Meet Emily Grant | Real Estate Agent | Staging SoCo Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Grant and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I am not afraid of taking risks. As an entrepreneur, you must be willing to fail in order to succeed. It requires discipline, a plan, and then execution. You miss all opportunities you don’t pursue. Starting a business isn’t easy, but every journey starts with a first step. I focus on the lessons learned, and not the “failures.” The biggest risk I’ve taken is abandoning my career in hospitality. I was burnt out as the department head of food and beverage at a major hotel. I was tired of the corporate world, empty promises, and dedication to an industry that didn’t value me, but the bottom line. With the support of my partner, I gave notice, and left that industry for good, with only a desire for something new.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I started my real estate career in Austin, TX. In such a competitive market, you must set your listings apart from the competition. At that time, you couldn’t get a listing if you didn’t stage it. Sellers benefit because the data shows staged homes sell quicker, and for more money. Buyers benefit because staging allows them to visualize how a house could be their home.

I was recruited, as a real estate agent, by Ryan Rodenbeck having been acquainted with him from a HIIT fitness class. He and his wife Angel, own Spyglass Realty in Austin. Angel is a home staging expert, and has an inventory of home goods I had access to. Their leadership team, Sunny Tracey and John McCarthy, taught me the ropes of real estate. My time at Spyglass was a pleasure, and I look back at it fondly.

I was a small fish in a big pond. I was tired of the frenzy, all homes had multiple offers, and the market atmosphere required working any hour of any day. I was ready for a better work/life balance. The Texas summer is oppressive, and I wanted to experience seasons again. Don’t misunderstand me, the professional experience gained in Austin’s real estate market was priceless. Regardless, I was ready for something new. So I sought out a cute little mountain town. Market research revealed a lack of staged homes in Durango. I moved here, and started marketing myself to agents in town. Eventually a few gave it a try, and before I knew it, other agents began to see the value.

Ryan (Rodenbeck) was not just my employer; he became both a mentor and friend. He insisted on finding me a broker in Durango, and connected me with Ryan Poppe, owner of Colorado Property Group. The team at CPG is great, and I fit right in with their culture. Ryan’s (Poppe) systems set the groundwork for my real estate success in my new town. Erin Eicher and Kim Rodgers (CPG’s leadership) taught me everything about the Colorado real estate process. Their mentorship helped me hit the ground running as an agent.

Without my pursuit of real estate as an agent, there would be no staging business. Our first stage took two days, as we tried to make the home look perfect. Another obstacle was the need for storage, and a deficit of storage unit availability. In the beginning, we had one storage unit on the north side, while the other was south! One time we built a couch inside a house, not knowing it wouldn’t fit out the front door! Ever backed a trailer? A challenge in itself, let alone down a snowy dirt driveway. Let’s not forget what a pleasure it is to move furniture in and out of a house. (Yes, we do it ourselves.) Perseverance and patience are both necessary to start a business.

My goal as a real estate professional is to exceed my client’s expectations. Staging is fun and creative, and I love bringing life to a space. I feel so fortunate to do something so rewarding!

That’s my story, and without a doubt, I owe my good fortune to everyone along the way. Business is about relationships. I focus on the people, and the success follows.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In the winter, I’d take them to dinner at ‘Seasons’ the night they got in. Their dinner and craft cocktails are both excellent. The next day we’d snowboard at Purgatory Ski Resort, and then a soak at Durango Hot Springs on the way home. We’d snowshoe Molas Pass, and then have a drink at ‘The Nugget Bar.’ In the summer, we’d paddle board Lake Nighthorse, tube down the Animas river, or hike up Horse Gulch. On Saturday, we’d check out the local farmer’s market and then head to ‘El Moro’ for their amazing brunch. Their take on eggs benedict and brunch cocktails are exceptional! That night we’d catch some live music at ‘The Pour House’ and have some appetizers. Before the night is over, we’d have a nightcap at the local speakeasy, ‘The Bookcase and Barber.’

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to Jewel Burke. We started Staging SoCo together back in 2020. She is pursuing new endeavors, but the business would not be where it is today without her. I want to thank her for the hard work she put into Staging SoCo. She has an incredible eye for design, and has always been a part of my support system.

Website: stagingsoco.com (coming soon)

Instagram: instagram.com/stagingsoco

Facebook: facebook.com/stagingsoco

Image Credits
Photo Credits to Jewel Burke for Furniture Pictures Photo Credits to Alexi Hubbell Photography for Headshot