2008 40 Under Forty: Sara Kelleher Sears

Sara Kelleher Sears

Age: 34

Title: Realtor and Vice President

Company: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Company location: Worcester

Residence: Holden

Career highlights:

Currently, I am a Realtor and vice president for Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage on Park Avenue in Worcester. I graduated from Boston College with a degree in teaching and began my career as a first grade teacher. After a few years, my parents (who have been in the real estate business for 25 plus years) encouraged me to get my real estate license. While teaching, I began to sell homes to my friends and co-workers. After three years of juggling real estate and teaching, I decided it was time to try real estate full-time…I’ve never looked back.

Community involvement:

I am the president of the Junior League of Worcester, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and children within Worcester County. I also sit on the members’ council of the Worcester Art Museum and was the silent auction co-chair at the 2008 Gala Auction.

My involvement in the Junior League of Worcester brings incredible fulfillment to my life: On a daily basis I see women coming together to help those in need within our community.

Biggest professional success:

While teaching, the social and educational growth of the children throughout the year was extremely rewarding. I would have to say that teaching hundreds of children to read, write, and spell was my biggest success.

Dream job:

Although it will never happen because I don’t have my mother’s green thumb, I would love to own a flower shop.

Businessperson you admire most:

My mother, Maureen Kelleher, without question. She is a real estate mogul. My mother is incredibly hard working and ambitious; however, money is never her motivation. She cares more about her clients than the almighty dollar. She (with the help of my father) has guided me to be the professional and volunteer that I am today. I couldn’t have wished for a better role model.

If you weren’t doing the job you’re doing now, what would you do?

I’m sure I’d be teaching first grade, which wouldn’t be so bad. I LOVE kids!

Favorite movie:

“The Sound of Music.”

If you were stuck on a desert island what book would you want to have with you?

I would have to have “Chapman’s Book of Piloting” so I could figure out how to sail my way back to Worcester!