Remarkable Resident: Cor Jesu Alum Energetic in Real Estate

Joan Curbow prefers a pun of the famous phrase "Curb Appeal" in her real estate work. The Keller-Williams Realtor uses "Curbow Appeal."

Although she is succesful, it wouldn't have taken much for her to lead a very different life, one spent as a sports journalist.

Curbow grew up near Grant's Farm and went to , an all-girls Catholic high school in Affton.

She went on to the University of Missouri in St. Louis and received a certificate in broadcasting from The Broadcast Center. She built on this experience with an internship in KMOX Radio's sports department.

Her career seemed headed down this path, but it wasn't in her career.

"She still loves sports and likes going to Cardinal, Rams and Mizzou football games," said one of her sisters, Judy Tabash. "When she was young she was involved in soccer for an Anheuser-Busch select team. She was really good."

Curbow ultimately turned towards business, though, and spent 15 years in "Corporate America."

"I decided to leave that world and pursue my own business and get into real estate," she said.

Curbow is the way she is, Tabash thinks, because of Cor Jesu's early teachings. Those lessons encouraged students to do the best they could, use God-given talents to become all they can be and help others. 

"The nuns taught us the importance of spirit, love, and giving to others," Curbow's sister said. "We developed close friendships, and those relationships that Joan forged have come to light now that she’s in real estate and gets many referrals from alumni."

Curbow got into real estate because of her husband's aunt and uncle in Springfield, MO, whose success in the business she admired. Tabash said this new profession is a good fit for Curbow.

"It gave Joan a chance to be her own boss, make her own decisions, and use her time as she pleases," she said. "She likes the concept of helping others find the best place to live and make their home for their families, and likes seeing people happy at the end."

"I never imagined helping buyers and sellers would provide so much personal satisfaction," Curbow said. "It truly changes people’s lives in more ways than I ever imagined."

Even though she strayed from journalism, Curbow still produces a newsletter, does freelance real-estate writing and has co-authored a book.

"She is motivated, loyal and very giving in both her personal and business lives," Tabash said.