When Mary Johanson-Cannon was in the Army during Desert Storm, she took a real estate class after duty hours. At the time, her interest in real estate was purely as a hobby. But 10 years later, she decided to earn her California real estate license. “I’ve worn many hats in my career life and this one seems to fit the best. I especially enjoy helping first-time homebuyers. It makes me feel like I’m facilitating the American Dream,” she says. In the last two years, she’s sold more than 25 homes.

Johanson-Cannon’s success is, in part, due to being uniquely situated to help her colleagues in the Air Force Reserves. Although no longer an active-duty servicemember, she keeps in touch with personnel, some of whom use her services. “There is a sense of camaraderie,” she says.

Mary has lived in San Diego for more than 15 years with her daughter and two cats. In her spare time, she enjoys riding a motorcycle, running and studying at night school for a degree in business management.

When not working, Mary can often be found sipping on a cup of coffee, dining or attending a movie in the community to show her support for local businesses. She also participates annually in the Pride parade, where she rides in the first “float” or motorcycle contingent.