By Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Longview real estate agent Madison Cook has spent the past half decade happily employed by Trina Griffith and Company Real Estate, LLC. She embodies the old adage that if one does something she loves for a living she will never work a day in her life. Cook looks upon her career as an opportunity rather than a mere job as she works for someone who is both her employer and a dear friend.

And there is good reason for loving her work.

“I love the community we have here at Trina Griffith & Company,” Cook says. “There’s not one person here I can’t turn to when in need of help or simply as a friend. Everyone is so knowledgeable and brilliant when needing advice or friendship.”

Apart from periodic times when the market is slow, there is literally nothing she does not love about her profession, and there are ways to ensure these valleys between peaks are few and far between:

* Maintaining total knowledge of and expertise in the real estate field. As a real estate agent, she realizes the critical importance of maintaining in-depth awareness of the local market, specifically trends, pricing and neighborhood specifics.

But that is not all.

* She is careful to stay abreast of regulations, contracts and the latest real estate directions. Her expertise permits her to provide clients with sound advice and guide them through the intricate process of buying and selling.

* Effective communication enables her to explain the intricate concepts of real estate in such a way that clients can not only understand but cannot possibly misunderstand. Being both an excellent communicator and listener guarantees clients’  needs and concerns are effectively addressed.

* Having a strong work ethic and dedication to her calling ensures that both agent and client benefit from their interaction. Moreover, it is vital to be proactive, responsive and willing to go the extra mile in the search for the perfect property and to secure the best deal.

Cook has sage words for young ladies who aspire to get into real estate.

“For women looking to enter the real estate business, I’d advise you to leverage your strengths in empathy and communications to build strong client relationships and be committed to continuous learning and networking to stay ahead in this dynamic field,” she says.

Still, her career with Trina Griffith & Company is far from being her whole life. Her father is a confectioner, and she long ago picked up his flair for culinary delights, and not just a passion for producing them.

“I’ll eat just about anything as long as it tastes good,” she says.

Besides real estate, this is her favorite time of year. She loves the holidays and everything about them. From the decorations, succulent food, music, candlelight church services and family traditions, everything about the celebration of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s birth warms her heart and brings back cherished childhood memories.

“Christmas always brings a warm, fuzzy feeling to my heart,” she says. “There’s nothing I don’t love about Christmas.”

Just like this time of year, Madison Cook is a true blessing.