In today's global climate, we all hope to put something positive into the world and support professionals that do the same. One such entrepreneur is Lauren Crocker, a residential and commercial realtor specializing in selling properties in the Clarksville and surrounding areas.
When not selling the area's finest residential and commercial spaces, she is passionate about horses and equine therapy for children and recently founded Saddled Souls to further her goals in that space.
The licensed broker has been successfully focused on residential real estate since 2016 but shifted into working primarily with commercial properties last year.
Caring Comes Naturally
Crocker, who is also PSA certified, works in a residential and commercial brokerage where she mainly represents the sellers of residential and commercial properties, and her clients find her warm-hearted nature a great plus when working with her.
One of her real estate specializations is in military relocation. She has found great joy in helping military members and their families find new homes and the feeling she gets knowing that she is acting as a small part of their support systems.
"I love the feeling of helping people and feeling like I'm fulfilling my purpose in life. And knowing that I am supporting members of our troops in their big life transitions was very motivational for me," she said.
In fact, the caring realtor continues her success in commercial real estate partly to further her goal of specializing in equine properties that will let her combine her passion for horses with her career in real estate.
From Trauma Comes Success
Crocker has not had an easy time on her rise to the top. She had a turbulent childhood and considers much of her life until the age of 28 as traumatic, experiencing abuse as a child and hardships as a young single mom raising kids on her own.
However, horses and stables were always places where she could find solace, peace, joy, and respite from her troubles. That's why she pursued equine therapy and founded Saddled Souls to provide the same therapeutic escape to other kids.
"We can help our children now so that it benefits them in the future, and hopefully, that future is a little less focused on hate and anger. The children really are our future. We need to help them now," said Crocker.
Five years ago Crocker auditioned for Shark Tank with a unique business plan for her interchangeable horse tack, allowing you to be able to change your tack's decor in 60 seconds without unsaddling your horse, even making it to the second round.
Starting Saddled Souls
Though the idea of her interchangeable horse tack she pitched to Shark Tank didn't ultimately make the show, something good still came from it, and the idea for Saddled Souls was born. So she began the process of opening the non-profit a year ago. Crocker is looking forward to working with children who have Autism, communication difficulties, and sensory disorders. She has even designed a special horse brush to help soothe kids with differing sensory needs, she is currently seeking a manufacturer.
"The smell of the air, the feet on the ground, the fresh soil, it all creates a freeing feeling and a place of peace. Horses are great for anyone," shared the caring real estate professional.
Crocker is in the process of hiring more therapists, taking on clients, and buying a few more horses to add to the charity's first dedicated horse. She explained that there is a bevy of research available on how equine therapy helps children. The way that the horses move when they walk, their size, and their temperament, impact a child differently. But even being outside with these incredible animals is a great experience for many of the children who can't participate in sports like their peers.
"Right now, we are starting out small and finding horses that will benefit different children. For example, kids with cerebral palsy are going to need more narrow and gentle moving horses," she said.
But, at the base of it, equine therapy provides one thing that many of these kids may be lacking: unconditional love and steady ongoing relationships with kind equine souls.
Crocker is forever thankful for how her interactions with horses over the years have enhanced her life and provided much of what was missing in her emotional makeup. "The thing is, horses are going to love you no matter what and give you unconditional love back," explained Crocker.
To learn more about Crocker and support her equine work through using her real estate services, please visit her website.
About Lauren Crocker
Lauren Crocker is an experienced realtor and broker. She specializes in commercial and residential real estate properties in Montgomery County, TN. She is also the founder of Saddled Souls, a non-profit specializing in equine-assisted hippotherapy for children. For more information, please visit SaddledSouls.
