By Kate Merrihew – Director of Education and Marketing
I first heard this Team Member’s name associated with the question “How does he do so many every month?” His name was linked to dropped jaws and disbelief at the number of appraisals that he could turn around in a week. One would think that this appraiser was a shut-in or lacked an ability to savor a work-life balance but that is not true.
Most days you can find Drady Hendley III sitting on his front porch, enjoying the view and listening to the birds before he starts his work. He lives on a lake in Duluth and does a lot of fishing and kayaking as well. He was born in Duluth, one of 3 boys, and has lived there his whole life. While at Duluth High School, Drady had a part-time job at an aquarium store and played tuba in the marching band. He attended Georgia Southern University and got his degree in Criminal Justice. During college he volunteered a lot. One specific volunteer job was driving the safe rides shuttle, which he described as “entertaining.”
After college he worked in law enforcement as a State Probation Officer. One of Drady’s brothers works for Supreme Lending and mentioned the idea of appraising. He was looking for an opportunity that was a little more flexible and lucrative, so he entered the magical world of D.S. Murphy. He has been with the company for 6+ years (7 in October) and continues to be one of the top grossing appraisers – though he will let Jeremy and Stuart duke it out.
A recent bird-enthusiast, Drady commented that during the interview the common grackles were invading his yard. I could hear them in the background. He described them as similar to crows with yellow eyes. When not bird-watching, Drady enjoys cooking (at this time of year in particular, grilling) and enjoying the outdoors. He has 4 adorable nieces and nephews and spends much of his time with friends and family.
“I feel like I’m on a first date,” he disclosed. I kept prying for more in-depth information. When asked about his favorite book, he responded, “I don’t really have a favorite anything. I’m not one to be able to pick a favorite, but I just read Kite Runner and it was good.” I asked him what the secret was behind doing so many appraisals. Drady explained that his “method” was all about utilizing technology, an assistance and loading himself with more than he can handle. He remarked that “If I take more than I can handle, I always handle it.”
I asked Drady the following questions…
Q: What made you want to be an appraiser?
A: My brother is a loan officer at Supreme Lending and he said “you should become an appraiser so I have someone to talk to.” I met with Curtis and drove up and rode around with him for a day. Working from home and making my own schedule was a big draw. Working in law enforcement was fun but back then but making $33,000 a year wasn’t sustainable.
Q: What would you like to do when you are no longer appraising?
A: Probably a lot of road-tripping. I like to travel but I like driving. I really enjoy those kinds of trips. I’ll get me a little van and have no destination – just go.
Q: What the weirdest thing you have come across when inspecting/appraising?
A: One time when I was working with John, he got to the vacant house before me and hid in the basement. I had no idea he was there. When I was walking around the left side of the house to measure he popped out screaming and scared the heck out of me.
Q: Something no one knows about you?
A: In high school I took flying lessons. I wanted to be a pilot but my vision kept me from being able to do that.
Q: What words of wisdom can you share with the team?
A: Life is short. Don’t take anything too seriously. Sometimes I see people not having enough of a work-life balance and I think they will look back and regret that. From a work standpoint, my wisdom would be – budget and save. Now that we are getting back to “normal, it’s harder if you haven’t.