Barbara Leogrande
“Enjoy the process and don’t give up easily, it takes time to build a business!”
#WomenWhoBuild, Meet Barbara Leogrande,
Barbara has been in the real estate industry for ten years now as a licensed real estate broker at Douglas Elliman. She is a Diamond award recipient, Douglas Elliman Sayville Branch Top Producer, Bayport-Blue Point #1 Agent, and LI Pulse Magazine #1 Power Broker for the Townships of Islip and Babylon. A mom of three, Barbara talks to ArchNative about the journey that led her to real estate, what her day to day looks like, and how she is able to balance motherhood and an active career.
Barbara pictured with Howard Lorber, Chairman of Douglas Elliman and Dottie Herman, CEO of Douglas Elliman
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey in Real Estate?
I am a 48 year old mother and wife. I have 3 sons, Hudson (24), Jake (22), and Brandt (17). I recently celebrated a decade in real estate. My career began in 2010; I feel the journey continues until you retire. Every day is different and that what makes it’s so exciting!
What was your first introduction to the field?
I decided to become a realtor during a time when I had my home listed for sale. After having gone through two different agencies with no success. I decided I could do a better job myself... and I ultimately did.
What gave you the push to make it your career path?
As a newly divorced woman with 3 young boys; I wanted a career with flexibility but also something that would fulfill me. I always loved design, architecture, and helping others. It was a perfect fit from the beginning!
What does a typical day look like for you?
It starts early and goes late; seven days a week. Coffee at 6:30am, as I sip in my home office I reply to emails and texts that came in overnight and try to get a jump on the days business. Showings, photography sessions, closings, appraisals, various appointments throughout the day, lots of emails, texts, and calls. When I get in bed at the end of the day I scroll back to everything that came in to be certain I have not missed anything. Wake up and do it all over again the next day.
How do you balance motherhood and an active career?
Ten years ago when my children were younger it took a lot of organization and prioritizing. The boys still needed me for everything. I wasn’t quite as busy as I am now so it was somewhat manageable. As my business grew I employed support. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, you don’t want to burn out!
Barbara pictured with her family (left to right) Jake, Hudson, Brandt, Barbara and husband/fellow DE Real Estate Broker Todd Bourgard
How has social media impacted your career?
Social media is such a wonderful platform to let your community and quite frankly, the world know what you’re passionate about. I like to use it to inform, inspire and connect with my followers. On the flip side I LOVE keeping up with what my “friends” are doing.
What is one piece of advice you have for women entering the field?
Real estate is a wonderful career path. You can control how much or how little you want to do, which is helpful when you’re balancing a family life. My advice would be to enjoy the process and don’t give up easily, it takes time to build a business!