Elena's Bio

Arriving at Dulles airport in the summer of 1996 carrying only her suitcase and accordion, Elena Repishny, a Russian immigrant from Arkhangelsk, a seaport above the Arctic Circle, knew she was in for the adventure of her life. As she rode to her new home in Staunton, VA she remembers her first impressions of America as being the sweet smell of new mown grass and our glass-smooth American highways. She was anxious to begin her new life in an America of her dreams, a life filled with boundless opportunity. However, she had no idea just how exciting her new life would become. She immediately began her quest for success by seeking gainful employment. Alas, she soon found that her six year university degree in music with a major in classical accordion did not afford much opportunity. Classical music played on an accordion

is as alien to our American ear as standing in bread lines is to our sensibilities. Undaunted she would soon land a job working in housekeeping at the Hampton Inn, and soon thereafter a second job at McDonalds, where she was thrilled she could practice her English, “Would you like fries with that?”. In Russia a job at McDonalds is a very prestigious position, so she was delighted with the opportunity and very proud of her new McDonald’s hat.

Within a few months Elena bought her first car and eventually found her way across the Blue Ridge to Charlottesville, VA, where she began her third job with a local cleaning company. She soon realized that she could maximize her income by giving up all three other jobs and start her own cleaning business, which she did. Gradually she grew her business until she was working six to seven days per week for as much as fifteen hours a day, while managing several employees. No complaints here. She loved the unlimited opportunity America afforded, and of course she also loved the money.

In 1999 Elena married Bob Harris, an Associate Broker with Real Estate III. Gradually by being exposed to the real estate profession, she began to realize that as much as real estate could afford her additional opportunity, she too could offer something back to the profession. So with great trepidation she gave up her successful cleaning business and immersed herself into becoming a real estate professional. She passed her real estate courses and boards, and then signed on with Real Estate III. Will she be successful? There is no doubt. She brings to her new profession the same tenacity, drive, ambition, and undaunted willingness to do what it takes to succeed. Hang on Charlottesville, the Russian Dynamo has arrived.

Elena Harris, 434-817-5881 elena@elenaharris.com www.elenaharris.com