Winkelmann is adding real estates to her professional skills in hotel management and development. She will continue the oversee the business side of two hotels run by her family, The Pitcher Inn in Warren, Vt., and Winvian Farm in Morris, Conn.
"I heard about clients that used them and they spoke highly about the integrity of the company. I had a gut feeling that this was the right fit.” Heather Winkelmann
“I have always had an interest in real estate,’’ Winkelmann said. “I took the real estate course at night and finally took the test a few months ago.”
Kate Cacciatore, a friend of Winkelmann’s who already worked for brokerage manager Brad Kimmelman, urged Heather to consider joining her. It did not take much convincing.
“Kate loves working there, and after I talked to Brad I thought it was a nice fit,’’ Winkelmann said. “I didn’t interview with a lot of real estate companies. I’m a big believer in basing decisions on reputation and word of mouth. I heard about clients that used them and they spoke highly about the integrity of the company. I had a gut feeling that this was the right fit.”
Winkelmann feels skills she acquired in hotel management will transfer into her new career. “I’m very good at setting appropriate expectations and helping clients achieve their goals, ’’ she said. “In today’s society, people want to feel heard and understood. That’s the way we run our hotel business, so I appreciate that. I know how to take care of people and make sure their needs are being met.”
Winkelmann is still training for her new career. She has felt at home at the Fairfield-Southport office, which she said works in a collaborative atmosphere. “Our hotels are owned by my mother and the team is considered family, and we work in an atmosphere where everyone is there to support one another,’’ Heather said. “It feels the same at Sotheby’s.”
She has yet to sell her first house, but is already looking forward to the experience and subsequent transactions. “
“I remember when I purchased my first home and how excited I was,’’ Winkelmann said. “Whether it’s a young couple purchasing their first house, people moving up to a new house or a retiree looking to downsize, I want to assist in making their dreams a reality."
For more information, contact Heather a hwinkelmann@wpsir.com or at 203-526-9766.