20 Questions for

Wendy Forthun

NAME: Wendy Forthun

BUSINESS: 1 Stop Realty

TITLE/POSITION: Vice president, Broker, ALC (Accredited Land Consultant) Candidate

HOMETOWN: Mantorville

FAMILY: Wonderful husband of 13 years, Aaron, daughter Kaitlyn, 15 and son O’Rion, “Fuzz”, 11 & our Chocolate Lab, Colt.

COLLEGE/EDUCATION/TRAINING: Worked as an administrative

Assistant ever since high school, then transitioned into real estate. I have taken numerous courses involving licensing, real estate in general, broker’s course work, many land specific classes etc. I will reach my long-term goal of becoming an Accredited Land Consultant in March 2013 at the National Land Conference in Las Vegas.

ORGANIZATIONS/VOLUNTEER INVOLVEMENT: Member of Kasson Chamber of Commerce, local, MN and National Association of REALTORS®, current president of the Minnesota REALTORS®, Land Institute and past board member of Faith in Action

LENGTH OF TIME IN BUSINESS: 10 years with 1 Stop, nine in real estate.

WHAT YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK: The people and the relationships that are formed from them. And probably being able to wear cowboy boots to the office every day and “fit right in”.

A TYPICAL DAY CONSISTS OF: That is what I love about this job-there is NO typical day. I can

have an agenda of what I would like to get done, but if I get a phone call or a personal visit from someone asking about selling, buying or renting their land, I drop what I’m doing and see how I can help them. They took the time to chat with me, they deserve my full attention.

YOUR MOST DESPISED CHORE: Bookkeeping & paperwork. I would much rather be out in the field getting my boots dirty, than sitting behind the desk shuffling papers.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? The thrill of accomplishing the deal-seeing all the complex pieces

come together. How many people get to say they helped put together a $20 million land deal? I DO!

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Becoming vice president. I was the first non-family member

to earn this position. (Editor’s note: The late Warren Swenson was the founder of 1 Stop Realty and his son Kirk is the present owner/president.) This comes with great mentors.

WHO DO YOU ADMIRE? My husband! I can call him when I am having an overwhelming day

and he is always there with a supportive, understanding word or suggestion. “Chin up” he says.

HOBBIES: Anything outdoors. Hunting, fishing, and now trying my hand at being a hay & cattle farmer. This was the first deer hunting season that all 4 of us got to hunt together on our land outside of Dodge Center. It was so great to enjoy something as a family.

FAVORITE COLOR: Black of course!

FAVORITE FOOD: Tacos

BEST VACATION: This past year going to Washington DC with my daughter’s 8th grade class. It was amazing all we got to see and do. And the everlasting bond Kaitlyn and I formed was worth every penny.

AS A CHILD WHAT DID YOU WANT TO GROW UP TO BE? A hair stylist.

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED? For my smile, a big caring heart and my many pairs of cowboy boots!