Ray Uttenhove, EVP, SRS Real Estate Partners
Ray doesn't take “no” for an answer. If she did, she'd probably still be a teacher. When she moved to Dallas to teach, she became enthralled at all the development taking place and wanted to join the fray. “I interviewed with all the major firms, and they laughed at the prospect of hiring me as my experience was as a school teacher,” Ray tells us. Soon she found her door opener: Hoyt Matise Corp prez Dick Matise, who gave her the chance to prove herself in the biz. Biggest accomplishment: Assembling the SRS team here in Atlanta. Advice: "Always be a team player, be persistent, and don't take 'no' for an answer." Personal: Ray, who volunteers with organizations to help young women break out of poverty.