Name of person featured: Christine Y. Hill

Name of Business: Coldwell Banker Professional Realtors

Street address: 200 North Main St. Franklin, Va. 23851

Phone number: 641-5733

Operating hours: 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. After hours available by appointment

E-mail address: chill@cb-pro.com

Nature of business: Real Estate

Title: Realtor

Realtor Since: 2002

How’s business? Being an independent contractor, business is what I make it, and it’s going great. The market is starting to stabilize. Homes are averaging four to five months on the market. The sold prices are averaging 99 percent of the list prices for October.

One thing you wish everyone knew about your business: I’m available at times that are convenient to my clients. I’m here when you need me. I love what I do. My mission statement is, “Helping people make their American dream become a reality.”

Something you offer that a customer won’t find elsewhere: I offer great customer service. I’m always looking to help my clients, whether buying or selling a home, to make the transaction a good one — smooth and successful.

Advice to young entrepreneurs: If it’s in your heart, then follow it. Always put people you can help before yourself, and always put yourself in their situation and treat them as you would want to be treated.

Your first job: I was a shampoo girl in a beauty shop in Suffolk and loved it.

Your role model (in business or in life generally): My “Deddy.” He is a very strong man and loves everyone. He has overcome so many things in life from being born with cerebral palsy and being diagnosed with cancer and has still worked for years. He is so positive and has taught me how to smile even when it hurts, how to fight because it’s worth it, and how to live every day like it may be your last.

The key to a successful business is: Put God first! Stay focused on your dream, put your heart in it, enjoy what you do and treat everyone as you treat yourself.