by Sr. Staff Writer & Graphic Designer, Melanie Robitaille
When the going gets tough, the tough get back to basics in real estate, making it the perfect time to create a group dedicated to upping their game in the business. But when two of EXIT’s most charismatic personalities partner together to accomplish this, it’s bound to get interesting.
Ken Patterson first met Kelly Sitter in 2020 after joining the now EXIT Realty Community office in Sarnia, which has since expanded to Komoka, Ontario. He took on the role of office manager, where Kelly had already been working as an agent since 2013. Enduring COVID times which forced online Zoom meetings, Kelly and Ken decided to continue the format in 2024, creating an inclusive community that meets regularly to share and learn, or “laugh and learn” as Ken explained, likening the sessions to “infotainment.” Kelly was glad to see people embracing the format thanks to the fun and is loving the response saying, “When you really want something but don’t do it, it’s because of one of two reasons: you’re either too scared or you just can’t see the path clearly. I’ve learned that we’re developing techniques and training that moves agents out of fear and confusion and into action, and I believe it’s because we help people see that they’re capable of everything they want. The greatest feedback we get is, ‘You two make me feel like I can do this!’”
Kelly brings her knowledge as a successful agent, being recognized as one of EXIT’s Top 100 in North America in 2023, with her incredible referral-based business, while Ken comes from the coaching side with extensive experience in the online lead world. Together, they tackle authentic, relevant topics, putting their entertaining spin on them, however since starting this journey Ken has noticed some disparaging trends. He’s noted a lack of what he believes are common basic, fundamentals that all real estate professionals should be employing for success.
“Using things like scripting, lead generation/prospecting and a CRM we believe are foundational for success, yet most don’t utilize them. We’re not recreating the wheel; we’re sharing our victories and challenges we’ve overcome on the road to building the business and life we want. It’s not a difficult business when you have systems and processes in place to leverage and our hope is we help people put those into place.”
Whether you’re north or south of the border, in or outside of real estate, and no matter whether you’re an owner or agent, Ken and Kelly’s masterminds have something for everyone, and they invite you to bring your potential sponsors too, saying, “Culture is something that many companies talk about. At EXIT we live it. We welcome anyone who wants to join. Our content would help anyone in a sales environment. It’s about providing value to people, period.”
Since starting this initiative, they’ve watched participants take what they’ve learned and create their own, in-office groups for sharing, they have a growing mastermind Facebook group, and referral network. They have big plans to build out a complete training platform that will encompass everything an entrepreneur needs, and so it’s no wonder Ken took home EXIT’s Esprit De Corps award for Canada at the corporation’s recent Convention.
According to Ken, what began as a way to help others grow themselves and in their business, has done so in turn for both of them as well saying, “The opportunity to help others is why we do it. Growth happens when we do something outside of our comfort zone. There’s been many times throughout this that we’ve ventured well outside of ours and that helps us grow. We want to surround ourselves with those looking for growth. They inspire us to be better every day because people pursuing their passions are inspirational, and a mind once stretched can never return as they say.”
Many of us really do learn something new every day, whether we intend to or not. Why not share some of these experiences and make them fun? Check out our latest edition of the EXIT Achiever, who knows, you just might learn something!
