Before launching her real estate career in February 2021, Brittany Mikes spent five years in recreational therapy, a field of medicine that helps people with injuries, illnesses, and disabilities get back to doing the things they love most in life. Inspired by her father’s battle with Parkinson’s disease, Brittany was committed to helping others live with joy and fulfillment.

“I loved getting to know my patients and finding out ways to help them do the things that bring them enjoyment,” Brittany reflects. “I loved what I did because I helped people live their best life confidently and enjoyably.”

Brittany ascended in her healthcare career quickly, moving from an assistant to a memory care coordinator to a quality of life director. Her work brought her to Savannah, which slowly became home, and allowed her to experience great fulfillment. But when COVID-19 upended the healthcare sector in early 2020, her day-to-day shifted dramatically. 

Brittany stuck with recreational therapy through the first year-plus of the pandemic, but eventually, the stress of her new role began to take a roll. She was no longer seeing patients, building relationships, and doing what she loved; most of her efforts were going into managing the COVID crisis.

“It was very difficult and emotionally draining for us and the family members,” Brittany reflects. “That pushed me to look at something new, but I still wanted to do something that embodied what I loved about my work in recreational therapy.”

Brittany’s partner (now fiance) worked in construction and interfaced with the real estate community. He suggested she consider entering the business and passed along Teresa Cowart’s information. Brittany met with Teresa and felt sold on the opportunity to transition into real estate. She officially joined the Teresa Cowart Team at RE/MAX Accent in early 2021.

Two years later, Brittany is more fulfilled than she’s ever been at work.

“It’s everything I thought it would be and more. I get that fulfillment I had in health care — helping people feel confident and enjoy their lives. Building connections with people is what I love. That's what I focus on.”

Brittany has been able to effectively leverage the skills she learned as a recreational therapist for the benefit of her clients. She’s able to dig deep, discover what clients want, and then find a home that meets that desire. 

The results have been impressive, too. Brittany closed 41 transactions for $13.8 million in 2021, followed by 55 transactions for $18.7 million in 2022.

“The team has been huge, but a lot of it is the skills I learned through recreational therapy that allows me to build relationships with clients… I have the skills to dig deep and build those connections,” Brittany says.

Outside work, you’ll find Brittany hanging out with her fiance, John Curtis, and two dogs, Ruger and Lady. Over the past eight years, Savannah has truly become home.

“I love being here in Savannah. I love learning more about every aspect of the city. And I love learning every aspect of real estate,” Brittany beams. “I want people to know that I’m a really easy-going, kind, fun-loving person that wants to sit and have a cup of coffee and get to know you. I love to know people's stories and connect.”

***PULL SECTION***

Fun fact

“When I lived downtown, I lived with a ghost,” Brittany laughs. “I lived right off Chatham Square in a two-story townhome. Yes, we had a ghost, and I named her Elizabeth. She would hang at the top of the stairs, and I’d always see her out of the corner of my eye. Different things would happen. For example, she never liked any of the doors to be closed all the way. I don't know if I liked it, but I got used to it. It was a fun thing to lean into.”