Perspective is everything. The hardest chapter of my life could have crushed me. Instead, it became the turning point that forced me to grow. It pushed me to choose differently, to build intentionally, and to create a life I love. 

 

When was the last time I made a decision for myself? I was freshly divorced, adjusting to life as a single mom of four, and trying to figure out what the next chapter would look like. As I started exploring going back to school and thinking seriously about my career path, I felt something I hadn’t felt in years: possibility. There was healing ahead of me, certainly. But this didn’t feel like the end. It felt like a reset.

 

I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri—it was very different than my life is Salt Lake City. Everything you can imagine is right there, easily accessible. Growing up, I remember going to my grandmother’s house and on the walls, she had the kids and grandkids, but also two framed pictures of my grandfather and uncle in their Navy uniforms. The honor in service always stuck with me. At 19, I enlisted in the Air Force.

 

I became an air traffic controller and volunteered for Honor Guard. We presented military honors at funerals, including the 21-gun salute, and we folded and presented the flag to families. We also presented the colors at ceremonies and events. It was a privilege to honor fellow service members.

 

After five years, I left the military when I had my first daughter. We had three more children and moved several times before settling in Salt Lake City. My focus on was on the kids and the home until my marriage ended in 2011.  Suddenly, I had choices. I could realign my life with who I am and what I’m passionate about.

 

I returned to air traffic control at the Ogden airport, where I was surrounded by really great people. Being back in that environment rebuilt my confidence and reminded me of the strengths I had to contribute to the world. During that time, I finished my Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Then I went on to pursue a dream that I had since buying my first home in 2004: becoming a REALTOR®.

 

The week I started real estate classes, I met Ryan. We went on our first date in November. I passed my licensing exam at the end of January. We were married two days later. He had three daughters of his own, so from the beginning we weren’t just building a marriage, we were blending a family of 7 kids. As I was launching a brand-new career, he never questioned the time or the effort it required. He encouraged it. He backed me completely. In that season of starting over, having someone believe in me mattered more than ever.

 

Real estate quickly became more than a career. I genuinely love being part of such pivotal moments in people’s lives. Buying or selling a home is rarely just a transaction—it represents change, growth, sometimes uncertainty, sometimes celebration. I get to guide people through that. I get to advocate for them. I get to make sure they feel confident and informed. That sense of service is what drives me.

 

Service has continued to shape my life outside of business as well. I ran for city council and was elected twice, and I also serve as a board member for Open Doors, a nonprofit focused on helping individuals rise above poverty. I’ve really enjoyed being involved in my community. 

 

Our kids are grown now and we have three grandchildren. Ryan and I stay active biking, boating, traveling when we can, and enjoying time with our family and friend as often as we can.

 

Life will hand you challenges you didn’t plan for. But if you can find the positive in anything, you’ll find opportunity in everything. In many ways, I started my life over—so I guess that makes me a millennial now! But truly, those hard seasons shaped me, strengthened me, and led me to a life I love, surrounded by incredible people. Today, my focus is simple: keep learning, keep growing, and keep striving to be better than I was yesterday.

 

When I bought my first home in 2004, I was already intrigued by real estate. I was one of those people who loved HGTV and was fascinated by the entire process. As we went through the purchase, I paid close attention to how everything worked—the negotiations, the paperwork, and the decisions along the way. My agent wasn’t bad at all, but I remember thinking more than once that I understood the process well enough that I could probably do this job myself. That experience planted the seed that eventually led me into real estate in 2014.

 

Today, that perspective shapes how I work with my clients. Buying or selling a home can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time, so my goal is to meet you where you are and build the experience around your needs. Everyone comes to the process with different goals, concerns, and comfort levels. My role is to guide you through each step, answer your questions, and make sure you feel confident in the decisions you’re making. At the end of the day, it’s never about a transaction or a commission check—it’s about representing you well and helping you reach your goals. My commitment is to be a trusted resource throughout your entire homeownership journey. And that means during a transaction and long after!

 

 

 Sincerely,

 

 

 

Annette Judd