For Laura Stoner, real estate was never a distant career option — it was part of her everyday life from the very beginning. Born and raised in Kenosha, Wisconsin, she grew up immersed in the industry through her parents’ work, an experience that would quietly shape her future.

“I grew up alongside a father who owned both a construction and HVAC company and a mother who built a successful career in real estate—so you could say it’s truly in my blood,” Laura explains. As a child, she spent countless hours on job sites with her dad, gaining an early appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every property. Those moments left a lasting impression and continue to influence how she sees homes today.

“I spent countless hours on job sites with my dad, fascinated by how homes were built and proud of the craftsmanship he delivered,” she says. “That early exposure sparked a lifelong appreciation for architecture, thoughtful design, and the charm and character found in every home.” That perspective still guides her work, whether she’s walking into a fixer-upper or a move-in-ready listing. “To this day, I love walking into a property and helping clients envision what a home could become with just a few strategic updates,” she adds.

Before stepping into real estate full-time, Laura took a different professional path — one rooted in understanding people. After earning a degree in psychology, she spent more than a decade working as a social worker at Lincoln Middle School. The experience shaped not only how she communicates, but how she supports clients through major life decisions.

“My background has shaped how I approach my real estate career, listening closely, understanding individual needs, and guiding clients through what can be an emotional and significant life transition,” Laura says. Her transition into real estate came at a pivotal moment. After the birth of her oldest daughter, Ella, she began considering a career shift, a move encouraged by her husband and inspired by her mother’s example. “When my oldest daughter, Ella, was born, my husband encouraged me to join my mom in the real estate business, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” she reflects.

Since launching her career in 2010, Laura has built a reputation for consistency and results. Now with Keller Williams, she works as an individual agent, a deliberate choice that allows her to stay closely connected to each client she serves. Over the years, her performance has placed her among the top in her field. During her decade with Berkshire Hathaway, she ranked seventh among agents worldwide and consistently earned the Presidents Circle Award, placing her in the top 1% of agents annually.

Despite those accolades, Laura measures success in simpler terms — the moments that happen at the closing table. “Getting to the closing table and seeing my clients smile,” she says. “I know I did my job to the best of my ability.” Her approach is rooted in patience and perspective, shaped by both her upbringing and her professional background.

“I bring more than just market knowledge,” Laura explains. “I bring patience and true understanding of homes. From construction details to long term value, I know how to look beyond the surface.” That mindset also means slowing things down when needed. “I never rush clients through big decisions,” she adds. “Instead I listen, support and guide you when buying or selling a home.” At the same time, she acknowledges the demands of the profession. “This job can be demanding and stress can be overwhelming,” she says. “Take time to breathe.”

Looking ahead, Laura continues to set ambitious goals while staying grounded in the relationships that have fueled her success. “Looking to help 100 individuals/couples buy or sell a home in 2026,” she shares. She credits much of her growth to her network, offering straightforward advice to others in the industry: “Follow up with your sphere. They are your biggest supporters and where the majority of my business comes from.”

Outside of work, Laura finds balance with her family — her husband, Todd, their daughters Ella, and Mila, their Henry-Pug. Travel plays a big role in that balance. “TRAVEL keeps me sane,” she says, noting that she and her husband make trips to Mexico several times a year. Closer to home, she enjoys visiting local Ma & Pa restaurants, including favorites like Wineknot, Tuscany, and House of Gerhards.

Through it all, one principle continues to guide her work and define her approach. “Real estate isn’t about property,” Laura says. “It’s about people.”