Q: What made you want to join the Marine Corps after college?
A: I went to college because it felt like the expected next step, but I wasn’t truly ready for it. Losing a close friend to a drunk driver right after high school graduation left me questioning my path. I found little in my classes that was engaging, though I had a strong desire to pursue broadcast journalism.
The prerequisites, however, felt uninspiring, and my impatience led me to major in extracurriculars rather than academics. A friend who had joined the Army was living in Germany and would send me postcards filled with stories of her adventures. Inspired, I started visiting recruitment offices for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, trying to find the right fit.
One afternoon, as I was leaving the Navy office, I passed by the Marine Corps recruiting office and heard a tap on the window. When I looked back, the Marine recruiter motioned for me to come inside. Within a few hours, I knew I had found my place. I realized I needed the discipline and guidance the Marine Corps would provide. And I also sensed that being a Marine would be something I’d carry proudly for the rest of my life.
Q: How long did you serve?
A: Six and a half years on active duty with an additional year in the reserves.
Q: How did you get the job of hosting a morning radio show?
A: My initial assignment in the Marine Corps was with the 12th Marine Battalion, 1st Marine Division in Okinawa, Japan, where I first encountered Armed Forces Radio and Television (AFRTS). After returning stateside, I applied for a lateral move into Broadcast Journalism, knowing I wanted to pursue that path.
Once accepted, I transferred to Public Affairs and attended Broadcasting School. It was 1990, and later that year, Iraq invaded Kuwait. I deployed to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, to join Armed Forces Radio and Television.
As the only female Marine in country for AFRTS, I was assigned the morning shift—the most listened-to time slot—because most of the field service personnel stationed in Dhahran were Marines. It was an incredible responsibility and an unforgettable experience.
Q: Your nickname “The Desert Fox” is quite a compliment. How did the nickname come to be?
A: Funny enough, it came about during a chow line conversation! I was with some fellow broadcasters, and we overheard a group of service members in front of us talking about me by name. We decided not to reveal my identity and just listened in. One of the young men, trying to imagine what I looked like, jokingly dubbed me “The Desert Fox.”
A few weeks later, that nickname caught on when the overnight broadcaster, who’d been with us that day, began introducing my upcoming show with “The Desert Fox.” It stuck—and I’ve appreciated the unique title ever since!
Q: What is your favorite memory from that time in your life?
A: My role offered me a unique opportunity to connect with service members at all levels, including senior leadership. Being able to facilitate direct communication between leadership and the troops was a privilege that helped me earn their respect.
Over the years, I’ve called on many of those same individuals for advice, mentorship, and guidance. The relationships I formed and the doors they opened have been invaluable.
I’m grateful to still maintain friendships from those days, friendships that bring both pride and joy. The camaraderie we shared was unparalleled, creating bonds that remain a cherished part of my life.
Q: Your career path is a lesson is exploring your passions. After the military, you made the transition from radio to broadcast news at CNN, and then worked in the beauty industry.
A: My career path has been defined by a commitment to following my passions and seizing opportunities that allow me to connect with people and serve them in meaningful ways. After my time in the Marine Corps, where I developed discipline and resilience, I was drawn to radio by my love for storytelling and authentic communication.
This passion naturally led me to CNN, where I had the privilege of bringing important stories to life on a larger stage and connecting with diverse perspectives worldwide.
Transitioning to the beauty industry was another leap, one that allowed me to explore creativity in a new context. This field offered the chance to empower people on a personal level, helping them feel confident and understood.
Each step along the way taught me invaluable lessons—discipline, adaptability, and the importance of service. Ultimately, these varied experiences prepared me for a career in real estate, where I can combine my skills in communication, empathy, and service. I’m passionate about building meaningful relationships with my clients and helping them find homes that truly fit their stories.
Q: How did you decide to make the switch to real estate?
A: My former husband and I spent 25 years buying, selling, building, and remodeling properties. With him as a mortgage loan officer, I had a front-row seat to his work, regardless of my own career path. I loved every part of creating a home from the ground up, and we saw how real estate could generate equity in a way that other investments couldn’t match.
I even found myself house-hunting with family and friends, knowing it could become a career someday. However, at the time, I owned a 25-chair salon and spa that required my full attention. I understood that to succeed in real estate, I’d need to commit wholeheartedly. After selling my salon post-pandemic, I knew the timing was right to turn this passion into a profession.
Q: If they made a movie about your life, who would you want to play you?
A: I’d want someone who could bring authenticity, strength, and a bit of humor to the role—someone like Sandra Bullock or Julia Roberts. Both are grounded and bring a warmth and relatability to their characters. I think either of them could capture the ups and downs of my journey, from the discipline of my time in the Marine Corps to the creative twists in broadcasting and the beauty industry, and now my work in real estate. Plus, they both seem like they’d know how to have fun with the role!
Q: Any thoughts you would like to add?
A: I’m incredibly proud of my service and grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, but none of it came by chance. Everything I’ve achieved has been the result of a lot of hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to doing my best.
I’ve always believed in creating my own opportunities and pushing through challenges to get where I want to go. For me, success has been less about luck and more about showing up, working hard, and staying true to my values.
As part of the Nicholson Baker Team, Elle and her partner Christine, have built a team that is deeply committed to serving their clients and the community in which they live.
Thank you for your service, Elle! We are privileged to have you in the LIV Sotheby’s International Realty family.
