2021 REALTOR of the Year... Say What?
Kayla Pierson | REALTOR®
Clarksville Association of REALTORS®:
2021 Realtor of the Year
2021 was a CRAZY whirlwind of emotions. I held various leadership positions and graduated from the TN REALTORS® A.R.E.A Leadership Course (after months of delays because of the pandemic).
I assisted over 50 home buyers & sellers, all while completing the Brokers Course and receiving the Brokers license. I made it through COVID (14 days of a sickness I never want to encounter again), and I attended my first YPN Advance in Chicago. Mentoring over 10 new REALTORS® and teaching over 100 hours of coursework, I learned how to be a great multitasker.
To round out the year, I ran for the opportunity to be the Clarksville Association of REALTORS® 2022 President Elect. Although I was not elected, I did receive an appointment to be the 2022 Young Professional Network Vice Chair for the TN REALTORS®, as well as serve on the state level Professional Standards Committee.
WHERE IT ALL STARTED
Decorating gingerbread houses with Tristan at the end of the holiday party.
In 2015, when I lost my job working as a Resident Services Specialist for Campbell Crossing on Fort Campbell, KY, I thought my life was over. I still remember sitting on the parking lot floor that cold February day bawling because this life in military housing was all I had known since I was 19 years old. When the tears dried and I was able to gather my thoughts, I went to the real estate school and sat to discuss options.
National Night Out Celebration with Campbell Crossing Military Housing
You see, at the time, my spouse and I didn’t have a dollar to our name in our checking account. He recently ended his military career and was attending classes at the local university earning a degree. We were living paycheck to paycheck, and barely at that. I was the only income outside of his housing allowance we received from the GI Bill while he was in class full time (he was considered “full time” 32 /52 weeks). This covered the mortgage and utilities, but not every month.
I remember saying to myself, “where the heck am I going to find $2,500 to complete the real estate school requirements and licensing fees".
I was determine and went back to the drawing board because my two children and husband depended on me. I borrowed $500 from our emergency savings account and promised my spouse to pay it all back. I completed the licensing course in 4 weeks and passed the exam on my first try. I was elated! But then I realized that was just the beginning. I needed to come up with another $2,000 to complete finger printing, E&O Insurance, membership dues for the local, state, and national associations, and key card access to open the lockboxes. This didn’t even include a computer, office supplies, and whatever else I might need to operate as a real estate agent.
I took a full time position working for a local apartment complex as a Leasing Agent. This helped supplement our bills so we had a steady paycheck every other week. I showed houses on my lunch break and spent my days off showing houses back to back, just to make ends meet. I didn’t give up, and I fought for the future I wanted and could see. I just need to hold on a little longer. Ninety days into this new career, I let my wings out and left my comfortable nest. I flew towards real estate full time and soared to new heights.
THE BLOOD, SWEAT, & TEARS
For the past 6 years I worked hard to set the right pace for my passion to provide excellence for others. Real Estate opened so many opportunities for me and I am blessed for all of the mentorship and guidance I have received along the way.
I did end up paying back the $2,500 to our savings account, and then some, within months of being licensed. It wasn’t easy, and I worked hard to earn every commission check. Hours were spent not just on my clients, but also serving on various committees. Why? Because I knew that the work put in now, would bring a reward at the end. That reward for me has been financial security for my family. Through my affiliate partnerships I was able to create a healthy lifestyle where my spouse was able to not only receive his Bachelors, but also his Masters Degree.
Presenting the National Association of REALTORS® Young Professionals Network - Network of the Year Award -Kayla P., YPN Chair & Shelly L., YPN Vice-Chair
I have received many opportunities to lead and guide, which has shaped me to the person I am today. Every opportunity opened another door for growth and development. I will say that there was a ton of blood (yes, real blood), from moving furniture for clients who’s spouses were deployed overseas. Buckets of sweat poured from hours spent prepping for charity & networking events, showing houses, and checking on new construction. Let’s not discount the amount of tears that flowed in 2021 though.
With the uncertainty of what the COVID-19 virus would do to the population and real estate industry, anxiety certainly got the best of me. Right as the year kicked off, I was very sick with the virus and for several days I was not sure if I would survive. As my heart raced, my head pounded, and my fever reached new peaks, I remember closing my eyes and telling my spouse and sister where my passwords were so they could access my clients information should I not wake up from the endless slumber from the sickness.
UNDER EXTREME PRESSURE
This was only a piece of the pressure the year pressed on me and many of my peers. The raging market in Montgomery County, Tennessee placed undoubtably the most intense situations we have experienced in a long time. From homes selling within hours, people fighting to get in the doors, upwards of 50 offers one one property at a time, lack of inventory, home prices jumping in value every week, new construction materials being delayed or unavailable, and clients expecting something that could not be provided at that time because it no longer existed. Expectations were high, and delivery to meet them placed a large amount of pressure to not disappoint.
As my peers and I worked hard to keep everything in check, we learned that sometimes there are things we cannot control, but we have to adapt to the world around us; And that we did!
It has been an honor to be a part of the real estate industry in Middle Tennessee. Without the opportunities and mentorship I received throughout the years, I would not be the agent I am today. Each committee, leadership academy, task force groups, coaching sessions, and everything in between has been my greatest pleasure. I am forever thankful for every opportunity, and I look forward to seeing the others step up and become the next REALTOR of the Year.
🙏 THANK YOU IS NOT ENOUGH
Deb Haines-Kulick, thank you for guiding me through this journey and for dealing with all my recommendations for updates, merges, and everything in between.
Charles Pecka, your leadership inspired me to shoot for the moon and work harder for the cause.
Kayla Goad-Levan, your guidance empowered me to be confident in my choices. I appreciate your late night conversations and one-on-one chit-chats. These helped me stay focused on the big picture.
Tiffany Klusacek, your mentorship during our time together at BHHS shaped me when I was a tiny tot. Your friendship kept my hopes high and I love that you always gave it to me straight.
Bradley Jackson & Todd Harvey, I don't even have words to express what your leadership means to me. Thank you for putting up with all my "ideas" over the past 18 months.
Richard Smith, I appreciate you for listening to me ugly cry, and being a no-bullshit friend. You've allowed me to reach for the stars all while helping you with Smith Custom. You're my ride or die and I am thankful you have been understanding this past year (well and really the past 6 years lol).
J.r. Miller, you have been an amazing partner this past year. I thank you for trusting me with your next chapter as a Builder and for always pushing me to keep thinking outside the box.
To my team, Kelsey, Shelby, Mandy, and best friends Janine, Amber, and Rease, you all are the reason I survived the last year. You kept me motivated, helped me focused, and allowed me to bounce ideas and situations off of you. I love you all and I can't wait to see you continue to shine too.
Cheers to everyone who helped make me who I am!
This REALTOR OF THE YEAR award goes to all of you!
✌️ KP