Photos Provided
John L. Scott Owner, LauraLee Zuber, center.
— Cynthia Mudge —
For the C-C Chamber of Commerce
John L. Scott Real Estate traces its roots back to 1972, when it was established as Zuber and Gibson Real Estate Inc. Now in its 54th year of serving the community, the business remains a strong example of local, family-owned success.
LauraLee Zuber carried on her father’s legacy after his passing in 2006, stepping into leadership just ahead of the real estate market downturn that followed. Today, the office operates as an independently owned franchise of John L. Scott Real Estate and is going strong.
LauraLee began her career in the family business as the Administrative Assisatant and doing Property Management. “We had 38 rentals at the time,” she said. “Today we have roughly 200, yet we are still small enough to maintain great personal service and great rapport with both tenants and owners.”
She earned her real estate license in 2004—despite initially being determined not to become an agent. LauraLee attended Centralia College and later studied criminal justice at Shoreline Community College. Her professional background is diverse, including time with the Centralia police department and 20 years waitressing/bartending at Country Cousins, a role she continued for a short time even after taking over the business. Found that the Real Estate Industry was her calling.
“Our success comes from our Brokers,” Zuber said. “We have 22 agents, and they are like my family—we all help each other.” She added that the training provided through John L. Scott equips agents to be successful, with the tools they need to effectively guide their clients to naviagte the most important decision in their lives weather it be Buying or Selling.
The next generation is already stepping in, with her son, Mason, now part of the family business—continuing its long-standing tradition of family leadership.
LauraLee also carries forward her father’s deep commitment to the community. Following his passing, she became a board member at Pope’s Place, her father was set to board President the year of his passing. LauraLee stepped in as Presidant the following year. She continues to support the organization along with other community initiatives, including fundraising for Dollars for Scholars, Gives a Scholarship each year in memory of her Father. LauraLee also establish the popular Trunk or Treat tradition, which only paused briefly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reflecting on her career, LauraLee credits her success and fulfillment to a simple philosophy: “I do what I Love, so that means, I don’t have to work a day in my life”
