Joanna Haley
AGENT FEATURE
WRITTEN BY LOREN BRAMBLE | PHOTOS BY NESTED TOURS
Like many in the real estate business, Joanna Haley, REALTOR® at Keller Williams Elite®, didn’t start out in the real estate industry. A native of Lawton, OK, Joanna graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in fashion merchandising.
“My original plan was to be a buyer for a major department store, but I quickly discovered that I loved outside sales. I got into outside sales at age 21, starting with Inglenook Wine. Then, I worked for various companies: for Nexxus as a food broker, for L'oreal selling hair products, and then for Banana Boat selling sun care,” recalls Joanna. “I loved being out and about and not stuck in one place all day, and I loved working for myself and setting my own schedule.”
But by 1995, it was time for a change. Out of a desire to stay home with her son while he was young, Joanna jumped into a completely different industry that would afford her a more flexible work schedule: the art framing business. Joanna started her own art framing business, taking her sales skills with her as she showcased her frames at art shows and horse shows for 10 years.
And then, it was time for another leap.
“I got into real estate in 2004 and have been with Keller Williams Elite® since then!” says Joanna. “I have been in the business for 18 years, and I am consistently in the top 10% of REALTORS® in the business.”
Joanna has been fueled by an enviable drive and self-determination throughout her many career ventures. “I have always been independent and worked hard to get where I am today. I started working at age 16 and had my own apartment by the time I was 17. I’ve always had a strong work ethic. I am a self-starter and very motivated. I set goals and try to fulfill them.”
“Flipping” Over Houses
In addition to selling real estate, Joanna has flipped houses in the past. This is where her expertise in the real estate industry and her creative eye come together beautifully.
“I enjoy the creative aspect of flipping homes,” says Joanna, “Picking out the flooring, the paint colors, and even the appliances! I had a great partner that hired my son and taught him the business,” explains Joanna. “Now, my son works for a home builder as a builder assistant in the Oklahoma City area.”
“There is tremendous satisfaction in working your tail off to hit a goal, then winning. It is worth the work.” — Dave Ramsey
Build Wealth and Give to Others
Another unique aspect of Joanna's? She’s passionate about being debt free.
“I have been a Dave Ramsey ELP (Endorsed Local Provider) for the last six years,” says Joanna. “I follow Dave Ramsey and his Seven Baby Steps. The Seven Baby Steps are what Dave Ramsey uses to help his client ‘save for emergencies, pay off all [their] debt for good, and build wealth.’”
Joanna continues, “Being debt free has allowed me to purchase properties to flip as an additional investment in real estate. For me, that’s what it means to be successful: being debt free and being able to help others. That’s the last of Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps — build wealth and give to others.”
And that’s what Joanna does best: build wealth and give to others. While she goes above and beyond for her clients as a REALTOR®, she explains, “I stay in touch with my clients and try to stay on top of the latest technology in the business by attending Masterminds and networking with the best in the business.”
She also offers something more than guidance in the home-buying process: financial freedom.
“I am not only passionate about serving my clients and helping them achieve home ownership, but I’m also passionate about helping them become debt-free and allowing them to have financial freedom by following the Ramsey Trusted Baby Steps and principles,” Joanna adds.
But it is not all work; Joanna takes the time to work out in the gym to stay in shape, dedicating time to herself to make sure she is healthy in mind, body, and spirit. She enjoys traveling to the beach, fishing, and boating on the lake. She also plays a mean poker game.
Yes, Joanna Haley is a force to be reckoned with in every arena of life!
