Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Shefelbine.
Jenny, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
After high school, I went to college because it felt like the “right” next step, even though I didn’t really know what I wanted to do yet. I ended up falling in love with psychology because it helped me understand people, relationships, behavior, and honestly, myself.
That path led me to school psychology, where I spent 12 years working in public schools. It was meaningful work, but over time I started doing a lot of soul searching. I knew I wanted something different for my life and my daughter’s future.
At the time, I was a single mom and connected with a friend in New Jersey who was also a single mom and working as a real estate agent. Watching her build a career with purpose, freedom, and possibility really inspired me. Something about it just spoke to me.
I started working toward my real estate license in late fall of 2021 and officially began my real estate career in February 2022. For about two years, I continued working remotely as a school psychologist both in MN and IN, while also building my real estate business, which was basically working two full-time jobs. It was a lot, but I believed in myself.
Since then, my business has grown in ways I am incredibly grateful for. I am licensed in both Wisconsin and Minnesota and have had the privilege of helping more than 170 families buy and sell homes throughout the Coulee Region, along the Mississippi River, and in communities like La Crosse, La Crescent, Winona, Onalaska, Holmen, and beyond.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a perfectly smooth road. Some of the biggest challenges actually came before real estate — being a single mom, feeling stuck in a career that no longer felt aligned, carrying debt, and trying to build a different life while keeping everything afloat.
When I started real estate, I was still working as a school psychologist, so for about two years I was essentially working two full-time jobs. I would work during the day, then show houses, write offers, follow up with clients, and build my business during nights and weekends. The financial risk was scary, especially leaving a guaranteed paycheck for a 100% commission-based career.
Real estate has its own day-to-day challenges, of course — hard conversations, emotional situations, problem-solving, long hours, and unpredictable markets. But I think the things I went through before real estate gave me the resilience and perspective I needed. I know what it feels like to be in a big life transition, and that helps me show up for my clients with empathy, honesty, and determination.
We’ve been impressed with Jenny Shefelbine, @properties La Crosse, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is built around relationships, trust, and helping people feel supported through one of the biggest transitions of their lives.
I help clients with both residential and commercial real estate, but what I really specialize in is guiding people through important life and business transitions. Whether it is a first-time buyer, a growing family, someone relocating, a downsizer, or a business owner looking for the right space, I know there is always a bigger story behind the move.
What sets me apart is my background in school psychology, my local knowledge, and the way I genuinely care about people. I spent 12 years in public education before real estate, and that experience shaped how I communicate, educate, problem-solve, and advocate for my clients. Real estate is emotional, and I want people to feel informed, supported, and confident — not pressured.
I am known for my follow-up, attention to detail, honesty, and relationship-based approach. Since starting my real estate career in 2022, I have helped more than 170 families and clients buy and sell properties, and I am incredibly proud that my business has grown through trust, referrals, and meaningful relationships.
Brand-wise, I am most proud that my business feels like me: professional, hardworking, local, honest, and real. I am also proud to be backed by @properties, which is also very relationship based. Our logo is “love” and our slogan is “love where you live”. Being a part of @properties gives my clients access to strong marketing, technology, and a connected network beyond our local market.
I want readers to know that when they work with me, they are getting someone who understands both the market and the emotions behind buying and selling — and someone who truly cares about helping them get where they want to go!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is our family Christmas tradition. Instead of the typical Midwest holiday meal, my family always had tacos — fried shells and all. My maternal grandmother was from San Diego and brought that tradition with her when she moved back to Wisconsin after meeting my grandfather while he was stationed there with the Marine Corps. At the time, taco shells weren’t easy to find here, so her mother would actually ship them to her. I love that something so simple became such a special tradition in our family, and it is still one of those memories that feels really warm and meaningful to me. And my family and all of its extended branches still carry on this tradition today!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.atproperties.com/site/jennifershefelbine
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennylacrosserealtor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennyshefelbinerealtor
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny54601/
