Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Cookman.
Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
If you would’ve told my younger self who is was, what I’ve been through, and what I was doing now, I honestly wouldn’t believe you. I was born and raised in Rochester, MN where I always have had a zest for trying new things. I would say I’ve tried every odd job in the book trying to figure out what I wanted to do in life. Athletics was where my passion lay but the business behind it always interested me. I graduated from MNSU-Mankato in 2019 with my bachelor’s in Sports Management and Business. Throughout college, I was able to have a variety of really unique and fun experiences like working at the Super Bowl and the NCAA Final Four and related events surrounding it. Throughout high school and college, I used my three cornerstones; faith, family, and trying new things, to really catapult me to branch out and really find where my experiences would align with my professional life.
Shortly after graduating college, I moved to Minneapolis to pursue more business-related careers due to the competitiveness of the sports industry. The first job I had was a sales job where I shortly found out that I was not cut out for cold calling. Yet again, I pressed into those three main supports to figure out my next steps. Eventually, I secured a job in marketing for a mortgage company. This was a very fast-paced job with many different opportunities to educate me more and provided me with the ability to learn my passion for being creative and making content that people enjoy and gain value from. After unexpectedly having my son, I left my job to spend more time with him and really reevaluate how I can still use my passion while providing for my family. I started being more on a consultant basis helping businesses and other entrepreneurs with their marketing needs. My son is truly my catalyst to creating the life I desired professionally and also personally. Fast forward to now, I work full-time as a Marketing Manager for Infinity Real Estate and Management Group which has fulfilled my desire to provide while also feeding my passion for creativity. I also work part-time as a server and am getting back into consulting as well!
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?
Respectfully, absolutely not. There were a lot of situations like losing out on jobs, losing close loved ones, and just overall growing up that really caused me to lean on my 3 cornerstones to guide and support me through everything. Unexpectedly becoming a mother was the biggest trial but also a blessing in my life.
There’s nothing that quite motivates you like a tiny human solely depending on you to be your best self and provide. Although becoming a mother completely derailed my original “5-year plan”, after a lot of prayers, reflection, and personal ownership, I have been able to independently build an even better future than I could imagine. I do believe God has helped me through some really tough circumstances in order to help me reach my potential! My true desire is to be a model for young independent moms to fulfill their potential no matter their circumstances. The world today can be hard and cold at times but there’s always room to grow and be a better person!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Well, I’m busy! Outside of being a full-time mom, I work full-time for Infinity Real Estate and Management Group as the Marketing Manager. I create all the content for our social media pages, help with listings and property advertising, and overall business development. I love my work here and my coworkers create such a friendly but motivating environment. There’s something about assisting people with this huge milestone in their lives that is extremely fulfilling. Marketing and event management is mainly what I’d say I overall specialize in. I also am a server part-time and I still do some marketing consulting on the side (shameless plug).
I really enjoy helping others build their business and become their most successful selves. There are always new opportunities I seek out to learn and stretch myself professionally. I still see myself as someone who is willing to try new things and this touches me professionally! One thing that really stands out about me is my variety of job experiences. Anyone that really knows me, knows I’ve had a hand in many many different industries in many different capacities. In my eyes, this has given me the upper hand in some cases in identifying solutions and coming up with new ideas!
Networking and finding a mentor can have a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
This is super cliché but does not be afraid to put yourself out there! There were many times I put myself in rooms and situations for mentoring/jobs/opportunities that I had little to no experience on. I even wish I did that more!
Networking and putting myself out there has really saved me on many occasions from falling behind and plateauing. Get creative and don’t hesitate to ask for help! Many people have helped me, and I’ve been able to return the favor just by being proactive and staying motivated to grow as a person as well as in my professional life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/infinityrealestatemgmt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InfinityREMgmt
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-cookman-982953158/
