Veronica Mullenix is the broker/owner of the Veronica Mullenix Real Estate Group in Katy.

What was your first job in the realty industry?
In 1998, I started as an associate at Henry S. Miller Realtors on Memorial Drive in Houston.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Oak Forest in northwest Houston.

What is your favorite free-time activity?
Reading books in all genres; love learning new things! Equally favorite activity is being outdoors hiking or biking all over Katy or in Houston.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Sleep, or read a book until I fall asleep.

Growing up, what did you want to be?
As a little kid, I played school with my best friends and all our dolls, so I guess I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. I did teach fourth grade for five years and sixth/seventh grades for four years before entering real estate.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Benjamin Franklin; he invented so many things, including the library, and I want to know about all his inventions. And also, how our country’s government began and what our forefathers intended, because look at the mess the federal government is in today! I don’t think Ben Franklin and the congress of the time meant for things to get this out of control!

Where is your favorite place to hang out?
My home theater! It is so comfortable there, whether the TV is on or not!

What do you love most about the industry?
The people! I love meeting new people, and with a real estate practice, I have the privilege to work with so many different personalities and backgrounds. It is very interesting to hear everyone’s story of how they got to where they are. My clients and colleagues all have such interesting stories to tell!

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
Education and high professional standards! I strive to be as well educated as I can be in real estate brokerage, and I am VERY active in the industry by serving on many committees locally, at the state level and at the national level. I’m dedicated to being involved in the groups that are shaping our industry and shaping our profession for the 21st century.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Just about everything in real estate presents a challenge. It is the “hard” that separates the best from the rest. If this job wasn’t hard then everyone would be doing it.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients?
I’m a member of many professional organizations: HAR/TAR/NAR Committees, the Katy Chamber of Commerce activities and mixers, the Katy Area Economic Development Council Visionary Leadership Academy,the EDC Brand Navigators Committee and Katy Shred Days – Shred For Our Heroes. My fundraising community activity includes Impact a Hero, and I sponsor two elementary schools and one soccer team, etc. Being involved in the community and in professional organizations is how I get new clients. You must put yourself in the path of the business, get out and meet people everyday.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
Graduating from the Texas Realtors Leadership Program, being selected to serve on the TX Realtors Leadership Program state committee for the past four years and then serving as the Chairman of TRLP this year! Second, earning my brokers license was a major accomplishment, and starting a new boutique brokerage firm at the height of a recession in Feb 2009 and winning Entrepreneur of the Year in 2009 was quite a feat!

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read?
Movie: SkyFall; Book: “Leadership Isn’t for Cowards” by Mike Staver.

What is your favorite restaurant?
Reef in downtown Houston.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Houston?
The Courts at Museums Gate. It is a condominium on Montrose near UST built in the art-deco style of the late ’70s. I love the building so much I bought a condo in there!

What kind of car do you drive?
A Lexus.

Smartphone or paper?
Smartphone – iPHONE 4S.

What is your favorite city after Houston?
For quiet: Jonesboro TN; for action: Los Angeles.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
“Never stop learning. Take as many brokerage courses as you can each year.

What’s your favorite Real Estate iPhone/ Blackberry app?
Dropbox and iAnnotate.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter?
@nobuhata, @TopFiveInRE, @ProfessionalOne and @Swanepoel.

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