Running Marathons, Managing Diabetes, and Making Real Estate Moves: Lindsay Woodruff’s Journey of Grit
In a world where grit often determines success, Lindsay Woodruff is the kind of person who lives it daily. As a marathon runner, type 1 diabetic, and powerhouse real estate broker at Century 21 in Brick, NJ, Lindsay exemplifies what it means to show up, stay resilient, and thrive—even when the path ahead is full of hills.
On a recent episode of Grit Won’t Quit, Lindsay sat down with Tom and co-host Marky Mark to share how she balances health challenges, entrepreneurial pressure, and personal goals without losing her authenticity.
From Diagnosis to Determination: Living with Type 1 Diabetes
Lindsay has lived with type 1 diabetes since she was six years old. Now 33 years into her diagnosis, she manages the condition with a combination of technology, mindfulness, and sheer willpower. “Type 1 diabetics make about 150 more decisions a day than the average person,” she explained, emphasizing how diabetes adds a constant mental load to her already busy life.
With today’s tech, Lindsay can track her blood sugar in real time on her watch—a far cry from the days of finger pricks and bulky meters. But even with these tools, running long-distance races like the Boston Marathon while managing insulin levels is a feat of endurance and planning.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all,” Lindsay shared. “Every run is different. You have to adapt and think on your feet.” That flexibility and readiness to adjust on the fly also apply to how she approaches life—and business.
A Family Legacy, Reimagined
Real estate runs in Lindsay’s blood. Her parents built their office, Century 21 Solid Gold Realty, from the ground up when she was a baby. “I grew up crawling around that office,” she laughed. But she didn’t step into the business immediately.
Originally pursuing a career in arson investigation, Lindsay earned her degree in fire science with a 4.0 GPA. Eventually, though, she was drawn back to the family business, where she saw the opportunity to build something of her own—on her terms.
“I loved the idea of controlling my schedule and crafting the business around my life and values,” she said. That balance of autonomy and community impact is something she’s embraced fully.
Navigating the Real Estate Roller Coaster
Lindsay’s passion for real estate isn’t just about transactions—it’s about people.
“Buying or selling a home is the biggest financial decision of someone’s life,” she said. “It can be full of joy, or triggered by grief or necessity. Being a part of that process is a privilege.”
In today’s crowded marketplace, where flashy marketing and social media noise can drown out true expertise, Lindsay takes a different approach. “You don’t need to be the biggest name or drive a $200,000 car,” she said. “You just need to be genuine and show up for your clients.”
Her advice to newer agents? Invest time. Be trustworthy. And stay consistent. “The flash may get attention, but trust gets results.”
Building a Team That Feels Like Family
As a broker, Lindsay leads a tight-knit team where mentorship and collaboration are key. Her phone is constantly buzzing with texts from agents asking questions, seeking guidance, and leaning on her experience. And she welcomes it.
“I might not always have the answer right away,” she admitted, “but I’ll find it. That’s how we grow—by staying curious and being willing to ask.”
That mindset extends to the support she offers clients as well. From finding a great contractor to understanding how to time a sale, Lindsay’s network and knowledge offer real, lasting value.
Adapting to Change: Rebranding with Confidence
Lindsay is currently in the process of refreshing her company’s look—something that’s both exciting and nerve-wracking. “Change is scary,” she said, “but you can’t grow if you stay in the same place forever.”
Whether it’s adjusting insulin levels mid-race or modernizing her marketing, Lindsay believes in doing the hard things, even when the timing isn’t perfect. “Progress isn’t linear. But every step forward matters.”
What’s Next? Another Marathon—and More
With the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC, on the horizon this October, Lindsay’s not slowing down any time soon. And in the real estate world, she’s focused on delivering exceptional service, mentoring new agents, and bringing her community together one deal at a time.
“There’s no shortcut to success,” she concluded. “It’s about time, trust, and showing up consistently.”
This podcast episode was filmed at Wingman Planning in Belmar.
