Sometimes, seeing a need — and realizing that you can fill that need — is exactly what it takes to kickstart a new business.
Mor Zucker, 35, was working as a realtor when she heard there was a dearth of content published by realtors. Because of her job, she already knew the pulse and rhythms of the neighborhoods where she was selling property. So why not provide that information to the community?
Zucker wasted no time and decided to fill the gap, founding TheDenverEar.com to provide locals and visitors with information about what to do in Denver. While running that site, she also still works as a realtor with Kentwood Real Estate, raises her two girls with her husband, and can almost definitely beat you at poker.
Let’s start from the beginning. What was your first job after school?
My first job was a waitress at a local cafe.
What prompted you to start The Denver Ear? Have you always had an interest in the publishing world?
I moved to Denver 10 years ago, and after we had two children, I never knew what was happening around town. Neither did any of my friends, for that matter. During my first year of real estate, I attended booj’s real estate tech conference. A speaker named Wil Reynolds had a session about how there is a lack of good and interesting community content online that comes directly from realtors, who are the ones that know the community and neighborhoods better than most. That moment, I realized how much I needed that information just as much as anyone else. The very next day, The Denver Ear was officially founded.
What steps did you take to prepare for your business launch, and how did you know you were ready?
In the first couple of months, it really was just a fun side project. I purchased the domain, I asked two close friends of mine to help me build the website, and my brother and his fiancée to help me design it. From there, I took it day by day. I don’t think anyone is ever really prepared for trying their hand at business. I learned everything on my own: by reading blogs, by asking my peers, and, of course, by making mistakes along the way. Ultimately, I believe if you want to succeed in something, you simply need to really love what you are doing. When you love something and you are passionate about it, you will do everything you can to make it a success.
You’ve had so much success as both a realtor and as an editor for The Denver Ear. Which hat do you like wearing the most?
That’s a tricky question! I love both of my businesses very much, and I am fortunate that they both are very much connected to each other. I know a lot about the neighborhoods that I am selling and buying real estate in due to The Denver Ear, and I know every neighborhood in Denver to write about due to my real estate business. Nowadays, one depends on the other.
You’re clearly a master at multitasking. As a successful realtor, managing editor, and mom of two beautiful girls, how do you manage running your own businesses while also attempting to find balance with family?
First of all, thank you; I do have beautiful girls, and they are also extremely smart and caring human beings, which really is my biggest satisfaction in life. To be honest, it feels like there are never enough hours in the day to accomplish everything I still would like to do. I try my best to prioritize, every day, the most pressing items first. At times, that also means that I have to feel comfortable with taking the day off and spending time with my kids. At times that means that I can’t do that as much as other mothers. I don’t think any woman ever feels like she gets it 100 percent “right.” Even when I was a stay-at-home mom, I often felt like I could do better. The key is to try your best and not let guilt take over. Nobody is perfect, after all.
Has being married to a successful entrepreneur helped shaped the way you do business?
My husband has a lot of influence on my decisions and career. I value his opinion very much, and we share our daily struggles with each other. Sometimes people want to come home and not talk about work, in order to be able to “zone out” from work related issues. I think, though, that deciding to push through those moments and still bring up work at home ensures that you can understand each other better and what you both are going through on a daily basis. We aren’t perfect, but he’s my best friend, and I would never be where I am today without him.
Any secret sauce you want to share with future lady bosses considering making their side-hustle dream their full-time reality?
My firmest belief in business is that you need to have passion and grit, and you need to work hard for your success. I didn’t wake up one morning and have things magically happen for me. I work hard, I put in the hours, I research and learn more everyday. If you want to succeed, push past that moment when you think things aren’t going as well as you would like. When you push past that moment of giving up and don’t give up, magic happens right around the corner.
We absolutely love the way you styled your Body Bark piece. How would you describe your overall style?
My overall style is 100 percent consistent with Body Bark. My favorite look is a black top, usually tucked into skinny jeans, with a belt and heels. If you look through my photos, you might think I keep wearing the same clothes. The truth is, I am the female version of Simon Cowell. I have dozens of tops and jeans that are exactly the same. I like simple clothes that are of quality. That makes me feel both comfortable and sexy.
One thing about you that may surprise people is…
I used to be a professional poker player, and I was hired at a casino to play at their location and paid per hour to play there over other casinos. That’s because I love to chat while I play, so often I get players to stay longer and enjoy their time. The money that I won and lost, though, was my own.
Favorite way to spend the day in Denver…
This one is probably the hardest question to ask me! I have so many perfect ways to spend my days in Denver. If I had to choose, though, I would say a pool or water park day with my family, followed by an outdoor BBQ, dinner with friends, and a really good concert, preferably at Red Rocks!
You all-time favorite lady boss mentor is…
My grandmother, Ruth. I went over to her and my grandfather’s house every day after school nearly my entire life. She is one of the kindest and wisest people I know. We still talk a few times a week and even gossip. She recently celebrated her 90th birthday, and her influence on my life is profound.
Thanks so much to Mor Zucker for sharing her passion and career insight with the Body Bark community! Hopefully you’ve found a bit of inspiration in her story. Tell us about the boss lady risks you’ve been taking, and join us next month for a chat with another #SheShines entrepreneur!
