I had my dream career all figured out—until one unexpected moment changed everything. What came next forced me to start over, rediscover my strengths, and find a new path I never saw coming.

It was 2018 when my life changed forever and kickstarted my journey into real estate—because of a cooking accident. 

Keith and I were camping in our RV. I had a horse-jumping competition the next morning, so we’d decided to sleep at the site. As I started making dinner, I reached for a knife to open the thick plastic wrapping on the chicken when the knife slipped and cut deep into my fingers.

Long story short, I ended up in the ER that night. That accident marked the end of my 23-year career as a veterinary surgeon, and I was devastated. My dream to be a veterinarian started when I was 5. That clarity was a relief to my mom because before that, my goal was to sell peanuts at the circus! As a Peruvian immigrant who somehow provided for us on a secretary’s salary, my mom taught me the value of hard work, and I was determined to make her proud.

My dream was to attend an Ivy League school. I scored perfectly on the SAT and, despite the tough competition, I got into Cornell. After earning my bachelor’s in animal science, I continued veterinary school at the University of Florida. At the same time, I completed an MBA program, simultaneously intrigued by animals and business. 

For 23 blissful years, I was a veterinarian, performing surgeries on animals. It was everything I wanted: calm, focused work that let me come home on time—and ride horses, my soul hobby, 4 to 5 times a week. 

Life went on, and I met my husband, Keith, online. It was my last day on Match.com—I was ready to give up—and his first day on the platform. We hit it off, married eventually, and started investing in rental properties. 

I thought I was all set, cruising toward retirement with a career I loved and a lifestyle I adored. Then came the accident and my hand never fully recovered. I could no longer perform surgeries.

Suddenly, the path I’d followed so confidently all my life vanished beneath me. I had to pivot, and real estate seemed like a natural transition. I already had experience managing our rental properties, and my interest in business never faded. So, I got my real estate license in 2018 and kept working as a vet—though no longer performing surgery.

It turned out to be the right move. Although I was still working with animals, wrestling with angry dogs and staying late at the office wasn't the lifestyle I had envisioned for myself. Meanwhile, my real estate career began to thrive. In my first year—while still working full-time as a vet—I sold 17 houses and was named Rookie of the Year. 

That solid start gave me the confidence to take the leap and eventually become a full-time realtor. Now, I’m one of the top 10 agents in my office, out of more than 100 agents. I’ve also found ways to bring my love for animals into this new chapter. For every home I close, I donate $100 to the Paw Project of North Carolina. I also help with their fundraising events a couple of times a year to support their work.

Keith and I never had kids of our own, but we’re licensed foster parents. We take emergency placements and sometimes bring foster children along for weekend outings. As for the horses—yes, I still jump competitively. We have five horses (including a baby in training), four dogs, a diabetic barn cat, and a parrot. I ride several times a week.

My life looks different than I imagined, but it’s no less full. Real estate gave me a chance to change directions, adapt, and now directly help people (in addition to helping animals). 

Working with animals taught me sensitivity––being able to tune into what isn’t being said—something I bring into my real estate business. I’m deeply empathetic and genuinely invested in my clients' well-being. My goal is to build lasting relationships based on trust and care. I never push anyone into decisions; I listen, support, and advise them toward what’s best for them.

My background as a veterinary surgeon gave me a calm, focused mindset and an eye for detail. I don’t panic under pressure—instead, I analyze, adapt, and look for a solution. This approach extends to contracts, where I carefully revise every tiny detail, ensuring my clients' long-term benefit. I catch what others overlook.

I’m committed to excellence in every part of my work. Whether it’s a million-dollar listing or a starter home, I provide the same high-quality service. That includes hiring professional photographers and videographers––which I pay for––so each property shines. I believe every client deserves that level of attention, regardless of their budget or price point.

 

Sincerely,

 

Lissette L. Cring