Meet Inga Harmon | Commercial Real Estate Broker, Contractor, and Serial Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Inga Harmon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Inga, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?

The first half of my real estate career I was constantly grinding day and night. My entire goal was to out work all of my competitors. At the time, I was 1 of the youngest agents in my market. I was up at night sending out listings while others were sleeping. During this time I gained weight because I was constantly commuting in the city of Atlanta and in between Macon and Atlanta almost daily. At that point, I decided to regain the workout regimen that I had my entire life and get back on a 5-day workout schedule. I started back traveling and incorporated a support staff so that I can delegate the tasks that I usually would complete at night. I found yoga and extensive travel to be my balance. I now have a color-coded calendar with yoga times, tennis drills, meditation, and trips. When I attend a yoga class or tennis drill during the day, I am in a meeting. I have meetings with myself where I put my phone on silent and I get back to work when the meeting is over. This was the best decision of my career. Additionally, I travel the world to reclaim my creativity and slow down enough to hear the water walking across the sand. Balance is necessary. Work hard…Play harder

What should our readers know about your business?
Harmon solutions run off assertiveness and determination to ensure that we carry out our organization’s business practices. We value integrity, attention to detail, and fast turnarounds. Our entire team treats every project as a priority. It is our core belief that our purpose is to transform commercial spaces and to assist our clients in increasing employee productivity and excitement in their workspace. We help businesses expand and revamp their facilities. Harmon Solutions is a women-led organization that empowers and encourages women to lead, work, educate, show up, and show out every day. Being in a field that is male-dominated made it more challenging at first to be taken seriously. I was allowed to renovate large locker rooms at Plant Wansley, GA Power. I showed up with my big afro, dress, and heels. I walked the project, I understood the language, and I gave my team a plan. The next day I showed up in jeans and steel-toe boots. We left those locker rooms looking like spa restrooms. Everyone was in awe! I added a soft and unique look to an industrial environment. Our unique perspectives in a male-dominated environment separate the playing field. My motto is #KeepItMovin. My organization not only consists of women, but women from all backgrounds, races, and ethnicities that creates the perfect harmony to get any job done. We strongly believe that diversity utilizes the strengths of each individual and their background to keep this organization afloat and provide “solid solutions.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love great food and amazing live music! When my best friend arrives on Friday we would go get breakfast at Folk Art in downtown Decatur, then head out to Stone Mountain to climb to the top of the mountain and walk back down. Fitness and discovering new landscapes are very important! The next stop after resting is Apt. 4B. This restaurant has amazing food and atmosphere. Personally, my favorite is the peach galette. Typically, we would finish eating in time for Jazz at the High Museum. On the next day, we would start with a jog/walk at Piedmont Park, hit the hills in the park, and a fast stroll on the Beltline. After the workout, we will make some stops for a smoothie at Arden Garden and food from Metro Fresh. Lastly, I have to take her to STK for the impeccable service and great presentation of food and wrap up the weekend at City Winery. There is nothing better than great music and a nice glass of wine.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This is a very interesting question when I look at my life as it relates to trajectories, pivots, and successes. I am fortunate to be raised by two of my greatest mentors. Entrepreneurship and hard work were modeled for me my entire life. Business and ethics were ingrained into the fabric of who I am. One of my reasons for my initial pivot into entrepreneurship and drive to leap over pitfalls and scale any walls placed before me, was my eldest daughter Ameera. I had her during my junior year at Clark Atlanta University. When I became pregnant with her, my only mode of operating was hustling. I immediately became this unstoppable force to provide for her but also to transcend any limitations that people had of women succeeding in business with a child on her hip. Furthermore, I have to contribute my success in commercial real estate to the relationships that I established in the Project REAP program. This program provided seats at tables where many African Americans are not visible. One of the books that helped me navigate this journey of success is “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success”, by Deepak Chopra. I find that when you are spiritually and mentally successful and strong, the ebbs and flows of business are much easier to navigate.

Website: www.harmonsolutions.net

Instagram: @ingakeepitmovin

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/commercialbrokeringaharmon

Twitter: keepitmovin_69

Image Credits
Bee Trofort