Meet Mary Pat Waite, REALTOR® for NP Dodge Real Estate (npdodge.com).

Tell us a little about your business. – NP Dodge Real Estate currently maintains nine sales offices in Nebraska and Iowa with over 450 agents dedicated to making the home buying and selling process the best it can be.

How did you get started in the business? – I began work as a realtor in 1992. I was a stay-at-home mama and was looking for a little outside work. My sister Mary Brake was instrumental in introducing me to the real estate industry. She was truly one of Lincoln’s top agents, and she served hundreds of families in our community. Mary was a true professional and was always kind to others. She inspired me to be my very best! Today, I primarily serve the Lincoln community and its surrounding areas, as well as Omaha. I have to give a shout out to all my clients. God has blessed me with the very best!

Tell us about your family. – I’m from a large Catholic family of eight kids. I have three brothers and four sisters. We were a military family until we settled in Lincoln and my father established his medical practice. Growing up in Lincoln was pretty sweet and, with lots of siblings, there was never a dull moment. Spending lots of time outside was a favorite. Our parents taught us the importance of hard work, love of family, and commitment to our faith in the Lord. My husband and I have six daughters and six grandkids. My family is my greatest pride and joy.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I love spending time with my family and friends, being outside, riding bikes, hiking, traveling, and trying new recipes. I also enjoy tending to our garden and going to farmers markets throughout the summer. We like taking our dog for walks too!

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I had the privilege to work as a teacher in Lincoln prior to becoming a realtor. I love working with young ones! I’m also a certified scuba diver.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I always wanted to own my own business. I almost bought a Dairy Queen when I was younger! However, becoming a realtor is basically like owning your own company. Realtors work as independent contractors while being associated with a real estate broker

What is your favorite movie? – My new favorite is Woodlawn, an inspirational, faith-filled story. I do love games/cards over a movie or television, though.

What is your favorite local restaurant? – I enjoy many restaurants in the Lincoln and Omaha areas. A favorite in Lincoln is MoMo Pizzeria & Ristorante.

Who inspires you? – My mom, my dad, my husband, and my family!

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Accepting Christ into all aspects of my life, my parenting, my business, my finances, my marriage, my free time, and all my relationships. I put total trust in Him above! Going through tough times has a way to either make us or break us. God’s great lesson of love for us makes us who we are!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?(402) 430-7494; marypat.waite@npdodge.com; www.marypatwaite.com. I encourage you to go to my website and sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter!