NOTE: Throughout the month of July, BrownwoodNews.com is publishing stories daily on 40 standout citizens under the age of 40 making a positive impact and contribution within the Brown County community.
A Brownwood native who has returned home has selected a career path to allow more residents of Brown County and the surrounding area to find their dream homes.
Abby Cadenhead, 26, is a Realtor for Keller Williams Realty-The Wells Team. Cadenhead graduated from Texas A&M and began a teaching career at Early Primary’s first grade before opting for the real estate field 2 ½ years ago.
“Real estate was always a long-term goal of mine and my husband and I were in a place where we were ready to make the switch,” Cadenhead said. “We have a small construction company on the side where we do house flips and the real estate fell hand in hand with that. It was a good time to transition into real estate full time.”
Cadenhead continued, “I am passionate about helping others and investing, and I love the opportunities that real estate provides. When looking for a company to join during my transition from teaching to real estate, Keller Williams was a huge standout to me because of their core values and culture of God, family, and then business. It’s important to me to work for a company that aligns itself with my personal values and that I know has a worldwide reputation of nothing less.”
The change in careers has proven to be advantageous for Cadenhead as she was named Keller-Williams Rookie of the Year for the area.
“I’ve been blown away by the amount of support I’ve received from friends and family here in Brownwood as I’ve made the transition to real estate,” Cadenhead said. “Being pretty young I have had the opportunity to work with many first-time home buyers that are similar in age, whether it be friends I grew up with or new families moving to Brownwood. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being a part of these family journeys in finding a home they love while making such an important decision and investment for their future. It’s always fun and rewarding to see young people being successful.”
As for the most enjoyable aspects of her job in real estate, Cadenhead said, “The thing that’s been the most rewarding about real estate to me has been the connections and relationships I’ve been able to make with the community, and also the amount of time I’ve been able to spend with my family.”
Outside of work, Cadenhead plays a significant role with the Brown County Fair Association, along with being a member of other organizations.
“I am a part of the Brown County Fair Association Board and then under that board I serve on the Queen’s Committee,” Cadenhead said. “I’m also part of the Brown County A&M Club and my family and I are members at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church.”
Regarding the importance of her role with the Fair Association, Cadenhead said, “That was a huge thing for me whenever I was growing up. It really helped shape who am I today as far as work ethic, time management and discipline go. I showed animals growing up. My dad was very active with the fair board when I was a student and now as an adult, I’m able to join the fair board and give back to the community through that.”
Perhaps Cadenhead’s greatest contribution to the Brown County Fair Association is the role she plays on the queen’s committee.
“We have a Queen, Junior Miss and Princess contest and it’s a great opportunity to work with the girls on their public speaking, their public relations, their poise, their appearance, their involvement in the community, and how to be great ambassadors for the Brown County Youth Fair,” Cadenhead said. “Overall, I feel like it’s a very well-rounded program that helps these girls and equips them with a lot of skills they need for their plans further than high school, whether it be college or going directly into the work force.”
Cadenhead’s husband, Justin, is a lieutenant with the Brownwood Fire Department. She has a stepson, Rowan, and the couple is expecting a daughter in December.
“My biggest supporter and friend is also my business partner and husband,” Cadenhead said. “Your priorities change when you start to raise your family so it’s awesome to be here, so close to our parents. Mine and my husband’s parents are both here, and we’re excited to be here and be part of the community I was born and raised here, and it’s been awesome to come back and give to the community that invested so much in me growing up.”