Today we’re discussing a topic that is often overlooked in real estate: Safety. And not just in regards to realtors, but consumers, too! In today’s episode, Angela Shields, CEO of The Tennessee Realtors, provides us with some case studies that act as perfect examples of why safety should always come first. Tune in to hear Angela tell the story of a realtor who barely made it out of a home showing alive, and find out why even a consumer should verify the legitimacy of their realtor. The moral of the story? If you see something, say something. It could save someone’s life...or your own.    Please subscribe to this podcast in iTunes or in the Podcasts App on your phone. Never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting The Leigh Brown Experience. Time Stamped Show Notes: 00:50 – Introducing Angela Shields, the CEO of The Tennessee Realtors 01:20 – Angela represents the state and realtors of Tennessee 01:43 – They support all the realtors that are part of the local associations, do legislative work to protect private property rights, and watch out for consumer 02:21 – They also educate realtors 03:20 – The importance of realtor safety for the realtor and consumer 03:53 – It’s important to know with whom you’re doing business 04:34 – Story of when a realtor needed protection 04:45 – In San Antonio, TX she got a call that a realtor had been attacked by someone who had been referred to her 05:22 – She took the person to see a few houses, and at one house the person walked around, disappeared, went to the attic, and came back down with a pipe 05:42 – He hit her with the pipe, she ran outside to the porch, tried to flag multiple vehicles, and started to run to her car 06:30 – She ran towards the road, a car full of teenagers stopped for her and pulled her into their car, and he chased them in his car; luckily they found a cop 07:15 – He had everything in his trunk to tie her up and kill her; he was convicted of attempted murder and the kids had saved her life 07:30 – What Janice is doing now 07:45 – After she recuperated, she began teaching classes on safety; her name is Janice Tisdale 08:14 – Her background helped her survive the attack and the story gives hope for the integrity of our future generations 09:55 – She tells her story to help others avoid what she went through; in real estate, there are reasons realtors take precautions like asking for I.D. and meeting in public 10:30 – Realtors are always giving back and Janice is an example of that; for years, she came in every month to teach the safety portion of new member orientation 12:00 – The consumer side of realtor safety; the public doesn’t know who they’re dealing with, either 12:30 – Angela heard of a case where a realtor had a mental health issue; it became an issue over time, until finally a consumer and the association had to face it 13:00 – It can be dangerous for the consumer and that realtor eventually left the business and sought treatment 13:30 – Brokers have things in place to protect their agents and the consumers 14:00 – We need a constant conversation regarding licensure and regulations that’ll keep people safe 14:35 – If you see something, say something 15:50 – There’s a difference between someone having a bad day and someone having an actual mental health issue 16:40 – Have safety policies set in your office: Code words, let someone know where you are and with whom, and ask for a license and research (as a consumer) Contact Angela: http://angela.shields@tnrealtors.com  3 Key Points Oftentimes your background experience will prove beneficial in real estate. Upkeep safety policies and procedures – whether you’re a realtor or a consumer. If you see something, say something.   Credits Audio Production by Chris Mottram Show Notes provided by Melissa Valder