In 2024, Jennifer Neitzel retired from a career in education administration and started a new career in real estate valuation. Today, Jennifer Neitzel is an appraiser with Powell Banz Valuation, LLC, where she provides opinions of value the full spectrum of commercial properties.
In her young career, Mrs. Neitzel has already appraised numerous commercial properties in Oregon. Her responsibilities include conducting commercial property inspections, applying standard appraisal methods, researching deed related documents, and analyzing market data to provide an opinion of value for banks, attorneys, investors, estates, and other clients. Additionally, Mrs. Neitzel’s role in the appraisal profession involves researching sales and rental markets, reviewing deeds, leases, and financial statements, as well as verifying transaction data.
In addition to her role with Powell Banz Valuation, Mrs. Neitzel is a member of the Appraisal Institute. Currently, she serves as the Education Chair for the Appraisal Institute’s Greater Oregon Chapter.
Prior to her work in the appraisal profession, Mrs. Neitzel was a highly successful educator, retiring after 33 years of service in public education with the last 21 years as an elementary principal. Her career in education initially was focused at the 5th and 6th grade levels at Cummings and Morningside Elementary followed by Stephen’s Middle School where she transitioned into administrator roles as a Behavior Specialist and Assistant Principal before becoming the principal at Morningside Elementary and later opening Kalapuya Elementary where she remained for 13 years before retiring in June of 2024.
Mrs. Neitzel’s training and education include a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Oregon State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Portland State University with more recent education and certification leading to licensure as a Certified General Appraiser.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day includes waking up with a purpose, gratitude, and clear priorities; always focusing on the hardest and most important tasks first. I’m generally a positive and enthusiastic person and work to stay positive, keep energy high, and protect time from distractions.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I believe teamwork and collaboration with others helps to bring ideas to life and refines them and creates a sense of ownership among the team because they all contributed to their development.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Practicing gratitude is a trend that both grounds me and propels me, as sharing what you are thankful for not only helps your own personal well-being but also builds stronger relationships. Gratitude focuses you on those things you are thankful for, promotes harmony and contentment, while preventing your mind from falling into the trap of what you don’t have.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Cell phones can be a distraction, and so I put it out of reach when I need to focus and be productive.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t worry about the past because you can’t change it. Don’t stress about the future, as most of what you fear never happens. Be present and enjoy every moment!
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
Every day can be a great day! Especially when you are looking for the greatness!
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
One thing I always do, and recommend everyone do, is focus on the positive. Shifting your attention to the good can change your perspective and make challenges easier to handle.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I’m feeling overwhelmed or scattered, I step away for a bit. Whether it’s playing the piano or going for a jog, it’s a simple way to reset, refocus, and recharge. Also, the practice of creating a list is helpful for bringing order to those times that feel overwhelming.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
As an elementary principal, I focused on being visible and engaged, getting to know students and staff so I could support them in meaningful ways and help them succeed.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
My HP 12C financial calculator.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I purchased a tripod and microphone that allowed me to interview seniors as part of a Senior Sagacity project, capturing the wisdom of people who have lived, learned, and grown over many years.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
My favorite podcast is “A Bit of Optimism!” Each episode focuses on leadership, teamwork, and personal development. I always walk away with a new idea.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I really enjoy the series “Tracker.” Justin Hartley as the character Colter Shaw helps locate missing people and reunites them with their loved ones, which is both heartwarming and inspiring.
Key learnings
- Positivity is essential.
- Gratitude promotes positivity.
- In a world driven by technology, don’t lose site of the importance of meaningful relationships and people.