Since 2006, Carlyn Menser has been a dedicated force in real estate, known not only for her expertise in commercial and residential properties but also for her unwavering love for her community. Founder and co-owner of RE/MAX Connect since January 2023, Menser has built her nearly two-decade career on more than just transactions — she’s known for her human touch and exceptional service.
Fueled by passion and grounded by community, Menser embodies the core values of connection, integrity and service that define RE/MAX Connect. For her, real estate is more than a career — it’s a calling to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Menser’s introduction to real estate began in college while attending Old Dominion University, where she stumbled into the field through her cousin’s job. “When I started working there, I was like a gopher in the office, doing any administrative tasks handed to me. Then I started helping with training and corporate relocation and keeping track of agent sales at weekly meetings. At the time I was preparing myself to own a brokerage and I didn’t even know it yet,” she says with a smile.
Now specializing in both commercial and residential real estate, Menser’s versatility allows her to serve a wide range of clients across Yorktown, Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, Gloucester, Norfolk and Virginia Beach. “The vision was to create a brokerage that focused on creating a culture of collaboration. And we wanted to bring like-minded agents together to value the whole self and understanding that we all have a higher purpose and real estate is how we fulfill that higher purpose. So when we got together, we created a highly valued culture among our staff,” Menser says.
Though being a real estate agent can be joyous, there are hardships, too. Menser recalls a season where multiple clients experienced sudden grief, forcing them to sell their homes for “not some of the best reasons.”
“Walking through those experiences really opened my eyes to how important empathy and emotional intelligence are in our work. Selling a home isn’t just about clients’ largest assets — it’s their safe space, their home and often a deeply emotional transition. That season gave me so much perspective and growth. It taught me to slow down, listen and truly partner with clients, especially when selling wasn’t their choice,” she says.
With so many social media platforms, misconceptions can spread like wildfire — something real estate agents see often. “There’s so much misinformation and noise on social media. Everywhere you look, people are offering advice or presenting false narratives and realities — it’s hard to know what’s true. Everyone’s experiences are different, and unless you’re speaking with a professional who does this work every day, it’s risky to rely on just one source of information,” Menser says. “That’s why we make it a priority to educate our clients, help them tune out the noise and remind them that they have trusted advisors guiding them through every transaction.”
With a well-blended experience and impressive real estate portfolio, Menser has developed a personal approach that sets her apart. “I have been able to learn and grow from working in all aspects of real estate. I have worked with corporate relocation, luxury, commercial, residential real estate. Learning the many aspects of the different types of real estate has given me an advantage to really understand the ‘why’ behind a lot of the processes and reasons people move and the connections I have made through all of that,” Menser says.
When asked how she balances being both a business owner and an active realtor, Menser says, “Teamwork makes the dream work. Three of us own the business, and we each have very specific roles within the organization. We always say, ‘stay in your lane,’ because sticking to our designated roles helps keep everything running smoothly. We’re also incredibly fortunate to have an amazing support staff who truly understand our vision and the importance of being client-focused.”
Outside of real estate, Menser embraces an active lifestyle, balancing her love for reading, fitness and cooking with her talent for hosting lively gatherings that fill her home with laughter, music and good company year-round. “We’re big on spending time with friends,” Menser says. “With a pool in the backyard, there’s always something going on — kickball, wiffle ball or just relaxing together. When it comes to cooking, I love creating paleo and Whole30-inspired meals and finding ways to make everyday recipes a little healthier for everyone around me.”
With heart, experience and dedication, Carlyn Menser continues to redefine what it means to be a real estate professional, reminding clients that at the core of every transaction lies connection, trust and genuine care.
TO THE POINT:
Carlyn Mesner, co-owner, REALTOR® at RE/MAX Connect
Address: 100 Newsome Dr., Ste. E, Yorktown, VA 23692
Phone: 757-525-3639
