First & Last Name Lea Barker
Company Hartland Homes
Title/Occupation Co-owner/ real estate sales
Email lea@hartlandhomes.com
Phone 402-432-9784
Tell us about your family. Husband – Bradley- married for 29 years! Katie, 24 and Camden, 19, 2 dogs -Paisley – Golden Retriever and Lucky – Chihuahua
What are you currently reading or listening to? Atlas of the Heart – Brene Brown, and a couple of fiction books as well.
What are you currently binge watching? Derry Girls
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Mexican food!
Favorite place you’ve traveled? It’s hard to name just one but Rome and the Amalfi coast was amazing!
What did you want to be when you grew up? A lawyer
Where are you from? Where did you go to school? I grew up in Lincoln and graduated from Southeast High School
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? Writing. I’ve always loved all kinds of writing whether it is poetry, persuasive papers or copy writing. I was the editor of my high school newspaper and went to college for Journalism.
When you’re not working, how do you enjoy spending your time I prefer to spend it traveling and drinking wine! During the summer, we spend most of our free time taking care of our vineyard.
What do you/did you love the most about your job? I love helping people figure out HOW they can afford to build a brand new home.
What experiences and past roles have led you to where you are today? I got my real estate license and started working as a sales person for Hartland Homes in 1994! After 7 years, I got my broker’s license and became the sales manager, which included managing the sales force and marketing the company. I specialized in advertising in college, so I really liked the marketing side of the job. Along the way, dad taught us all the facets of running a business. He really was a great mentor.
What career advice do you live by? Who gave it to you? If you’re going to do a job half way, don’t do it at all. Meaning -you better put your all into it or don’t bother! My dad – only his wording was a bit different.
What’s one skill you’d like to develop or sharpen this year? I’d love to be more organized and reduce paper clutter.
How long have you been a member of HBAL? I’m not sure! 12- 28 years??? Hartland Homes has been a member since 1985.
How has your career benefited from being a member of HBAL? HBAL is a great resource! When I don’t know the answer or need help with an idea, I can go to the staff or other members for inspiration and guidance.
What is your favorite HBAL event and why? I enjoy the golf tournament. I’ve played in it almost every year for 12+ years!
Any tips or advice for new HBAL members? You only get out of an organization what you put into it! So join a committee, go to the classes or go to events!

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