Each week, this series shares MarionMade! stories of our many wonderful people, places, products and programs in the greater Marion community. To read more positive stories of Marion, or to share some of your own, visit us at marionmade.org or on social media.
Blair Rowland grew up in Waldo with her brother and mother, Karen Beers. Rowland described her mother as a role model and the inspiration for Blair’s future career.
“For a lifetime, I’ve been immersed in the world of real estate, breathing new life into homes and creating spaces where dreams can thrive. Growing up, my mother was always moving us into another remodeling project with plywood floors and a mile-long to-do list,” Rowland said. “Watching her grind every day to make those rickety properties our home was incredibly motivating. Growing up with such determination around me, I purchased my first home at 20 years old. I have always believed that owning a home should be accessible to anyone willing to put in the effort to make it a reality. Thanks, Mom!”
Rowland lives in Marion with her husband, Nick, and their three children. This Realtor and real estate investor remodels homes to improve the community − including in the neighborhoods she grew up in.
“In 2018, Nick and I purchased our very first investment property online, sight unseen, and took a chance. Since then, we have not stopped making it our goal and personal mission to improve our community by helping one neglected property at a time,” Rowland said.
Rowland also leads the Bridge Group, a real estate team she founded.
“I’m blessed to have an amazing team in both avenues of my business. I have a real estate team that goes above and beyond for our clients every day and incredibly supportive brokerage. I also have an equally talented crew that works tirelessly on our renovation projects to bring beautiful new homes to our community,” Rowland said.
“Blair has assisted us multiple times as our Realtor and is always available for whatever the need, whether it be advice on our flip house, property searching or scheduling a home showing. She is extremely efficient at her job and is always a joy to do business with. sShe is a true asset in our town of Marion,” Joe and Terri Sansotta said.
A love for helping out, and a straight-shooter
Rowland loves helping people.
“I truly feel the best when I can help people solve problems that improve their way of life or help them out of a situation,” Rowland said.
Rowland is a straight-shooter.
“Being honest and transparent are very important to me. I have always been direct and people never have to question where they stand with me,” Rowland said.
Nick worked in the car business until the pandemic.
“When COVID hit our world, we had so much extra family time and slower days. It was quite the wake-up call. While we are incredibly thankful for the opportunities the car business gave our family, we decided it was time for him to be home with us more,” Rowland said.
Nick dove into full-time property renovations and real estate investing.
‘Not a single day feels like work’
“Since then, we have been working 365 days a year. The best part is, not a single day feels like ‘work,’” Rowland said. “The end of last year we decided to embark on our biggest project yet — the whole-house renovation of our forever home,” Rowland said.
Rowland also excited for Marion’s future.
“Marion has a lot of doers in our town that are taking the initiative and making changes. It’s been a long time coming! I’m thankful to know that our future is bright because people are investing in our town. While it takes time to see change, so does anything worth having,” Rowland said.
The reason she loves Marion is simple: its people.
“Every winter, I want to move to warmer weather, but I can’t take my friends and family with me, so here I am. There’s something about this town that keeps people here and brings people back. That’s pretty special and truly what life is all about,” Rowland said.
She credits the community for her success.
“People make this town a wonderful place to live. A lot of people have been very good to my family and me over the years, giving us opportunities and chances to chase dreams I never thought possible,” Rowland said. “People believe in me and that is something that wakes me up early every day. I’m excited to go out and show them I am thankful for their support.”