“I am constantly asking myself, ‘Does this leave Lake Geneva better than I found it?’” says agent Shannon Blay. “I walk the walk. Without an amazing Lake Geneva, we wouldn’t have half of the visitors that we do.”

During the 40 years Blay has lived in Lake Geneva, she’s built a very deep-rooted community there for herself and her family of four. “I chose to stay at home and raise my boys for 17 years, but it didn’t stop my yearning to keep learning, growing my mindset and making my community a better place,” she says. “It made sense to take my service to the next level and help in another way.”

Since entering the real estate industry two and a half years ago, Blay has surpassed $35 million in sales. “I feel so fortunate to have such success out of the gate,” she says. “I know that this only can come from hard work and determination.”

Over half of Blay’s business comes from the second home market, but she says the rest of her clients come from referrals from friends, agents and colleagues asking her to take care of “their people.” “I know this area like the back of my hand,” Blay says. “You tell me your pains and your pleasures, and I make sure to find you the perfect neighborhood.”

An avidly active member of her community, Blay can often be found organizing scavenger hunts for charity or joining her local bike club for their weekly rides around Walworth County. She’s a huge supporter of Visit Lake Geneva, and notes that she’s the only Realtor in the city who’s a member.