Let’s get to know a little more about Lin Van Meter!
First Name: Lin
Last Name: Van Meter
Email Address: linvanmeter@gmail.com
Before working at RE/MAX Innovations, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had? I sold paint for 30 years. It was truly a man’s world so I had to prove I knew as much as the guys I worked with. When I was in charge at Tampa Commercial I had an upset painter that wanted to talk to a MAN! I said I was the MANager, but that didn’t pacify him. I called my assistant over to help him, and walked off. My assistant listened to his concern than told him, yes we could handle it, but he would have to clear it with me! I was polite, but it made my day. I was Steve’s rep and he still says, no one ever took care of their clients as well as me!
How did you first learn about RE/MAX Innovations? Steve, my husband did new construction for Cornerstone Homes. Through social events I got to know Bernie Onelio.At that time we were under Greg’s ownership. It was an obvious choice and I’ve never regretted staying with Eddy when he bought him out!
If you could pick one theme for RE/MAX Innovations to turn into a book about the company, what would it be? We are whom we are, and we’ve got this!
What advice do you have for prospective realtors? Give yourself a chance. This can be hard work and long hours, but no 2 days nor clients are the same. Pick a mentor, or at least someone you can bounce off of. There are no dumb questions, only problems if you don’t ask. And give the Leadstreet, our website, a chance! but work it! it will pay off!
What are 3 words to describe your role as an agent? Honest, problem solver, friend
What do you find the most challenging in your job? New agents that think this is a part-time job. Other agents/companies that don’t follow the rules nor Code of Ethics. My biggest pet peeve would be the agents that do not give feedback! It takes a few minutes and it helps the Seller and the listing agent!
What do you like most about RE/MAX Innovations? The family atmosphere. Eddy and Jeanne are awesome at making everyone feel part of the family! Eddy believes in what he says when he says we are “the Best of the Best”.
Angie has been a great addition, and through trials and tribulations, has established herself. I love that we have such a variety of personalities and ages. We can learn from the more established and the newer agents!
What is on your wish list for the next 10 years in real estate? I love what I do! I love my clients, my vendors, and our office. I have no desire at this point to retire! I need to be active. One thing I have learned to do is take time away, though. I don’t have to be on 24/7 and have been able to convey that to my clients. And I found out, they understand that! LOL
What is your favorite part about working for RE/MAX Innovations? You never know what you will find when you come in the office…But it’s always something different…We do have fun, but the professionalism is beyond many other agents.
What is your favorite line from a movie? “What we have here is a failure to communicate”
Are you messy or organized? Organized mainly. When things start getting cluttered, I’m a Tasmanian Devil and have to get it done now!
Tell us about your best vacation ever. Kauai 3 times in 18 months in early 2000’s. So relaxing and didn’t mind not having my phone with me every minute!
Choose your Mr. Men / Little Miss, to describe your work personality and your home life personality. At work, I’m professional and try to be helpful for all agents. Having taken on KCRAR Director, has given me the ability to bring back information that otherwise gets ignored or lost in translation. At home, I’m pretty easy going. Steve has seen to that. But I want everything nice and in it’s place. I’m Nonnie to my grandkids and they brighten our days and get away with more than Matt and Vanessa did.
Do you have a favorite newspaper, blog or website? I Google everything!
Do you have a favorite quote? “You get what you give”. And “What goes around will come around!”
Do you have an office nickname, and if so, what is it? I’m sure I have at one time or another, but won’t put in print here. LOL What you see is what you get!
Describe your most embarrassing moment at the office? Falling down the stairs and splitting my head open on the elevator door frame, requiring 10 stitches
How do you define success? Having goals and working to achieve them and then setting higher ones. But mainly, having the respect of those in my family, among my friends, and among my peers.
If given a chance, who would you like to be for a day? Diane Keaton
If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be? Race Car driver…love the speed
If you could interview one person, dead or alive, who would it be? Billy Graham
If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why? Jesus…Will one day, but I’d ask him what He found so funny about gum balls from sweet gum trees and why I married my 2nd husband.
If you were an animal, what would you be? Tiger, sleek, agile and fast!
If you were on death row, what would your last meal be? Steak medium rare and baked potato loaded.
If your house was burning down, What is the one non-living thing you would save? My portable safe with all important papers.
What is your least favorite food? Salmon without hesitation
What would you do for a career if you weren’t doing this? Travel agent
Tell us the three words that best describe you. Friendly, caring, truthful
What are three career lessons you’ve learned thus far?
1) Never get ahead of yourself!
2) Believe in yourself!
3) Ask for help!
Tell us a little about yourself: I am a people person. I love to entertain and have a good time. I was the DD before anyone knew what a designated driver was. Give me a Coca Cola and friends and I’m ready to party. I have 10 best friends from different times in my life. One thing they will all tell you is I will never forget you regardless of years or miles that may separate us. Call me and I will be there.
Tell us a little about your family: I am one of 4 kids. My parents lived by the Golden Rule and stressed it. My dad said, if you use someone as a reference, NEVER disappoint them. I have 3 children, Matt is my son and Vanessa and Greg are Steve’s but I claim them all. I have 5 grandchildren and realize being Nonnie is the best job in the world! I am married to Steve, the Painter. He makes me laugh everyday and he is my greatest cheerleader!
