In Touch With…Robyn Munzer

Behind every great entrepreneur is their why, the driving force that fuels their work. For Robyn Munzer, Westwood High School Class of 2017 graduate, her desire to become a real estate agent was ignited when her family moved to Westwood twenty years ago. 

“My brother Sean was in a wheelchair,” said Robyn. “We couldn’t just buy any regular house. We had specific needs that needed to be met. It frustrated me when the real estate agent brought us to check out a house that had a spiral staircase in the front entryway. And I said, ‘You know, this isn’t gonna work. My brother is in a wheelchair, we can’t do a spiral staircase.’ Through this process, I was inspired about finding a home that worked for our individual needs and knew that I wanted to do the same for others someday.”

Reflecting on her time in Westwood, Robyn acknowledges the advantages of growing up in a community with robust academic and athletic offerings. 

“Westwood High School allowed me to gain confidence and leadership skills through my participation in Cheerleading and SIPP (Senior Independent Project Program),” she said. “I knew from a very young age that I liked to speak publicly. So, one of the reasons I was drawn to real estate was that most of it is talking to others.”

In a career based on connections, Robyn ultimately chose to attend college at Arizona State University, 3,000 miles from the familiar landscape of Westwood, where she knew no one else. Post-graduation, she delved into the competitive world of real estate, navigating multiple positions within the industry. She embraced the challenges of a dynamic market, especially during the Coronavirus Pandemic. 

“I fell on my butt so many times. It took me almost three, four years to really find success,” said Robyn. “But at the end of the day, what I’m doing in my career – building a business, building a brand, building wealth is going to be so much greater than working a ‘typical’ nine to five job.” 

Robyn eventually found her niche in residential retail sales, specializing in assisting first-time homebuyers. Her approach focuses on education rather than hard-selling, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making for her clients.

“In this market, when I first started, there would be twenty or thirty plus offers on a home. I had to learn how to negotiate, especially helping those first-time homebuyers who didn’t have a lot of cash. I had to get creative so my clients could win,” she said. 

Robyn’s words of wisdom to those interested in pursuing a career in real estate is to seek internships, find mentors, and understand that success often involves trial and error. She encourages aspiring agents to focus on knowledge, work ethic, and genuine care for clients to set themselves apart.

“Create your own path, and the rest will fall into place,” said Robyn. “I’ve always stayed true to myself, the things I’m passionate about, and the people I care about.”

Leaving Westwood for Arizona was a transformative experience for Robyn. She emphasizes that taking risks, leaving one’s hometown, and carving a unique path are not only possible but essential for personal and professional growth, no matter how “scary” the unknown might seem.