Today our agent spotlight focuses on Joelle Harris Malec of Westport, Connecticut, an experienced broker with a past in interior design and a passion for the waterfront lifestyle. Joelle is lively, smart and loves being active, which seamlessly applies to her highly energized role as a sales associate for William Raveis Westport. Read on to hear about her interesting life’s story!
What drew you to the real estate industry?
When I was younger, my parents had a summer cottage in the dunes of Amagansett, NY. The area had a huge building boom when I was a teenager, and there were dozens of new houses springing up on every street. My childhood friends and I would “tour” the houses that were under construction on weekends, when the builders were away, and try to imagine what they would become or make believe we lived there and how we would furnish and decorate them. In my early 20’s, I was a realtor in the Hamptons while I was finishing college. I went to school at Parson’s School of Design in NYC and received a degree in interior design and history of design. I was briefly derailed from my love of design and real estate and had a “sensible career” in finance. When my children were born, I decided that the hours required for that career were not compatible with my desire to be a fully engaged mom. For the next 15 years, I had my own design company that specialized in high-end kitchen and bath renovations and interior design. My clients were in Westport, New Canaan, Darien, and Fairfield…several of them hired me to help when they started flipping houses. In 2007, I got my CT real estate license and started selling for another company in Westport. In 2009, I joined Raveis. William Raveis has the structure, support and collaborative sales environment that I had been seeking. I’ve been happy here ever since, can’t imagine working anywhere else!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Weston, went to Greens Farms Academy and graduated from Weston High School. In the summer, my family lived in the Hamptons. As an adult, I have lived in Darien, New Canaan, and Easton but I live in Westport now in a beautiful 1910 house that we’ve renovated/restored/landscaped. I live with my husband, Mark and our Jack Russell Terrier, Piper. My sons grew up rowing at the Saugatuck Rowing Club where I am still a member. My eldest son is a consultant and works in La Jolla, CA. My youngest son is graduating from Wesleyan University this May. Both boys love coming home and bringing their friends whenever they can.
Name one celebrity, dead or alive, who you would like to sell a home?
The radio in my car is always tuned to MSNBC while I am on tour/previewing/showing, etc…So, I would love to sell a home to any one of the anchors of the MSNBC radio programs. I sold a house last year to a Fox News Anchor and listened to Fox News too, for the year and a half that I worked with her.
Name 5 things that most people don’t know about you.
I love to workout, cook and eat in that order! I love to hike/climb mountains, my husband, sons and I hike/climb all around the US/world when we vacation. I hate hotels or camping, but love VRBO when we travel! I’m terrible at relaxing! I’d like to find time to row again when I’m retired!
You are stranded on a deserted island for one year, you get to bring 3 things…
A shower! A kitchen! My sneakers or hiking boots depending on the terrain of the island.
Most used feature on Raveis365? Most used app on your phone?
On Raveis365, I use Moxiworks and Impact emails. On my phone, it’s Instagram. I like staying in touch with my friends.
What is the best advice you received from your parents or loved ones?
“Be Patient and Pace Yourself – Life is not a Sprint, it is a Marathon!” I hope to be lucky and make it an Ultra-Ultra-marathon…
If you weren’t in real estate, what would be your dream job?
I’ve had a lot of careers already. When I’m done with real estate sometime in my 70’s, I’m hoping to be a National Parks Service Hiking Guide!
What are your favorite local activities that you participate in?
Any sport! Walking or running around the Saugatuck River or at Compo Beach. Tennis, spinning, pilates, paddle boarding, sailing, boating, rowing and biking. I love watching sunsets at Compo South Beach with friends and a glass of Sparkling Brut Rose! Cooking for and entertaining friends/family under the string lights in my garden. Tea with friends at the Terrain Garden Cafe.
Fill in the blank: Your day cannot begin without _____?
I’m up at 5:45 everyday with a strong cup of Chai Masala Tea and Ezekiel toast, followed by a couple of hours of research/prospecting/communicating on my laptop and then some form of exercise, preferably outside!