Few people know enough about their hometown to write a book about it, but Martha Cucco does. In fact, Cucco has co-authored two books on the history of Lake Geneva and serves as historian of the Lake Geneva Yacht Club. This veteran of local real estate is as deeply involved in her community as she is in her business.

Cucco began as a broker soon after she and her family became full-time residents of Lake Geneva 33 years ago. Without much of a market for her services as a music therapist at the time, she applied her interpersonal communication abilities and her desire to help others to real estate instead. It was a perfect fit. “I love the challenge of the industry, meeting the people and the flexibility,” she says of her career. “I still learn something new every day.”

Her local expertise and industry experience, along with her reputation for patience and problem-solving, are what Cucco believes give her the edge over other agents. Creative problem-solving, in particular, helps with everything from negotiations to working with challenging personalities. Clients and colleagues both say they love working with her because of her honesty and directness.

Away from work, Cucco continues to offer music therapy as a volunteer and holds a variety of positions at her church, yacht club, country club and garden club. In October, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee recognized her with a Vatican II award for leadership in the church.

With a portfolio that includes not just single-family lake and lakefront properties, but also farms, boat slips and even condo-hotels, Cucco appreciates that every transaction represents a significant change for a client, whether it’s the end of a chapter or a new beginning. “I love helping people on to the next phase of their lives,” she says.