Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula Wendelken and Franny Bess
Hi Paula and Franny, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up on the west side of Cleveland, we, Paula Wendelken and Franny Bess, always shared a close bond as sisters and best friends. Over the years, our unique paths and passions have intertwined to create something truly special in the real estate world.
Paula’s journey began with her roots as an artist, designer, metalsmith and founder of Harlow Jewelry Co., where her creativity flourished. Her education from Baldwin Wallace in Studio Art and Marketing paired with her market knowledge and creative flair helps clients to maximize their homes’ selling potential. Now living on 4-acres in Medina with her husband, Mat, (and their pup, Liberty) Paula continues to pursue creativity in real estate, and in many of her endeavors.
Franny’s path has been equally dynamic! She has a foundation in education from Baldwin Wallace and West Virginia University and over a decade of experience with a local real estate development company in downtown Cleveland. Her deep understanding of the home-buying process and her ability to balance her roles as a REALTOR® and a mom to three daughters allow her to truly connect with families navigating big decisions. Franny brings a practical and empathetic approach to finding homes that fit her clients’ lifestyles.
Together as a team in our business, we combine our complementary skills and shared dedication to provide clients with exceptional service. With deep roots in the Cleveland area and a passion for connecting people to their dream homes, we take pride in guiding our clients through one of the most important decisions of their lives. Our mission is simple: to make the process seamless, enjoyable, and successful for every client with whom we get to work. An added bonus is that we really are a lot of fun to work with!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—real estate is anything but predictable! The market can be tough, with constant changes in laws, fluctuating interest rates, and political and economic challenges that impact buyer and seller confidence. But one thing we’ve learned is that resilience and adaptability are key. We pride ourselves on our ability to pivot and stay creative, finding new ways to overcome obstacles and see continued success in our business.
Every single transaction comes with its own set of challenges—whether it’s navigating tricky negotiations, managing timelines, or addressing unforeseen issues that arise during the process. Real estate can be wild, which is why it’s so important to have experts who can navigate those waters with confidence and ease.
The best part? Our clients continually share feedback that we are very trustworthy and that we make the process feel seamless. That’s exactly what we aim for—to make a potentially stressful experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible, so our clients can focus on the excitement of the journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
In our business, we’re not just about transactions; we’re about building relationships based on respect, integrity, and trust. In an industry that can often feel cutthroat, we strive to be different. We approach every conversation—with clients, customers, partners, and colleagues—with a genuine commitment to fairness and doing what’s right. Our paycheck is not our first priority; serving our clients well and honoring our values is what truly drives us.
What sets us apart is rooted in the principle from Colossians 3:23-24: ‘Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.’ This perspective shapes everything we do, reminding us to work with heart, purpose, and dedication, not just for ourselves, but for the people we serve.
Our brand is a reflection of who we are: creative, fun, knowledgeable, resourceful, and dedicated. We’re not only here to guide you through the complexities of buying or selling a home, but to make the experience enjoyable, inspiring, and even exciting. Whether it’s navigating a tricky market, crafting a tailored strategy, or finding innovative ways to showcase your property, we bring energy and expertise to every step of the process.
We want your readers to know that with us, they’re not just getting real estate agents—they’re getting trusted advisors and partners who truly care about their goals and their experience. We truly believe that when you pair expertise with heart, you can achieve incredible results
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
We believe that taking risks is a necessary part of growth, both personally and professionally. In real estate, every decision carries some level of risk—whether it’s advising clients on a competitive market offer, investing in our own business, or pivoting strategies in the face of change. We’ve learned that taking calculated risks, rooted in faith and informed by our knowledge and experience, often leads to the biggest rewards.
One of the major risks we took was deciding to build our brand and business together as sisters. It’s a big leap to mix family and business, especially in an industry as demanding as real estate. But it’s also been one of the most rewarding risks we’ve ever taken. By trusting each other and leaning into our shared values, we’ve created a partnership that not only works but thrives.
We’ve also faced risks that come with adapting to market shifts—like the recent challenges with rising interest rates and unpredictable buyer behavior. Instead of shrinking back, we chose to pivot, stay creative, and continue investing in our clients and business. It’s not always easy, but risk often opens the door to resilience, innovation, and success.
Our perspective on risk is guided by a belief in staying true to our values and serving others with integrity. It’s not about recklessness; it’s about being brave enough to step out in faith, equipped with the knowledge and resources to make the best decisions possible. Real estate has taught us that the ability to embrace risk thoughtfully and confidently is what sets apart those who merely survive from those who truly thrive
Contact Info:
- Website: https://paulawendelken.plumtreerealty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theohioagents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaulaFrannyRealEstate/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/PaulaandFranny
