With Kate Hoekstra, Broker/Owner – EXIT Integrity Realty
Imagine starting your own real estate brokerage from scratch tomorrow. Is that a bit daunting? I needed daunting. I was like a plant that had outgrown its pot, and I needed a challenge…a big one!
When I first envisioned building my brokerage, I was clear about a few things – I wanted to create an environment where potential could be nurtured, where mentorship was available, and it needed to include a culture of collaboration where we celebrated each other’s achievements.
I also decided some time ago, and it was a mind shift, to treat adversity as my friend. I’ve had my fair share of difficulties, including rebuilding my life from ground up a few times, finding myself unsupported in my past work environment, and the challenge of supporting family members with special needs. A lot of the time it felt like I was going through hard times with all stick and no carrot. What were these frustrations trying to tell me? What was the message? Slow down, stay present, stop trying to force things and truly listen with intention.
This shift in mindset also affected how I looked at the real estate industry. There had to be more, there had to be better. I’ve had a number of people ask why I decided to take on the role that I have, and my answer is simple: I wanted to be in a position to bring empathy, encouragement, a bit of humor, and of course integrity to the industry.
I’ve learned that being able to take action is good; taking effective action – to help yourself and others – is a gamechanger! The importance of injecting goals here cannot be overstated. They’re the compass that guides us through our careers and lives, providing direction and purpose. But goals alone are not enough; they must be paired with the gift of adversity. I say “gift” because, in my experience, adversity has been one of my greatest teachers. Through facing challenges, I’ve discovered my true strengths, refined my vision, and developed the GRIT needed to build something meaningful.
The reality is, GRIT is the differentiator between failure and success. It’s what keeps you taking the next step when you have stumbled time and time again. And when you finally reach the summit, you realize that the mountain gave you exactly what you needed, an opportunity to prove that you can achieve great things. It’s about embracing the journey, as every obstacle is what ultimately led to your growth.
Real estate is an industry brimming with opportunities, but those opportunities mean little without the right support and mindset. I’ve seen many talented individuals struggle, not because they lack ability, but because they lack guidance, support, and belief in their potential. Mindset is the secret weapon. One thing people forget when they hear mindset is that it can be trained! It doesn’t come naturally to most of us, and this is a key skill set that my agents learn, and EXIT Realty teaches. It’s about empowering yourself to navigate the complexities of the real estate industry with confidence and clarity. This industry is hard to navigate alone. Mentorship has played a critical role in my journey. I bring this to my agents, focusing on their long-term growth and business development through a brand that’s foundation is built on a similar concept. I know firsthand how transformative it can be. The collaborative environment that I’ve created through EXIT’s unique, culture-inspired model gives agents hope, replenishes their cup, and provides a roadmap for success.
As seen in Buzz Magazine. Reproduced with permission.
