profound role models were my late parents — they instilled in me invaluable lessons that have shaped my character and aspirations. Education, the pursuit of excellence and integrity in all endeavors were deeply ingrained values in our family, and they led by example. My parents emphasized the importance of independent thinking and leadership and to always give back more than what you receive. Their unwavering support and wisdom have shaped me into the ambitious woman I am today. Their guidance continues to inspire me to stay true to my values and to make a positive impact in all aspects of my life, and to all that I meet along the way.
Favorite quote?
“No matter when or where, always bring your ‘A’ game, because you never know when it will open doors for you.” — Simon Sinek.
Favorite hobby?
Dancing! Cultivated from years of classical training in ballet and jazz in my younger years, and then later in life dancing in competitive ballroom and salsa. Though I don’t have the opportunity to dance as much as I’d love to, the passionate and lively dance of salsa is part of my soul and my all-time favorite.
Real estate is a demanding profession. What do you do to take care of yourself?
I find solace in prayer, which centers and grounds me, regular workouts to stay physically fit and keep my energy levels up and when I can, spa treatments and mini vacations are always a great indulgence. I also can often be seen around town enjoying an amazing dinner, paired with a great bottle of wine at one of our local restaurants here in Birmingham.
What’s your favorite room in your home?
My favorite room, since I was a kid, has always been my bedroom. It’s my safe haven, my own personal space to just chill, unwind, burn a candle, read and be cozy.
What do you love about your job?
The ever-evolving landscape of real estate continually challenges me to expand my knowledge and refine my skills both personally and professionally and allows me to build a business with unlimited growth potential. As a former accountant with years of experience in the financial and tax industry, I bring this knowledge into my daily real-estate advising and guide all clients to safeguard their assets, whether their primary home or an investment property. Above all, I love to help people and truly care about my clients, who often become dear friends. Listening to and understanding their needs is always at the forefront; cultivating enduring connections with both clients and industry peers allows for a collaborative environment, which means everybody wins.