For Laurel Caliendo, it’s quality, in-person service that has helped keep her mortgage company in business – and in touch with the community.

On a whim, Linda A. Fercodini took a real estate course in 1979, planning to pursue this endeavor on a part-time basis. But after one week on the job, she was hooked. Real estate was her calling.

Stacy King has earned her wings in real estate many times over. Her multiple nominations for a 2013 Women of FIRE Award cite her high level of expertise, her ability to personally connect with her clients, and her willingness to work tirelessly to achieve great results. Next year, she will serve as president of the Mid-State Association of Realtors, of which she has been a board member since 2009.

According to her 13 Women of FIRE nominators, Brenda Maher is everything you could ever want in a mentor. With more than 25 years of experience in Connecticut’s residential real estate industry, she’s seen a number of changes along the way, and imparts that knowledge to her staff of more than 60 Realtors at Prudential Connecticut Realty.

At just 19 years old, Denise Rosato got her first taste of success in real estate when the rental she lived in was converted to a housing co-operative.

Running the family catering company and restaurant in Lake Worth, Florida, for about seven years gave Cathleen Smith the skills that would serve her well in her second career, which took root in what would become one of the most turbulent housing markets in the nation.