Expertise:
Ms. Olson's expertise is in real estate services, managing administrative duties, accounting and assisting in property remodeling.
Favorite Business Publication:
RPOA Magazine; Industry-Related Publications; Consumer Reports
Education Degrees:
Master of Education, with a Concentration in Reading, Western Michigan University (1971); Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, Western Michigan University (1957); Associate Degree in Home Economics, Grand Rapids Community College (1955)
Affiliations Awards:
Michigan Education Association; Rental Property Owners Association
Place of Birth:
County of Kent, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Work History:
Trainer, Job Seeking Skills Training Program, State of Michigan (1974-1997); South Kent Community Education Coordinator; Adult Basic Education and High School Completion Program (with Cooperation of Hope Rehabilitation Services for Handicapped Adults); Wyoming Community Education (1972-1974); Grand Rapids Public Schools (1957-1960), (1962-1963)
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
Ms. Olson's endeavor, determination, knowledge and her experience in different activities separates her from her peers.
What has been the most outstanding thing you have done thus far in your career?:
Ms. Olson’s greatest career achievement was having the opportunity to develop an all-around educational program through South Kent Community Education and Hope Rehabilitation for all types of handicapped adults in the early 1970's.
Expanded Biography:
Ms. Olson was fascinated about building houses at her young age and started making doll houses. Gradually she started to work with her father to move a farm house, remodel it, paint it, lay asphalt tiles, did cement work and learned about plumbing and heating. This trend continued even after her marriage but with her husband. They bought houses which they remodeled, rented and sold. Having taken the University of Michigan’s real estate investment course and attending the Lowry/Nickerson Investment Seminar she decided to go ahead with the selling of the house herself. Her one big success was selling a house for $350,000 which was completely moved from it’s place to the adjacent lot. It was purchased when it was 5 years old and she sold it just after one and a half years.
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Olson is the president of the Parental Advisory Board at East Kentwood High School. She was inspired to create academic boosters a program to develop the students with their academic grades. With the board members and other enthusiastic parents, the first Academic Booster was created in 1981. Each child worked on to improve their own grade point average for that year. This program encouraged them to compete and challenge with others in their class. They earned enthusiasm about their grades and marched toward their high school graduation. This became a great inspiration and will have a life-long impact on their lives.
Awards/Honors:
Mother of the Year Award, Barry County Sun and News (2005)