In this episode of Mind Yo' Business, recorded inside the Ruoff Mortgage Podcast Studio (NMLS #141868) at Morgenstern Books in Bloomington, Andrew sits down with Lori Todd, owner of Choice Realty & Management, to explore the challenges, rewards, and occasional absurdities of building a successful real estate business in Bloomington, Indiana. With nearly 35 years of experience in real estate and more than two decades as a business owner, Lori has seen just about everything. From helping families find their dream homes to managing rental properties, working with investors, and navigating the sometimes complicated world of homeowner's associations, she's built a career around something that sounds simple but rarely is: managing properties and the people who live in them. Lori shares her journey from growing up in Bloomington and entering the real estate industry at a young age to establishing Choice Realty & Management in 2002. Along the way, she discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of building relationships, and how she responded when someone early in her career questioned whether she had what it takes to run her own business. Nearly 25 years later, it's safe to say she has an answer. Andrew and Lori also explore how Bloomington's housing market has evolved over the decades, including the influence of Indiana University, the realities of owning investment properties, and why being a landlord isn't always the passive-income dream people imagine. Lori offers insight into the responsibilities of professional property management, the delicate relationships between property owners and tenants, and what homeowners should understand before purchasing property in an HOA community. Of course, no conversation about property management would be complete without discussing neighborhood politics, unexpected maintenance emergencies, and the occasional homeowner who believes an improperly painted mailbox constitutes a national crisis. Lori explains the realities of working with HOA boards, balancing competing interests, and maintaining professionalism when emotions—and property values—are involved. Beyond real estate, the conversation touches on Lori's industry leadership, community involvement, and her interest in health and life coaching. Her perspective offers a reminder that a home represents more than a financial investment; it's also a place where people build their lives. And because this is Mind Yo' Business, Andrew puts Lori's knowledge and sense of humor to the test with a special edition of the infamous guest quiz: "Do You Know Lori Todd? The Good, the Bad, and the HOA!" From difficult tenants and neighborhood disagreements to the strange realities of homeownership, nothing is off-limits—except, perhaps, naming the neighbors. Whether you're a homeowner, renter, real estate investor, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone who has ever received an HOA violation notice for leaving a trash can outside too long, this episode offers an entertaining look at the business of real estate and the relationships that make it all work. CHOICE REALTY & MANAGEMENT Podcast Studio Sponsor Karan Rastall - Senior Loan Officer, NMLS #763395 Megan Ogden- Senior Mortgage Loan Officer, NMLS 1710589 Podcast Location Sponsor Podcast Sponsor Podcast Sponsor Episode 7-12 Sponsor
