2016 Women in Real Estate: Dorothy Stahlnecker Smith

Name:  Dorothy “Stahlnecker” Smith

Title: Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

Company Name:  MJ Peterson Real Estate               

Email:  [email protected]                    

Years in real estate:  36

Telephone: 716-913-8323

How did you get your start in real estate? 

I started in residential sales

What real estate associations or organizations are you a member of? 

NAR, NYSCAR, BNAR

What have been some of the benefits of being a mentor or having a mentor?

Being a mentor has been very rewarding. I have been able to watch associates progress beyond their expectations in a field that they enjoy. If you are inspired at work, it is so much more fulfilling. That’s what really makes you want to come to work every day.

Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career and why?

Many of the local developers have taught me how to understand land development from the ground under, to clearly create a path to successful development. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the brightest minds in all aspects of the real estate industry–and every time, I learn something new and enhanced my knowledge.

What is the best advice you have received and who was it from?

A friend and mentor who has passed on, Anthony Renaldo, told me that in order to succeed, I had to have confidence in myself. I found that the best way to gain confidence was to gain knowledge. Thus, whenever I could take a course or learn from other associates, I would. I loved learning about their experiences and most importantly, I learned how to make their mistakes and successes work for me.