We had the good fortune of connecting with Tina Morrison and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tina, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
This was over 20 years ago. I was working a full-time job and taking care of my daughter who had chronic illnesses. I was having a really hard time. I needed to be able to pay my bills and be there to take care of my child. My husband at the time was working at a mortgage company. He talked to an appraiser that had come into the office one day that told him that he was looking to open up an appraisal company. My husband suggested to me that night that I should look into it. I did some online research. The more I learned about the industry the more I wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to become a highly respected female real estate appraiser in the male dominated real estate appraisal industry. I knew that in order to do that; I needed to start my own female owned real estate appraisal company. I knew that it would take a lot of hard work and I was willing to put in that work. I thought that if I could make a successful business that I could manage from home and be able to be with my daughter full time that would be the perfect scenario.

What should our readers know about why you started your business?
I grew up in Dayton as a poor kid whose father passed away when I was 11. I was told by people that I would never have the opportunity to make anything out of myself. Those statements made me a very determined person. I was going to prove anyone that doubted me that they were wrong. I have had to work hard for everything that I have. Nothing came easy. It made me want to work harder, climb the ladder, and be the best that I can at whatever I put my mind to. So, when I decided to start First Priority Appraisals, LLC.; I knew that there was no turning back. I studied, listened to my mentors, put in very long hours, and did whatever I could to earn respect in this industry. I wanted to be able to be there for my daughter every day, to show her that she can do anything that she puts her mind to and make her proud.

I have learned that strength, hard work, kindness, and integrity will make you a good real estate appraiser. I just want to be a good example for my daughters and other women thinking about getting into this industry.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Take a walk around HIstoric Downtown Springboro. Check out the shops. Have dinner at Latin Arepas restaurant in Springboro. Hike some trails at Cox Arboretum.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Thank you to my wonderful family for your love and support

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-m-98bb2917

Facebook: http://m.facebook.com/firstpriorityappraisalsllc/

Image Credits
Photo credits to Sydney Hoffacker. (Headshots: one in the office, one on the road doing appraisals, and 2 taken by Sydney)

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