C ourageous M om — J an L ynch
the workplace. Not only in positions that were tradition-
ally female, but also in jobs generally held only by men.
I learned the difference between managing and leading,”
says Jan.
Although the family of five made ends meet on a
meager income, they decided living in Aledo, with its
small-town community feel, would offer the best opportu-
nities for their children.
“We lived in a one-bedroom, one-bathroom house
until we could afford something a little larger. And, our
fourth child was born.”
Jan continued what would be a lifelong passion —
working and developing new skills. She took a job at the
Aledo post office from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., then continued
the rest of the day working side-by-side with Roy in their
budding real estate office.
“Roy kept his job remodeling HUD homes, but it
was still a struggle to feed and clothe four children and
ourselves. I brought my sewing machine to the office and
sewed dresses for my girls during slow times. We even
sub-leased half our office to a veterinarian to help pay the
rent.”
She laughed and added, “There was many a day when
we passed the time playing 42 or horseshoes until a sick
animal or buyer or seller came in the door.”
( continued )
“With many hours of previewing houses, showing
houses, and helping people make what is often the most
important investment of their lives, we built Century 21
Lynch Real Estate. We have been and continue to be
named among the Top 10 Century 21 agencies in Texas.
Plus, working in real estate and the flexible hours gave
me the freedom to be there for my children and family.”
Jan and Roy Lynch’s romance and business partner-
ship flourished for nearly 50 years. In 2012, Jan and Roy
were at home when he suffered a massive heart attack
and died.
“It was one of the hardest days of my life. He was a
wonderful husband and father,” says Jan.
With 40 agents and a dynamic real estate business to
run, in her grief Jan turned to the solace offered by her
four children: Tony Aaron, Lisa Smith, Stacy Lynch and
Sammie Mitchell.
Working together through this dark time, the business
was maintained and continued to grow.
“This year I sold this ‘woman-owned business’ to
my daughter, Stacy. She is training my granddaughter to
follow in our footsteps. As a mother, seeing my children
follow in my footsteps is an achievement I feel honored
to see in my lifetime,” Jan said.
C ourageous M oms
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