April Johnson, broker/owner, Realtor for Rooted Real Estate
Johnson shared her career insights with In Business Madison this month.
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of your job?
Every client has unique reasons for buying or selling real estate, often driven by major life changes. I enjoy helping people navigate these transitions. Getting to know how they live day-to-day motivates me to help them find a great home to fit their needs. It’s fascinating and fun to see the different ways people live.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
Launching my own independent brokerage, Rooted Real Estate, in 2025 after 14 years in the real estate industry. It marked a major professional milestone and a deeply personal achievement. Becoming a local, independent broker has given me the freedom to better serve my clients with a more personalized approach, while staying true to the values and integrity that have always guided my work.
What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
I think most of us have trouble figuring out “what we want to be when we grow up.” Maybe the advice I would give is… don’t grow up! Kidding… sort of… But what I mean is — keep having fun, find your passion, stay curious, open-minded and continue learning. Travel, explore, experience things, learn more about yourself and don’t be too hard on yourself, either. Life is a journey of evolution.
What would you say are the best things about Dane County?
The climate — we truly get to experience all four seasons, each with its own unique beauty. I also enjoy the abundance of locally grown produce and the vibrant farmers’ markets. The lakes are a huge part of what makes this area special. I love spending time on or near the water.
Dane County also has an incredible food scene with so many great restaurants. The sense of community here is strong; people are genuinely friendly, and local services are excellent. Our parks are a real highlight, too. Some of my favorites include Prairie Moraine Dog Park, the Ice Age Trail and Olin Park. And I have to give a shout-out to the ever-expanding network of bike paths — keep them coming!
Do you have any secret talents people would be surprised to discover?
While it’s no secret that I’m a huge dog lover, what might surprise people is I’ve been a Dane County Humane Society volunteer for over 18 years. Through that, I’ve developed a solid understanding of dog behavior and training. While I may not be able to “fix” your dog, I’m happy to offer insight, plenty of encouragement and of course, treats!
