Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Shuman.
Hi Lindsay, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Before getting into real estate, I spent 17 years in the retail industry, eventually becoming a Regional Manager for Armani Exchange overseeing Southern California, Hawaii and Arizona. I loved the sales and customer service side of the business, but the role required constant travel and meant I was rarely home.
When my husband, Dan, and I got married and started thinking about having a family, I knew I wanted a career that would allow me to build something of my own while creating more flexibility in my life. After spending many years helping run someone else’s business, I decided it was time to take a chance on myself.
Real estate felt like a natural transition because it combined so many of the things I already loved: sales, relationship building, customer service and helping people make important decisions. I earned my real estate license in July 2014 and jumped in full time from day one.
Since making that change, Dan and I have welcomed our two daughters, and being able to grow my business while also being present for them has been one of the most meaningful parts of the journey.
Over the years, I’ve built my business largely through relationships, referrals and repeat clients, and that has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve had the opportunity to help people through so many different stages of life, from buying their first home to relocating, moving up, downsizing or selling a longtime family home. More than a decade later, I still love that no two clients or transactions are ever exactly the same.
Today, I’m proud to have built a successful real estate career here in San Diego, but what means the most to me is that I’ve been able to build a business around my family rather than having to choose between the two. I’m still ambitious and constantly looking for ways to grow, but my definition of success has evolved. It’s not only about how many homes I sell. It’s about building a business I’m proud of, taking great care of my clients and creating a life that allows me to be present for the people who matter most.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road, especially in the beginning. When I started in real estate, I had no database, no built-in client base and really no shortcut to getting in front of people. I knew that if I wanted to build a business, I had to create those opportunities myself.
During my first year, I focused heavily on open houses and was often holding them six or seven days a week just to meet people and start building relationships. That year, I closed 15 transactions, and 12 of those buyers were people I met at open houses. It was a grind, but it showed me very early on that consistency and simply putting yourself out there can create opportunities.
As my business grew, I continued doing open houses, but I also pushed myself to do the things that were uncomfortable, especially as a new agent. That meant cold calling, door knocking and hearing “no” far more often than “yes.” There was plenty of rejection, and there were definitely mistakes along the way, but those experiences helped shape the work ethic, resilience and persistence I have today.
Real estate has taught me that you need thick skin, but it has also taught me that this business is ultimately about relationships. The relationships you build with your clients, other agents and people in the community can make all the difference. I think those early years taught me not only how to work hard, but how important it is to show up consistently, treat people well and keep going even when the results aren’t immediate
As you know, we’re big fans of Lindsay Shuman | San Diego Realtor . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’m a residential Realtor with more than a decade of experience helping buyers, sellers, investors and relocation clients throughout San Diego County. While I work across the county, my office is located in Scripps Ranch, and a large part of my business is focused in Rancho Peñasquitos, Scripps Ranch, Rancho Bernardo, Poway and the surrounding communities. Rancho Peñasquitos is also where I live and raise my family, so I know the area not only as a Realtor, but as a resident, homeowner and parent.
Since becoming licensed in 2014, I’ve been fortunate to build a business that consistently ranks among the top-producing agents in San Diego. I’m part of the Barron Team at Real Broker, one of San Diego’s top-producing real estate teams, which helps approximately 250 families buy and sell homes each year. I’ve also earned recognition through the San Diego Association of Realtors and have been ranked among the top 1% of real estate agents in San Diego.
I work with clients at many different stages of life, from first-time buyers and growing families looking for their next home to sellers, investors, luxury clients and people relocating to or from San Diego. Relocation has become an especially meaningful part of my business because I love helping people understand not just the homes, but the different neighborhoods, schools, communities and lifestyles San Diego has to offer.
I think what sets me apart is how hands-on I am throughout the entire process. I’m a Certified Negotiation Expert, and my background in sales, leadership and customer service has shaped the way I represent my clients. I’m proactive, highly communicative and not afraid to have difficult conversations or advocate strongly for my clients when needed. At the same time, buying or selling a home is incredibly personal, and I never want my clients to feel like they are simply another transaction.
What I’m most proud of is that the majority of my business has been built through referrals and repeat clients. Over the years, I’ve also received more than 150 five-star reviews across platforms including Google, Zillow and FastExpert. To me, those relationships and reviews mean more than any sales number because they represent people who trusted me with one of the biggest financial and personal decisions they will make.
Ultimately, I want my brand to represent expertise without losing the personal side of real estate. My goal is to be the person my clients call not only when they are ready to buy or sell, but whenever they have a real estate question, need a trusted local resource or simply want honest advice about the San Diego market. I’m building a business based on relationships, results and being a resource to my clients and community for years to come.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as being able to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives while also being present for the people who matter most in my own.
In real estate, being of service to others is incredibly important to me. Buying or selling a home is often tied to a major life transition, and I never take lightly the trust someone places in me to guide them through it. Success, to me, isn’t just measured by how many homes I sell. It’s knowing that I helped someone make a great decision, advocated for them when they needed it and hopefully made what can be a stressful process a little easier.
At the same time, my family is a huge part of how I measure success. Being there for my husband and my girls is extremely important to me, and real estate isn’t always an easy career to balance with family life. There are nights, weekends and plenty of moments when work and family compete for my attention.
For me, true success is being able to thrive in both areas of my life, to continue growing a business that I’m proud of and making a difference for my clients, while still being the mom and wife I want to be. I don’t think balance is ever perfect, but if I can build a successful career without missing the life I’m working so hard for, that feels like success to me
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lindsayshuman.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsayshuman/
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rbZzGQr4wu5EzUSi8
