We had the good fortune of connecting with Jackie Mahaney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jackie, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
At the age of twenty eight, I made the decision to move to Arizona- a place I had never been to. Moving to the Valley has taken me on a journey to the life I have been meant to live. Being a part of this community has introduced me to the beautiful people who have become friends, co-workers, mentors and family. Being in the right place, at the right time, with the right people greatly contributed to my success. I found them all in Arizona.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What many people don’t realize, is that I have had two simultaneous careers for the past eighteen years. My primary career has been in Media Advertising Sales, working for local radio and television stations. At the same time, I became a licensed Arizona Real Estate agent at the age of thirty four and worked weekends and evenings buying and selling homes for friends, family and myself. I have always referred to myself as Jackie Mahaney, Inc. It was difficult at times, juggling two careers and keeping a low profile on that, as “moonlighting” isn’t always looked upon favorably by employers. But as other people spent their off hours attending their children’s baseball games or recitals, I spent mine trying to help others benefit from real estate investing or moving into the home of their dreams. Having a such a strong background in advertising and marketing, helps a great deal in Real Estate, both in branding myself as a realtor, but also marketing listings for clients who wish to sell their home.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love the Valley of the Sun, especially Scottsdale, the city in which I now reside. Our day would start by a walk on the trails of my neighborhood in McDowell Mountain Ranch. The Javelina & Coyote trails, wind and twist throughout the neighborhood. Walking through them is the best combination of city and nature. If we want to explore even more beauty of the desert, our walk may lead to a hiking adventure through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Gateway Trail. The opportunity to explore the desert via walking and hiking is abundant through out the entire Valley, from Camelback Mountain to Lost Dog Trail. After our exercise, I would take my friend to Market Street at DC Ranch for breakfast at Eggstay, a cozy kitchen famous for it’s amazing chocolate chip pancakes, lemon ricotta and yes, even chocolate flavored bacon! We would sit outside on their patio and enjoy with a cup of coffee and great conversation. Next, just north of Scottsdale visitors can step back in time of the Old West with a visit to Cave Creek, Arizona. Complete with local owned shops and restaurants, this town is a must see. Other favorite activities in the Valley include: The Botanical Gardens, The Phoenician Resort & Spa, A trip to Old Town Scottsdale, with a stop at the Sugar Bowl for your favorite ice cream. Don’t leave Arizona without setting up a tee time at some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world, including the McDowell Mountain Ranch golf course. Day trips to cities such as Sedona, Prescott and Flagstaff are also must see’s. The Valley truly has something for everyone and with 300+ days a sunshine per year it’s hard not to be happy here!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a Shout Out to my parents, Pete and Royal Seymour who taught me the values of faith, hard work, responsibility and planning for the life I have wanted to create.

Website: www.realtorsofscottsdale.com
Instagram: Scottsdalerealtor1
Youtube: Scottsdale Real Estate with Jackie Mahaney

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