“Oh, hi there!” Amanda Clark greeted the king snake with surprising calm. She had just barely stepped over it as she backed out of the front door of her listing. “That is not how I would have responded!” the appraiser exclaimed with a laugh.

Amanda’s perspective, fueled by her compassion and experience, gives her unique responses in the different situations she encounters as CEO and Team Lead of Clark & Company at Keller Williams Southern Arizona. Her honesty, integrity, and creativity shine through in each interaction.

As Amanda helped a mom and her daughter look for a house, she took time to understand the significance of the purchase. It was the beginning of a new chapter for them, they were excited about a fresh start. The deal almost fell through when they discovered the house needed a new roof. Recognizing how much was at stake for this family, Amanda stepped in with a creative solution, and her clients were able to close on the house.

Amanda shares, “I am thankful I have the opportunity to be involved in something that can change people’s lives. Owning a home can change the trajectory of someone’s life and their future generations. You operate differently when you see real estate as more than a financial transaction. It’s not a deal; it’s a person.” Amanda continues, “Each one of my clients has a story, and I get to be a part of it.”

When one of her buyer clients needed the postal address numbers to add up to a specific number, the primary bedroom on the southwest side of the house, and the front door to face north– Amanda remembered her grandma’s advice. “She always said, ‘Look for opportunities, not obstacles. Most people focus on the reasons they can’t do something instead of focusing on the reasons they can.’” When Amanda says she will exhaust all avenues to help her clients, it’s not an exaggeration. “We were able to find a house that met all of the criteria.” For her clients, it was an unforgettable moment.  “My client invited me to the blessing ceremony for the house. It was so meaningful to be included.”

Amanda explains what influenced her outlook on life. “My family moved around a lot as I was growing up. Also, my grandpa was very entrepreneurial, and my grandma was very driven.” Their examples and encouragement made a lasting impression on Amanda. “My grandma pushed me to achieve my dreams. She believed that I could do it if I wanted to do it.”  Amanda’s grandma backed her belief in Amanda with actions. “She loaned us the down payment for our very first house. It helped us get started and laid the foundation for where we are now.”  Later, when Amanda was at a career crossroads, her grandma encouraged her to pursue real estate. 

Amanda’s interest in real estate was sparked when she worked at the front desk of Realty Executives. “I used to input all of the listings for agents, that was my first glimpse inside the world of real estate.” Later, Amanda worked at First American Title. “When I worked in title/escrow, I learned so much about the contracts and financing process.” After her son was born, Amanda stayed home to focus on her family. However, when they moved back to Tucson from Illinois she was ready to pursue a full-time career. “I knew I wanted to work in the real estate industry, but I didn’t want to be stuck behind a desk all day.” With the recent move, real estate school was not in the budget.  “My grandma paid for me to go to real estate school. She told me, ‘I know you will be great at this!’ She gave me this opportunity, and I’m committed to making the most of it.” Now, Amanda pays it forward as she advocates for her clients, cheers them on, and helps them achieve their homeownership goals. “I want to be remembered for helping. I am an introvert by nature, but I love to help others. Real estate gives me a purpose to reach out and an opportunity to help.” 

Outside of real estate, Amanda’s life is filled with family and fur babies. “My husband and I have two kids, five horses, and four dogs. One of our horses had a colt in January!” Amanda shares about their unique hobbies, “As a family, our kids didn't do traditional sports–horses and downhill aren't exactly the most risk-free activities, but I have never shied away from risks. I don't want my kids ruled by fear, either.”  Amanda’s daughter, McKenna, participates in barrel racing and reigning, and has competed in horse shows around the Southwest. She also started a business buying yearlings, starting them, and selling them. Hunter, Amanda’s son, loves mountain biking, both cross-country and downhill.  He is currently studying business at the University of Arizona. “I am so proud of my kids! Both are braver than I am. I love that they are confident and secure enough to fail at something until they are good at it. I’ve always told them if you want to be good at something, it takes hard work.” 

Married for 22 years, Amanda and her husband just took their relationship to a new level when he joined her real estate team this past year. “My husband retired from Raytheon and became my director of operations. It’s been an exciting transition.” Looking back, Amanda is amazed at the journey, “From where I was when I started real estate to where we are now; it’s incredible. The opportunities really are limitless.”