By ERIC AYRES

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Not everyone who finds success in the real estate industry begins their career there — but once they share in the accomplishment of helping a client purchase their home, they’re often sold on the profession.

Mary Goudy said she is proud to have found her home in the real estate industry at Harvey Goodman Realtor, where in late January she celebrated her 26th anniversary with the company. But her path to Harvey Goodman Realtor didn’t begin on a direct route straight out of school.

“I grew up in my father’s accounting office watching him run a 10-key calculator with sonic precision and my mother typing with unstoppable momentum,” Goudy said. “I still see these images play in my mind. I went to college for elementary education and worked in medical billing, but it was in the real estate office of Harvey Goodman Realtor that I found myself at home.”

Goudy was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, and moved to Moundsville — her mother’s hometown.

“I attended school in both Erie, Pa., and Marshall County, as I lived back and forth between the two,” she said, noting that once her academic career was complete, she and her own family planted their roots on the Ohio side of the river. “We’ve lived in St. Clairsville for nearly 30 years now.”

Like her father’s office, Harvey Goodman Realtor was a locally owned, successful business with a proud history in the area.

“The people of Harvey Goodman Realtor were warm and inviting,” Goudy said. “My dedication and achievements were met with sincere appreciation from John Goodman, John Sambuco, and the agents. I knew in that moment, as you realize you are where you are meant to be. Some may call it knowing you are home.”

Today, Goudy wears many hats in the company and helps the operation in numerous areas. In light of the wide range of her duties at Harvey Goodman, her official title is corporate manager.

“One of my strengths has been that whenever a person needs help or a new technology is being adapted, I immerse myself, asking questions and helping our team to mutually find the correct solution, and stay involved until we are running smoothly,” she said. “As a licensed sales manager, I oversee the agents of Harvey Goodman Realtor, which includes providing training and support to them. I track and report their sales, dispense commission payments and encourage that all legal and ethical regulations are followed.”

Regardless of whether you start a career in real estate as a young adult or change careers later in life to try something new, the opportunities for success are rewarding, Goudy noted.

“The median age for a realtor is 60 years of age,” she said. “So, whether you are in your 20s starting your career path or in your 50s with your first career accomplished, real estate is a fulfilling career.”

Women currently make up more than 50% of real estate agents in the U.S., she said, and 56% within her company’s offices. Goudy noted these numbers continue to grow.

“I believe we as women have evolved quite nicely,” she said. “Women are often recognized for their strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trust with clients. Women’s human connection may be a key differentiator as technology automates many aspects of the buying and selling process.”

The local real estate market is strong, and the benefits and amenities in the area are attractive to buyers and touted by sellers.

“We have a significantly lower cost of living compared to many other cities in the U.S.,” Goudy said. “Neighborhoods, local events and friendly interactions foster a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you prefer to live in the country or in town, the Ohio Valley has a place for you.”

Goudy noted that the surrounding area offers hiking, swimming, skiing, ice skating, roller skating, boating, fishing, shopping, dining, theater, orchestra, concerts, hockey, recreational sports and more.

“We enjoy a temperate climate,” she said. “That’s hard to say when you are in the middle of winter, however, compared to the climate of many other places like Erie, Pa., where they receive many feet of snow throughout the winter. We are blessed to enjoy four seasons without extreme temperatures.”

As a mother of three, Goudy said she has enjoyed being involved in the St. Clairsville Band Parent Association as treasurer, concession stand manager, chaperone and parent. She coached softball for St. Clairsville Junior Sports for three years and volunteered for Sunday school at Calvary Presbyterian Church. As a member of the area Board of Realtors, she’s also held positions of president, vice president and treasurer.

Goudy said a motto by which she lives is, “You are who you are when no one is watching but God.”

“When making decisions, I want to be sure that I do not let man’s or my own human influence outweigh God’s direction,” she said.

In light of the Women of Progress theme, Goudy said supporting one another is key.

“As my mother would tell me, ‘You can do anything that you set your mind to do,'” Goudy said. “Part of progress is that we strive to be better tomorrow than today. I invite any ‘young’ lady considering a career in real estate to reach out to me. We would love to be a part of their life journey.”