Continuing our monthly director spotlight, I have the privilege of serving alongside secretary-treasurer Mike Purcell. Mike shows his dedication and passion for the association and our members through the same actions he puts in place for his clients – always having their best interests at heart. You’ll see what I mean in his answers below.
What did you do before transitioning into real estate?
“I spent 37 years with TVA, initially as a mechanical engineer. I then held various leadership roles in nuclear and fossil power production, including engineering, business and training. I retired from Sequoyah Nuclear Plant in 2015, and after working with a consulting firm and traveling the northeast, I settled down and began my real estate career in 2016 with my wife Brenda, a broker for 23 years.
“As a young married couple, Brenda and I loved real estate and going to open houses. So, early in our marriage, we took real estate classes at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Al Cannon was our instructor. I didn’t get my license then, but Brenda did and put hers in retirement until a number of years later.”
You’re currently serving a second two-year term on the board. Why did you choose to serve in a leadership capacity?
“Ever since I was young, I’ve leaned toward opportunities to lead. Some of it comes from a desire to be in a position where others trust my abilities and decision-making, and some of it comes from being in a position to say ‘Yes.’
“As I’ve gained experience, it’s become more about service and a desire to give back to things I’m passionate about, like Greater Chattanooga Realtors. I want to serve my fellow Realtors and be part of the decisions regarding which programs and services we offer as member benefits.”
What benefits would you like your fellow Realtor members to know about?
“Through committee work and now as an officer, I’ve seen firsthand how much our staff, officers and directors are looking out for our members and are great advocates for our membership and the community.
“We work to ensure a seat at the table, to help guide the conversation through education and information, and to keep community leaders involved and up-to-date with our ever-evolving market and industry.”
What’s your favorite part of being a Realtor?
“My clients. Although I’m an introvert by nature, I enjoy being accessible to my clients and helping them. Maybe it’s the engineer in me, but I enjoy solving problems and connecting them with my network of friends, business partners and other service providers to achieve their goals. I’m also a process nerd, so I’m always striving for excellence in my business. This results in increased satisfaction for me and my clients.”
What’s something your fellow Realtors do in the community that you love?
“They selflessly give their time, talents and resources to others. Some notable examples include the Snack Packs ministry, through which teams of Realtors work with other volunteers to provide weekly snacks for children who are food insecure.
“Also, Realtors support Habitat for Humanity through various fundraisers and participating in builds and neighborhood revitalization projects.
“Another example is our Placemaking Committee, which identifies and recommends partnerships to improve an existing space in our community. Over the last few years, Realtors have provided shade structures for the city’s pickleball courts, created a community flower garden, and cleaned a hiking trailhead in St. Elmo.”
Have you read any books you want to share with others?
“Good to Great” by Jim Collins. While it’s not a new book, it’s still a fantastic read. It delves into one of the biggest challenges we all get bogged down with - complacency. Collins explains how ‘Good’ is the enemy of ‘Great’ and how being good can keep us from achieving our full potential of greatness.”
With each monthly spotlight, my goal is to inspire other Realtors to take up the torch, as Mike has, and become more involved in the inner workings of the association. Mike has amazing attributes that set him apart as a leader and a Realtor. That’s Who We R.
Founded in 1912, Greater Chattanooga REALTORS is the voice for real estate in Greater Chattanooga. A regional organization with more than 2,700 members, Greater Chattanooga REALTORS serves Hamilton and Sequatchie counties in southeast Tennessee and Catoosa, Dade and Walker counties in northwest Georgia. The association is one of approximately 1,100 local associations and boards of REALTORS nationwide that comprise the National Association of REALTORS. Greater Chattanooga REALTORS owns and operates a Multiple Listing Service that is one of approximately 600 MLSs in the country and services more than 3,000 users. Local association membership is comprised of REALTORS servicing the Greater Chattanooga area and specializing in a variety of disciplines, including appraisal, commercial, industrial, land, multi-family, property management and residential. Working alongside REALTORS are our affiliate members, who represent related industries in sympathy with the objectives of the association. Our affiliate members include mortgage lenders, home inspectors, title and closing services, pest inspection and control and insurance.