Greta joined the Asheville Home Builders Association in September, in the heat of preparations for the Parade of Homes! She’s already had a few opportunities to meet many of our members, but we thought we’d ask her to share the Greta “behind the scenes” that most people won’t see while she’s working in the office.
When you aren’t at work what are you most likely doing?
I’m either thinking about renovations I want to make to my house, or I’m looking at real estate online! Not necessarily for me—it’s my way to see what’s going on in the market and keep my finger on the pulse of how Asheville is growing. This job is a really good fit for me, but it comes with the caveat of adding creative fuel to my already long dream wish list!
When I have a real chunk of free time though, you’ll likely find me doing homework (with my dog, Gordon, by my side). I’m just over halfway to the finish line of earning my master’s in Communication Management from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University (online). I also volunteer on the city’s Neighborhood Advisory Committee.
Once school is completed and I get my social life back, I’ll be kayaking, hiking, camping, and hosting parties with friends!
People would be surprised to know…
I volunteered with AmeriCorps NCCC (it’s like a traveling, domestic Peace Corps), for two years and during that time I became certified as a wildland firefighter. I also spent a cumulative of about five months of my service in the gulf doing Hurricane Katrina-related recovery work. My time in AmeriCorps guided me on my current career path and changed the way I see the world. It also gave me extensive building experience, which has empowered me in both my career and at home.
What were you doing prior to working at the AHBA?
I’ve lived in a lot of places. I grew up in Wisconsin, moved around a bit after college with AmeriCorps NCCC, and eventually landed briefly in Connecticut, where I worked as volunteer manager for Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County. It seems so long ago!
In 2011, my husband and I moved to Asheville and we lived here for six years. I worked here in town as communications coordinator for Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. In 2017, his job pulled us to Syracuse, NY where I worked at Syracuse University as marketing manager for Auxiliary Services. There I was responsible for coordinating the marketing of six departments within the business unit.
We moved back to Asheville this summer and I started working for the AHBA in September. We’re SO happy to be back!
Words to live by?
- Be persistent.
- It’s OK to admit when you don’t know something.
- Everyone has a different life experience and perspective. Try not to assume you know someone’s motive without asking.
Claim to fame?
I smile a lot and love meeting new people. I’ll usually be the last to leave a party or social event.
Also, I’m a lifelong learner, so I’m always looking to expand my knowledge base to keep up with my industry and interests.
Embracing some cold-weather kayaking! Tiling her kitchen backsplash. Showing some school pride!
