2021 Women in Business

Wood gives back to her community ealtors discover different ways to be successful. In her profession more than 30 years, Lueanne Wood developed a simple practice that serves her well. She gets involved. "I give back to the community, big time," Wood said in a recent interview. "I think that's very important. Many real estate agents, all they care about is their commission. That's not my top priority. Giving back to the community is my top priority." Wood, a resident of Venice since 1985, has been with Gulf Shores Realty for three years. She is the Venice honoree this year in Women in Business, a magazine published annually by the Sun Coast Media Group. Among the organizations to which she contributes are The Twig Cares, Just B-Cause, Venice High School Lady Indians, Habitat for Humanity, Venice Art Center, Venice MainStreet, 180 House, Loveland Center, St. Mark's Episcopal Church (community dinners), Laurel Civic Association, Sertoma Club, Boys and Girls Club, Suncoast Humane Society, Venice Theatre, Venice Area Chamber of Commerce and Venice Area Beautification Inc. Real estate sales fluctuate based on many economic factors, and that's important because of how Realtors are compensated. "This business is not like any other," Wood said. "We're not paid a salary. We're paid a commission. The company I'm with is an outstanding privately held company. (Wayne Welsh) is absolutely a fantastic owner. We have over 60 agents and were just named the Business of the Year." That designation, for 2021, came from the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce. In the tightrope-like environment of commissioned sales, Wood says, the most important thing is enjoying going to work. "If you don't like what you do, you shouldn't be doing it," she said. "It's got to be fun. You're meeting diff erent people every day. And it's a small community. Most of my clients become really good friends of mine. The fun part of the business is it's a people business." Wood does not participate in training agents, but she does observe newcomers. "I see these young kids going into this business, and even older people," she said. R CONSISTENCY continued on page 8 Photos by Ed Scott September 2021 Women In Business 7

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