Featured in the “Meet The 2021 New Guard” section for Savannah Magazine

Thank you Savannah Magazine for including me in your “Meet The 2021 New Guard” feature article appearing in the November 2021 issue. 

I was one of a group of 18 honorees that Savannah Magazine described as “movers and shakers making Savannah better day by day.” Our group was chosen from many different professions with a common denominator. Savannah Magazine further describes the 2021 New Guard as follows:  “ Despite comprising a wide range of professional expertise, all of our honorees have one thing in common: commitment to giving back to Savannah in a meaningful way through their everyday work or charitable endeavors (or in many cases, both!).”

Congratulations to my fellow honorees. I appreciate what each of you are doing to contribute to volunteerism and the philosophy of giving back to the Savannah community.

The Eastern Wharf’s impressive new addition Bar Julian at the luxury riverfront hotel Thompson Savannah  played host for a photo shoot that accompanied the 2021 New Guard article. The recently opened Bar Julian is located on the hotel rooftop and offers impressive river views. Photography was provided by Jeremiah Hull from Attic Fire and styling was done by Suzette Pioske.  Local Savannah retail shops contributed their fashions and accessories that made all 18 honorees shine. For the shoot I wore a stylish blazer from Emily McCarthy, earrings courtesy of J. Parker LTD and carried a purse courtesy of Hannah E.

My photo shoot image was captioned by Savannah Magazine :

“Pam strives to be a student of her profession. ‘I’m always hungry to learn new things,’ she says. ‘It’s the only way to grow.’ When she’s not helping others find their perfect home, she’s at her own full house, where she and her wife have four rescue dogs, a cat, a pig and several chickens. The “mini farm” as she calls it neatly represents her passion for animal rescue. ‘As a volunteer for One Love Animal Rescue, I foster and fundraise to meet the ongoing need of homeless animals in Savannah.’ Fun Fact  One Love’s co-founder, Karrie Bulski, was a 2019 New Guard nominee. “                                      .

When I was notified of my selection as a 2021 New Guard honoree Savannah Magazine asked me to answer questions describing my Savannah real estate career plus questions about my One Love Animal Rescue volunteer involvement. I have included this Q&A below. My answers highlight what motivates and inspires me both professionally and personally.

• What’s the benefit of networking/connecting with others?

For years, I dreaded “networking.” My perspective eventually changed when I realized networking doesn’t have to be stuffy or forced.  You can focus on a cause you’re passionate about, in my case that is pet rescue, and that will connect you with like-minded people in your community.

Networking is vital to business success and personal growth. Personally, it not only keeps me in touch with my own industry but offers ways to interact with other dynamic individuals and active organizations invested in Savannah’s quality of life.  Real estate is just one of the many important factors that drive Savannah’s economic engine and viability. Networking with individuals active in other business and volunteer organizations keeps me aware of significant events and trends. Information gathered from networking assists me in educating my buyers and sellers. Likewise, it is also a way of sharing my insights and hopefully supporting other professionals in their career and volunteer lives.

• What’s the best part about your job? (This can include your day job or your charitable efforts)

In my professional life my clients are the greatest source of enjoyment and gratification. Often when they come to me to buy or sell a home, they are in the process of making a big life change. It’s an honor to be part of that new chapter in their lives. In my volunteer life with One Love Animal Rescue it is heart-warming to know I have contributed to the lives of neglected and needy animals. Additionally, volunteering has put me in touch with other generous and kind-hearted individuals who contribute to Savannah’s quality of life for both pets and people.

• How do you find resilience professionally in such a tough year?

Getting back to real estate and business basics helped me excel in a tough year. I focused on maintaining and expanding business relationships and client services. Consistency was and continues to be a key element. Regular contact with past clients and new leads plus connecting with my peers kept me focused.  Nurturing existing relationships, my repeat clients and direct referrals all contributed and were a significant part of my business activity and success this past year. Expanding my social media and online presence provided another productive layer to my existing business plan.

• How do you network to find connections with mentors or like-minded professionals

I strive to be a student of my profession. I’m always hungry to learn new things and surround myself with people who are better or more successful than I am. To continue learning is the only way to grow. I am fortunate to be able to find experienced, knowledgeable real estate professionals right in my own office. My Seabolt Real Estate associates and principal broker generously share their expertise.  Outside the office I network in several different ways. Hosting my own open houses and attending other agents’ open houses is a very productive way of staying in touch with local realtors. The Savannah Board of Realtors, Savannah Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Association all are sources of valuable networking opportunities.

Maintaining a strong social media presence is another way I interact with mentors, peers and real estate professionals. My business website and social media platforms provide a broad reach to connect with potential clients plus other real estate professionals and industry experts.

• What makes Savannah a great place to do what you do?

Savannah is naturally beautiful, rich with history and provides outstanding cultural opportunities. The city and surrounding neighborhoods also offer numerous lifestyle options from downtown lofts to beachfront cottages. This diversity makes our Savannah real estate market attractive and unique. From Savannah’s historic homes to our waterfront properties, there’s no place I’d rather be showing houses. Almost every day I think to myself “Wow, I’m so lucky to live and work here!”

• What are your passions outside of work?

My passion outside of real estate is animal rescue, fostering and adoption. As a volunteer for One Love Animal Rescue our home has welcomed dogs and cats for short term care or in some cases permanent adoption. My wife and I have a full house, or a “mini farm” as friends and family call it that includes one pig, several chickens, our rescue dogs plus one cat. One Love Animal Rescue has given me the opportunity through both fostering and fundraising to meet the ongoing need of homeless animals. It’s been a joy to learn about this incredible organization and actively participate in their mission. Fun fact: One Love Animal Rescue is run by co-founder Karrie Bulski, who was also a New Guard nominee in 2019.

I am also passionate about travel opportunities. The chance to experience new landscapes and cultures has always interested me.  A favorite vacation most always includes the opportunity to scuba dive.  Diving has provided me with an appreciation of oceans, marine life and current environmental issues.

• If it’s the weekend or you’re not working, what’s your favorite thing to do in Savannah?

When I’m not working with weekend clients, I enjoy any activity that takes me outdoors and provides the opportunity to exercise.  Savannah’s moderate climate, proximity to the water and the abundance of public green spaces are the perfect combination for outside activities. I am always up for a run in my Ardsley Park neighborhood, an afternoon of paddle boarding or kayaking on Tybee Island, walking my rescue dogs in Forsyth or Daffin Park or biking around Skidaway Island State Park.

Read the entire Savannah Magazine “Meet The 2021 New Guard” article here savannahmagazine.com/culture/2021-new-guard/

Contact me if you have any Savannah real estate questions. I am always available to discuss both buyer and seller concerns. As a Seabolt Real Estate Associate Broker I have access to information regarding the current Savannah and Lowcountry real estate markets.

Interested in more information about the local businesses mentioned in this blog? Please visit them using the following links:

Savannah Magazine https://www.savannahmagazine.com/

Eastern Wharf   https://easternwharfsavannah.com/

Bar Julian https://www.barjulian.com/

Hyatt Hotel’s Thompson  https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/georgia/thompson-savannah/savh

Jeremiah Hull Attic Fire Photography https://atticfire.com/

Suzette Pioske Stylist https://www.suzettepioske.com/

Emily McCarthy Shop   https://emilymccarthy.com/

J Parker LTD https://jparkerltd.com/

Hannah E Shop https://hannahestyle.com/

One Love Animal Rescue  https://oneloveanimalrescue.com/

Savannah Downtown Business Association https://www.savannahdba.com/

Savannah Chamber of Commerce  https://www.savannahchamber.com/

Ardsley Park Association https://www.apccna.org/

Skidaway Island State Park https://gastateparks.org/SkidawayIsland

Visit Savannah  https://www.visitsavannah.com/