Lynn Janson is a real estate broker in the metro Phoenix area who recently opened her own brokerage, LIV AZ REALTY. Service to others is first and foremost in the company’s mission statement. Lynn volunteers her time and fundraises for several local grassroots charities and believes in the practice of being a global citizen. Learn more about Lynn Janson…
Hometown: Steubenville, OH
First job: Ponderosa Steakhouse as a waitress. My mom drove me to the restaurant on my 16th birthday to fill out an application and they gave me a job on the spot. I’ve had a shoe fetish for as long as I can remember and my mom said it was time to get out there and earn my own shoes.
Favorite AZ restaurant: I’m currently obsessed with Thai food and Soi 4 Bangkok Eatery in Scottsdale is my fav. The food is fresh and so delicious. The staff and the ambiance are spot on.
Person who has impacted your life the most: My husband John Cabezas. He believes I can do anything and pushes me to do things that are completely out of my comfort zone. He encouraged me to take up scuba diving at the age of 57 (which was terrifying) and we just came back from the Cayman Islands where I became certified with 6 dives under my belt. He is generous, kind, and tells me when I’m not being my best self. He’s my fitness coach, my cheerleader, my business partner, and my bestie.
Your biggest accomplishment in your eyes: Raising 3 boys to adulthood. I honestly think keeping boys alive through their childhood is an accomplishment in itself….LOL. I’m so proud of my sons and my two step-daughters. My relationships with them and seeing them experience life’s ups and downs is my greatest joy. I love the saying you can’t take all the credit for their accomplishment nor all the blame for their failures, but I hope I had some influence on the men and women they’ve become.
The biggest obstacle you have overcome: Finding my voice and having the confidence to use it. I come from a family of 5 boys and 4 girls (yes, we are Italian Catholics!) and my father held very traditional gender beliefs. A women’s opinion wasn’t welcomed or held in high regard. It was extremely difficult for me when I entered the corporate workforce in the ’80s to voice my opinion or stand up for myself. It took getting knocked around for a decade until I realized I was just as smart and tenacious as the men. I’m definitely a late bloomer. Now you can’t shut me up!
Someone who inspires you and why: “The Notorious R.B.G.“ Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She paved the way for an entire generation of women. She is fearless, tireless in her convictions, and fierce in her beliefs. She is a role model for every woman.
Favorite quote: I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. ~ Maya Angelou
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Serving your client must always be first and foremost. Never allow your commission to be your driving force. Ask yourself every morning “How may I serve my clients today” and the money will naturally come. If possible, save a year’s worth of income so you can pursue real estate full-time, find a mentor that wants to honestly help you grow your business and steer away from “team leaders” that just want to take a big chunk of your hard-earned commission to help you write a contract.
What you think makes someone fabulous: Kindness, compassion, and humility. I fall in love with people who are truly amazing and instead of boasting about themselves, help lift others to greater heights because they see the fabulousness in everyone.
