“I didn’t come in focused on recognition. I came in focused on doing the work well, building relationships, and continuing to grow every day.”
For Lori Swanson, real estate wasn’t her first career, but it’s one she stepped into with a clear plan: learn and get involved. After more than 25 years in retail leadership, she made the transition in 2023. Lori brought a strong foundation in customer service, communication, and problem-solving that tends to come in handy in real estate.
“Leaving a long-established career and starting over was one of the biggest turning points in my life,” she said. “It taught me not to take opportunities for granted.”
When Lori first got licensed, her goal was to learn as much as she could and get involved. She attended classes, showed up to events, joined committees, and asked questions whenever she had the chance.
“I realized early on that being a REALTOR® is about more than helping someone buy or sell a home,” she said. “It’s about advocating for homeowners, supporting your community, and being part of something bigger.”
In a relatively short time, that mindset has shown through in her career. Her business has grown year over year, earning her a Columbus REALTORS® Merit Award in 2025, along with recognition within her brokerage. Even more, she got involved in other parts of her community.
Lori became active with the Powell Area Realty Association early on and quickly stepped into a leadership role. Within two years, she served as Vice President, President, and now Past President. During that time, she focused on bringing in speakers and programming that helped members stay connected to what’s happening here locally and overall throughout the industry. Her involvement didn’t stop there. She’s participated in a number of Columbus REALTORS® committees, supported CORPAC and Foundation initiatives, and stayed consistently engaged through events and education. Looking back on her career, she doesn’t point her achievement to one defining moment; it’s more of a pattern.
“For me, it’s been a series of decisions to keep saying yes,” she said. “Yes to leadership. Yes to volunteering. Yes to education. Yes to showing up.”
Those yeses opened the door to opportunities she didn’t expect when she first started.
“Some of the best experiences I’ve had came from stepping outside my comfort zone,” she said. “Getting involved helped me build relationships and really understand the industry.”
Within Keller Williams Capital Partners, she continues to focus on growth by participating in training, contributing to the Growth Committee, and investing in additional education, including earning her Senior Real Estate Specialist designation and Professional Staging Certification. Now, Lori says that her involvement has shifted from a learning to leading phase.
“I still love learning, but now I also look for ways to contribute, whether that’s through leadership roles, mentoring conversations, or just helping connect people.”
A big part of Lori’s story also comes from her life outside of work. As a cancer survivor, her involvement with Pelotonia is deeply personal. She participates in their annual fundraising bike ride and other efforts that support cancer research, an experience that has deeply shifted how she views both challenges and opportunities.
“It reminds me how powerful a community can be when people come together around a common purpose,” she said.
She’s also active with Delta Delta Delta as an alumnae advisor, mentoring collegiate women at Denison University. Supporting their growth and confidence is something she finds especially meaningful. When she’s not working, Lori spends her time with family and friends, cooks, reads, and stays involved in the organizations that matter most to her. For her, those connections are just as important as the professional ones she’s built. And there are many people she credits along the way.
“I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by people who were willing to answer questions, offer encouragement, and open doors,” she said. “From my brokerage to PARA to Columbus REALTORS®, and of course my clients, I don’t take any of that trust or support for granted.”
Looking ahead, Lori’s goals stay consistent with how she started. She wants to keep building a business rooted in relationships and service, continue learning, and stay involved in leadership and community work.
“I want to be known as someone who did good work, treated people well, and made a positive impact,” she said.
