Today we’d like to introduce you to Maddie Burnside.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story began on May 25th, 1987, when I was born in Southern Ohio Medical Center in Portsmouth, Ohio.
Just kidding. I won’t go THAT far back. However, I am a lifelong resident of Portsmouth, and in 2010, I met my husband of almost 10 years and father to our four daughters. Jeremy was a local attorney from Cleveland who moved to Portsmouth, and I am a real estate broker. We purchase four buildings and started renovations on them… we experienced a lot of setbacks, but we were determined to bring these dilapidated buildings back to life. Unfortunately, the biggest setback of all occurred in 2020 when Jeremy was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. After a hard fight, he passed away in June of 2022.
I was totally devastated and overwhelmed and decided to sell the buildings until my friends convinced me otherwise.
I’m so happy they did because I truly believe the process of creating Oddfellows was a huge part of my healing journey. Not only did I met my future husband during this process, but I’ve carried out my late husband’s dream.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing about the process was easy— I did have fun creating Oddfellows, but to say it was easy would be a total lie. When I would get discouraged or want to give up, I would always receive a sign, which was clearly from Jeremy rooting me along to keep at it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I started selling real estate in 2011 and later received my Ohio broker’s license. Once my husband got sick, I had to put my career on hold to care for him, and while I am still part owner of Rutman Burnside Realty Group, I am not currently selling real estate.
I’m most proud of my family. My daughters are the reason I was able to get out of bed on the worst days and they are the reason I want to contribute to the comeback of Portsmouth. I want my girls to be able to be successful here one day and raise their children here — while giving them a hometown to be proud of… all while carrying out their Daddy’s vision.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Come eat, drink, and play at Oddfellows! And help us get the word out Portsmouth is loaded with fun places to visit and enjoy. I can be reached via email at maddie@rutmanburnside.com or on Facebook or Instagram.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pizzasandpins.com
- Instagram: @oddfellowsportsmouth
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oddfellows.ports?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Carla Bentley Photography
