From the bustling streets of Philadelphia to the vibrant shores of Punta Cana, my journey has been an adventurous dance between real estate, entrepreneurship, and a deep passion for seizing opportunities. Born an Army brat, I grew up amidst constant change and learned the art of adaptation early on. This nomadic upbringing instilled a hunger for exploration and a drive to create something meaningful wherever I landed.

From Fix-n-Flip in Philadelphia to Dominican Dreams

My path wasn't a straight line to real estate. Initially an engineer in the technology department at a Procter & Gamble company, life led me to a pivotal decision—to venture into fix-n-flip properties alongside my former husband in Philadelphia. We immersed ourselves in the challenge of transforming old brownstones into revitalized spaces, all while I honed my skills as a licensed businesswoman.

An Alluring Shift to Punta Cana

In 2006, the winds of change whispered a new opportunity in Punta Cana. A vacation sparked a vision—a vision to bridge the gap for expats seeking real estate in an untapped paradise. Leaving behind the cold and chaos of Philadelphia, I saw potential in Punta Cana's growing landscape, envisioning a haven where Americans could find a slice of paradise and a smart investment.

Punta Cana wasn't the bustling paradise it is today; it was a young town with limited infrastructure. One of the things that caught my attention was that I noticed the REMAX balloon. I was with the company in Philadelphia at the time. So I thought, hey…if REMAX is here, maybe I can sell real estate in the Dominican Republic to Americans and build a life here. And that is exactly what I did. I joined REMAX Punta Cana and pioneered the use of billboards, creating a presence and establishing myself as the go-to realtor for expats.

The early days were a tapestry of challenges—language barriers, a new culture, and establishing myself as a woman in a foreign land. But challenges never deterred me; they fueled my determination. Despite the odds, I dove headfirst into the real estate arena, leveraging innovative strategies.

The journey wasn’t without its storms, both metaphorical and literal. Through economic crises and the recent pandemic, I’ve remained resilient.

When the economic crisis came back in 2008, and the global economy stopped, that was a turning point for many people around the world. Many people who worked in real estate in Punta Cana left the business and left town.

I saw the opportunity to get on an elevator going up. When my broker left town, I stayed because I knew that real estate moves in cycles just like everything in the world. So in 2010, I decided to sign up to own my real estate brokerage with REMAX and become a broker.

In 2020 opportunity knocked, and I welcomed it with open arms. As I firmly believe, energy transitions but doesn't dissipate; the pandemic was a catalyst for me. Amidst the uncertainties, I saw the chance to take my business to new heights. The launch of Keller Williams in the Dominican Republic during these tumultuous times was an invigorating challenge that led to growth and success.

Leading a team of 350 agents during such a period was a learning curve—one that taught me the essence of starting with purpose and fostering open communication.

Sparking a Podcast and Future Vision

Witnessing Punta Cana's continuous growth inspired a new endeavor—a podcast. Beyond real estate insights, this platform aims to showcase the people, stories, and opportunities shaping Punta Cana's beating heart. It's about building connections, sharing insights, and fostering a community eager to explore new horizons.

Reflecting on the past 18 years in Punta Cana, it's clear that my journey transcends real estate. It's about carving a lifestyle, connecting dots, and empowering others to see beyond the obvious. Every obstacle was a stepping stone, and every success was a testament to resilience. My advice for aspiring real estate professionals is simple—take consistent steps forward. Progress every day, no matter how small, will eventually lead to success.

I invite you to join me on this journey. Follow me on social media at @CherylHendersonPuntaCana. Stay tuned for updates on the podcast at @PuntaCanaPodcast. Let's explore, learn, and grow together!

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