Today we’d like to introduce you to Shari Porter.
Hi Shari , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey in real estate began more than 26 years ago, although it didn’t start with selling homes. I began my career in non profit housing sector and community development, where I worked as a nationally certified homeownership, mortgage, and foreclosure counselor. I also served as a program coordinator, director of community outreach, and federal and state grant writer. Those experiences gave me a deep understanding of the financial, emotional, and personal challenges people face when buying, selling, or trying to remain in their homes.
I close to 15 yr ago, I became a licensed real estate salesperson in NY and later expanded into NJ. I earned my New York State broker’s license in 2019 and, in 2021, took a leap of faith and opened Porter Realty Boutique, LLC.
I created Porter Realty Boutique because I believed there was room in the industry for something more personal, a company that could provide the knowledge and resources of a large firm while still treating every client like a person, not a transaction. That belief became our motto: “Big firm experience, Boutique firm service.”
Building a brokerage has not always been easy. There have been tons of growing pains, personal challenges, unexpected setbacks, and many lessons along the way. But each experience has helped me become a stronger broker, business owner, leader, and advocate. I have learned that success is not just about closing transactions; it is about building trust, creating opportunities, supporting your community, and helping people move forward during some of the most important and sometimes most difficult moments of their lives.
Porter Realty Boutique continues to grow throughout the Hudson Valley Region and is expanding to Northern New Jersey in early 2027. Following will hopefully be the Houston/Katy region before 2030. We have expanded beyond traditional real estate services to offer home support, property enhancement, design, renovation, and improvement resources. I am also incredibly proud of the team we have built and the community-focused programs we support, including the Homes for Heroes financial rebate program and Porter’s Place for Seniors.
I have had the honor of speaking at Inman Connect, being recognized as a Hudson Valley Magazine Top Real Estate Agent for several consecutive years, and serving my community through organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland and the Rockland Women’s Society, which I founded in 2016.
Most importantly, I have built a career that reflects who I am. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, woman of faith, community advocate, and entrepreneur. As I approach 50, I am learning that true success includes creating balance, taking care of yourself, being present for the people you love, and continuing to pursue your purpose. My story is still being written, but everything I have experienced personally and professionally has brought me to where I am today, and I am extremely grateful for the journey. Not too bad for a once “Young scared single Mom!”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Woof! Definitely not! But I believe the most difficult seasons have also taught me the greatest lessons.
Starting PRB meant stepping away from the security and name recognition of larger organizations and building something from the ground up. I had to learn how to be more than a real estate broker I had to become a business owner, leader, mentor, marketer, problem-solver, and decision-maker, often all at the same time. Like many entrepreneurs, I have experienced financial uncertainty, growing pains, long hours, difficult professional relationships, and moments when I questioned whether I was making the right decisions.
One of the greatest challenges has been learning how to build the right team. I naturally want to help people, see their potential, and give them opportunities. However, I have learned that not everyone will share the same vision, work ethic, loyalty, or commitment. Some relationships and experiences were painful, but they taught me the importance of setting boundaries, trusting my instincts, and surrounding myself with people who genuinely believe in what we are building.
Balancing the business with my personal life has also been difficult. For many years, I believed that working harder and always being available were necessary for success. Over time, especially while navigating health concerns, personal loss, family responsibilities, and other life-changing experiences, I realized that balance is not a luxury anymore, it is a necessity. I am still learning how to care for myself without feeling guilty and how to be fully present for both my family and my business.
There are many times when walking away would be easier. Instead, I keep showing up, adjusting, learning, and moving forward. I have learned that setbacks are not always signs that you are failing; sometimes they are redirecting you, strengthening you, or revealing what no longer belongs in the next chapter of your life. I read an amazing book called, “The Go-Giver” that literally changed my entire thought process. I also committed myself to God and once I truly found HIS peace, I have been enjoying the journey so much more. My Pastor said, “ You can’t worry and have faith at the same time”…so I chose faith.
The road has not been smooth, but it has been meaningful. Every challenge has helped shape the woman and leader I am today. I am grateful not only for the people who stood beside me, but also for the experiences and people who did not because each one taught me something valuable and helped me arrive exactly where I needed to be.
How do you define success?
One word…. JOY.
Chase the joy and the success will follow. I always tell people, you’ll never see a huerse behind a u Haul. Because you can’t take it with you. True success is the joy and happiness you create for yourself and those around you.
The rest is just means to an end.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.porterrealtyboutique.com
- Instagram: @shariporterrealestate or @porterrealtyboutique
- Facebook: Porter Realty Boutique
- LinkedIn: Shari Porter
