Athen Andrade

LEADER OF THE MONTH

STORY BY DAVE DANIELSON | PHOTOS BY SHAWNA MCDUFFIE, PEAK RES

Going the Extra Mile

There’s real power in being able to listen and truly engage with someone’s needs. 

Once you have a genuine understanding of the direction they want to go, you’re able to put your experience and expertise to work on their behalf.

That’s what Athen Andrade does each day. As a Team Leader and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty Elite, Athen demonstrates the way she is able to fully invest in the individuals she works with — in turn, helping them achieve their goals.

“I love my work with the people I come in contact with,” Athen says with a warm smile. 

“I’m a big extrovert, and a people person. That’s what motivates me. I’m 28 years old, and work with a younger demographic. I like to help people get their first home and start building equity. It’s very fulfilling for me to be able to help them during that stage in their lives.”

Getting Her Start

Before Athen got into the real estate business, she grew up in Texas, and then moved away, working as a wine area manager, honing her sales skills in the process. 

In time, Athen was ready for a change. At that point, she remembers having a pivotal conversation with her friend, Eleanor Hutton, who worked as a REALTOR®.

“I remember texting Eleanor and telling her that real estate was something I was interested in,” Athen recalls. “She got an application for me. I got my license in October 2019, and got onto a team for six months and then decided to take an individual path after that.”

Gaining Traction

Like many who enter the business, Athen encountered a learning curve. 

“During the first six months, I struggled to get my feet wet,” she says. “But after I figured it out, I hit the ground running.”

It didn’t take long for Athen to make her presence known in the business. In fact, during her first year, she recorded an impressive total of 38 transactions representing $8 million in sales volume during 2020.

She followed that up with 47 transactions for $11 million in sales volume in 2021, and then $13 million in sales volume with 50 units in 2022. In 2023 through October, she was on track for $18 million in sales volume and 60 families served.

Digging In

She gives credit for her fast start in the business to the connections she built through time. In fact, she served as president of her sorority at Oklahoma State University. She also works as head advisor for her sorority and the social chair for her local alumni group in Oklahoma City.

“I have a lot of friends and dig in and deepen my relationships. I’m honored that 100% of my business comes from referrals or word of mouth,” she points out. “It means a lot working with people who know you, your values and your work ethic.” 

Rich Life

Away from work, Athen’s world is made richer by her husband, Garrett Putman, who is also a fellow Texan.

In her free time, she has a passion for running. She has run the OKC and Tulsa Route 66 Marathons, and her ultimate long-term goal is running the Western States 100-mile endurance run. She and Garrett also enjoy traveling.

When it comes to supporting the needs of the community, Athen takes part in Girls on the Run, as well as The Positive Tomorrows School (where Garrett serves as a mentor).

As Athen reflects on her own strong start in the business, she shares ideas for others who are looking to take their own steps forward in real estate.

“You don’t have to be the smartest person, but you can always be the hardest working. If you do that, you will be successful,” she says. “Also, be yourself and be authentic. People love you for who you are.”

Finding Fulfillment

When you talk with Athen, it doesn’t take long to see the enjoyment and fulfillment she gets from talking with others. Those who have a chance to know and work with her appreciate the way she goes the extra mile and to make sure they know she cares for their needs.

Today, one of Athen’s other rewarding parts of her work is leading the Andrade Realty Group team at Keller Williams. She is proud to be joined by two other agents and two administrative assistants. Plus, she also serves on the Agent Leadership Council at Keller Williams.

Congratulations to Athen for the way she dedicates herself to the needs of those she works with each day. And it all begins with her total investment in the individual.