By Barbara Scott
Staff Write
“I’m really nervous, but very excited,” said Cathy Cullins, the new owner of Progressive Realty located on Bennett Drive in Caribou.
Cathy Cullins
Now in her 13th year in the real estate business, Cullins recently purchased the local business which has been in operation for 20 years, from founder Joanne Cyr and her husband John Paul. “We will be semi-retired but I’ll still be here, just working in a different capacity.” stated JoAnn Cyr. “I just changed desks, Cathy is in charge of things now, but I will remain as the designated broker,” she added.
“I worked at what was then the Aroostook Trust Company,” said Cullins. “I was there for 10 years, then I stayed at home and raised my children, Molli and Matthew. When they were both in school, I had to decide if I wanted to go back to working in the banking industry or try something different. I actually met JoAnn while we were both cross-country skiing at the Country Club and we just started talking. She had just sold my mother’s house (after being on the market for only 48 hours) and as a result of this conversation I thought, ‘I could sell real estate,’ said Cullins. “I’m a talker — I was voted Most Talkative in high school — we have our 30th reunion this summer — and I’m still talking,” she added.
“She’s very good at this job,” said Cyr, “she’s been thinking about taking this step for a few years now, ever since I started talking about retirement.
“I can honestly say that I love my job,” said a smiling Cullins, “I just enjoy helping people find the home they want while helping others sell their property.
Republican photo/Barb ScottCathy Cullins, left, accepts the keys to the Progressive Realty office located on Bennett Drive in Caribou from Joanne Cyr, who opened the real estate business 20 years ago.
On a serious note, “I just wish my father was still here.” Cullins’ Father, is the late Jerry Duffy, a well known and respected teacher and coach in Caribou. “Just before he died, my father said, ‘You’re stronger than you think.’ I’ve had a lot of support from my family and wonderful friends, and I wish he was here to see what I’ve accomplished, “ said the new business proprietor.
Overall, Progressive Realty will continue to operate as before with right now the only addition being that the company will join forces with the MLS (multiple listing service). “I look forward to being competitive in the real estate business — “I want to be here for another 20 years,” stated Cullins.
Also working with Cullins and Cyr at Progressive Realty is Ann Jepson, a full-time sales agent.
Business hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and evenings by appointment.
Additional information can be obtained by calling 498-3848.
