For Jessica Mettler, real estate is more than a career—it’s a calling shaped by a life of movement, resilience, and quiet strength.

Raised in East Palestine, Ohio—a town, as she puts it, “you could drive through in a blink”—Jessica found herself at the center of a big family and a tightly-knit community. “With an older sister and two younger brothers, there was never a dull moment,” she recalls. “I think that’s where I first learned to thrive in the middle of it all.”

Those early years were defined by both involvement and initiative. Jessica immersed herself in nearly every facet of school life. “I was captain of the cheerleading squad, president of the pep club, vice president of my class, editor of the school paper, and even homecoming queen,” she says. “Each role gave me the chance to connect with people, take on new challenges, and make the most of every opportunity.”

Her love for connection would later become a cornerstone of her career.

Before entering real estate, Jessica worked her way up in the restaurant industry, holding “nearly every role imaginable.” The experience, though humbling, left a lasting impact. “It shaped my work ethic, adaptability, and commitment to service,” she explains. “Those qualities now guide me in my work as a real estate professional.”

But it wasn’t until she found herself touring old steel mill mansions near Youngstown that she realized real estate might be her path. “What really hooked me were the little details—like the tiger oak wood and even the fun little ‘Easter eggs’ that the woodworkers would hide in the homes,” she remembers. “I thought, ‘Wow, I could actually look at houses for a living.’”

That idea planted in her early twenties took root decades later. In 2023, she officially began her career in real estate, joining Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors as an individual agent. Within her first year, she earned both the Rookie of the Year award and a Rising Star Award from SIBR.

The accolades were meaningful, but the true rewards, Jessica says, come from the people. “One of my favorite parts of this job is meeting people, hearing about their goals, and creating a plan together to make them happen,” she says. “Watching it all come to life at the closing table is such a rewarding and even addictive feeling.”

Still, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. “The process can be stressful, and during negotiations, emotions often run high,” she admits. “Sometimes it feels like all of that pressure gets directed at me, and being the one to absorb it can be tough.”

What keeps her grounded is perspective—and a mantra she holds close: Be the Buffalo. “I’ve always seen myself as an optimist, but not in a way that avoids hardship,” she explains. “I believe in walking through the storm, not around it.”

That mindset has been forged by life’s curveballs. Jessica’s oldest child is profoundly deaf—a reality that, while challenging, has brought unexpected gifts. “The patience and compassion this journey has brought into my life is beyond words,” she says. “Watching my child’s resilience and bravery has been nothing short of inspiring.”

It’s those experiences—being a military wife, a mom, and a small-town Ohio girl—that define her both personally and professionally. “Those roles taught me how to adapt, to move forward even when the path isn’t clear, and to trust that growth often comes from the hardest seasons.”

Today, real estate gives Jessica not only a sense of purpose, but the flexibility to be present in her children’s lives—something she treasures deeply. “This career has given me that and so much more,” she reflects. “It restored a sense of personal value and fulfillment in my own life.”

Looking ahead, her goals are simple yet powerful: continue building her business while giving back. She donates a portion of every commission to St. Jude’s, participates in events supporting Partners for Pets, and collects prizes for assisted living facilities. In 2024, she was Coldwell Banker’s top agent in charitable contributions to St. Jude’s.

To those just starting out, her advice is direct: “Show up every single day. Brick by brick, build your foundation. Take the classes, find a coach, and most importantly—leave your ego at the door.”

Because for Jessica Mettler, it’s never been about shortcuts. It’s been about showing up. And walking through the storm.

Just like the buffalo.