Melissa Harris

People-focused professional with 23+ years of experience in customer service, hospitality, retail, and client-facing roles, including 12+ years as an entrepreneur and real estate professional. Brings a diverse background in retail sales, hospitality management, business ownership, real estate, property development, and project coordination. Recognized for strong interpersonal skills, relationship building, organization, communication, and the ability to make people feel supported and well cared for.

Thrives in fast-paced environments and brings a dependable, service-oriented approach to every role.

Real Estate Broker | Business Owner at TheAgency Seattle | Melissa Harris Real Estate (2014-01 – Present)

• Manage administrative and operational responsibilities for an independent real estate business, including scheduling, email, client records, contracts, transaction files, vendor coordination, marketing logistics, and deadline tracking.
• Communicate with buyers, sellers, builders, lenders, attorneys, title and escrow professionals, inspectors, contractors, and other stakeholders while keeping complex transactions organized and moving forward.
• Prepare, review, organize, and track agreements, disclosures, financial documents, property information, reports, and other time-sensitive materials with a strong focus on accuracy and confidentiality.
• Built a successful business with $134M+ in career Washington real estate sales and extensive experience with new construction, builders, developers, and property-related projects.

Owner | Property Investor & Developer at HG Development NW, LLC (2024-01 – Present)

• Coordinate residential investment and development projects from acquisition, to feasibility, planning, permitting, construction, inspections, sales, leasing, etc.
• Work with architects, consultants, surveyors, contractors, lenders, title/escrow professionals, and government agencies to organize plans, documentation, schedules, decisions, and follow-up.
• Track budgets, invoices, proposals, milestones, permit-related items, inspections, bids, scopes, construction decisions, and outstanding action items.

Barista | Café Manager | Business Consultant at Seattle Specialty Coffee Industry (2006-01 – 2014-12)

• Progressed through customer-service, management, and consulting roles in fast-paced environments, developing communication, staff leadership, organization, training, and problem-solving skills.
• Managed competing priorities under pressure while maintaining a customer-first approach and strong team relationships.

Cashier | Retail Sales at Windmill Gardens (2003-01 – 2011-12)

Provided friendly, hands-on customer service through cashiering, retail sales, product assistance, and day-to-day support throughout the nursery and greenhouse areas. Restocked and organized plants and merchandise, tended to plant displays, and helped maintain a welcoming, well-kept retail environment during busy seasonal periods.

Short-term Rental Property Host at Self-Employed

Hosted and managed a short-term rental property, providing responsive guest communication, coordinating cleaning and property maintenance, resolving issues, and creating a positive and well-managed guest experience.

Associate of Arts – Green River College (2022-01)

French – Eastern Washington University (2004-01 – 2005-12)

High School Diploma – Sumner High School (2004-01)