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Local Woman Invests in Marion’s Future

By Wendy Weichenthal on February 28, 2024

Two women stand and smile while in the middle of a home under construction.  Blair is a white woman with a bright smile, ball cap, long blonde, wavy hair, a long white shirt, light demin jeans. Her mother is slightly taller with shoudler-length blonde hair, a black shirt, brown jacket, light blue jeans and gray boots.
Blair Rowland and her mother, Karen Beers.

Blair Rowland grew up in Waldo with her brother and mother, Karen Beers. Rowland described her mother as a role model and the inspiration for Blair’s future career.

“For a lifetime, I’ve been immersed in the world of real estate, breathing new life into homes and creating spaces where dreams can thrive. Growing up, my mother was always moving us into another remodeling project with plywood floors and a mile-long to-do list,” Rowland said.

“Watching her grind every day to make those rickety properties our home was incredibly motivating. Growing up with such determination around me, I purchased my first home at 20 years old,” Rowland continued. “I have always believed that owning a home should be accessible to anyone willing to put in the effort to make it a reality. Thanks, Mom!”

Rowland Family 

The family smiles in a group picture in front of a mantle. They have one boy and two girls.
Front row: Saul and Rossi. Back row: Blair, Sable, Nick.

Rowland lives in Marion with her husband, Nick, and their three children. This realtor and real estate investor remodels homes to improve the community – including in the neighborhoods she grew up in.

“In 2018, Nick and I purchased our very first investment property online, sight unseen, and took a chance. Since then, we have not stopped making it our goal and personal mission to improve our community by helping one neglected property at a time,” Rowland said.

The Bridge Group 

Rowland also leads the Bridge Group, a real estate team she founded.

Five women smile at the camera.
The Bridge Group from left to right: Blair Rowland, Stephanie Hudson, Kierstan Hinkle, Lyndsey Vance and Heather Wood.

“I’m blessed to have an amazing team in both avenues of my business. I have a real estate team that goes above and beyond for our clients every day and incredibly supportive brokerage[Generations Realty]. I also have an equally talented crew that works tirelessly on our renovation projects to bring beautiful new homes to our community,” Rowland said.

Rowland loves helping people.

“I truly feel the best when I can help people solve problems that improve their way of life or help them out of a situation,” Rowland said.

Rowland is a straight shooter.

“Being honest and transparent are very important to me. I have always been direct and people never have to question where they stand with me,” Rowland said.

Client Review 

“Blair has assisted us multiple times as our realtor and is always available for whatever the need, whether it be advice on our flip house, property searching or scheduling a home showing. She is extremely efficient at her job and is always a joy to do business with. she is a true asset in our town of Marion,” said Joe and Terri Sansotta. 

Pandemic Changes Direction 

Nick worked in the car business until the pandemic.

“When COVID hit our world, we had so much extra family time and slower days. It was quite the wake-up call. While we are incredibly thankful for the opportunities the car business gave our family, we decided it was time for him to be home with us more,” Rowland said.

Nick dove into full-time property renovations and real estate investing.

“Since then, we have been working 365 days a year. The best part is, not a single day feels like ‘work,’” Rowland said. “The end of last year we decided to embark on our biggest project yet – the whole-house renovation of our forever home,” Rowland said.

Community Support Contributes to Success

Rowland also excited for Marion’s future.

“Marion has a lot of doers in our town that are taking the initiative and making changes. It’s been a long time coming! I’m thankful to know that our future is bright because people are investing in our town. While it takes time to see change, so does anything worth having,” Rowland said.

The reason she loves Marion is simple: its people.

“Every winter, I want to move to warmer weather, but I can’t take my friends and family with me, so here I am. There’s something about this town that keeps people here and brings people back. That’s pretty special and truly what life is all about,” Rowland said.

Rowland and her family are active in the community, including the BNI business networking group. The Rowland family also supports the Pleasant Local Schools. Rowland credits the community for her success.

“People make this town a wonderful place to live. A lot of people have been very good to my family and me over the years, giving us opportunities and chances to chase dreams I never thought possible,” Rowland said. “People believe in me and that is something that wakes me up early every day. I’m excited to go out and show them I am thankful for their support.”

MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.

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