Tell us a bit about your business and what you do?
I am an unlicensed Independent Real Estate Transaction Coordinator. I assist Real Estate Professionals in the process and file management of their transactions. We work hand in hand with the agents, title companies, buyers/sellers, and lenders to make the purchase and sale process as easy and smooth as possible for all parties during the contract process. My team of 6 assists with the ins and outs of the real estate transaction from contract to close.

What led you to your current profession?
I've been in the real estate industry for almost 20 years and have worn many hats but always enjoyed the file management aspect the most. So 8 years ago I started 5280 File Management. I absolutely love working with buyers and sellers to make what's considered one of the most stressful events of their lives easier and seamless.

What's your favorite thing about what you do?
When clients get to the closing table and comment about how easy the process was and how thankful they were to be working with our agent and team. It's a great feeling.

What is one piece of advice you'd give your pre-career 20 something self?
Don't be afraid to go after what you truly want to be doing. No matter the circumstances. All things fall into place how they are supposed to in life.

What advice would you give to yourself when you were a young working mother?
Keep pushing along. Your kids will see how hard you work for what you've achieved... and that is priceless right there.

What has been your greatest achievement professionally? Tell us about that.
As a single parent at the time, stepping away from a real estate office management position that I was at for many years to pursue the side of the business I enjoyed the most. Then jumping in with both feet.

What is your favorite trait about yourself?
I'm mad loyal to my clients! As a result, many of them have been with me this entire ride and I'm so grateful for that.

What advice do you have for those starting a new business?
Just do it. Jump in with both feet. You will not regret it.

Are there any myths you'd like to bust about your profession?
Many agents believe they can do the work on their own and that we don't do a lot on the transactions. We worked up an average last year of the amount of time that we spend on each file for each agent. We discovered that on a normal transaction we spend 13 hours on each file from contract to close. Time is money. I love receiving the responses from agents where they comment on how thankful they are that they decided to hire someone to help. It decreased their stress level as well as created additional time to procure more business.

What's been the best career advice you've ever received?
You have to spend money to make money.

And finally, what is one of your favorite success quotes?
"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." - Edward Everett Hale

Carrie Manning is the owner of 5280 File Management, an independent real estate transaction coordination business serving clients across Colorado.