Overcoming Obstacles: From Single Mom to Real Estate Icon | Kelly Zimmerman Episode

by Marguerite Crespillo
In this week’s Real Estate Real World episode, we’re diving into an inspiring journey of resilience, creativity, and community-driven success. It’s a story about starting over, dreaming big, and redefining what’s possible in the world of real estate.

From Struggles to Success

Life doesn’t always hand you the perfect blueprint. Sometimes, it’s about rolling up your sleeves and creating opportunities where none exist. That’s exactly what this week’s guest did.

As a single mom juggling multiple jobs, she turned to creativity and determination to provide for her family. From flipping furniture to paying bills to mastering social media marketing, she found innovative ways to make ends meet. Little did she know, these skills would become the foundation of a thriving real estate career.

Starting From Scratch: A Story of Resilience

Life doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes, it demands a complete restart, and that’s exactly where our guest’s story begins.

As a single mother, she faced countless challenges, including financial instability and navigating life in a new community. With no backup plan, she embraced creativity and grit to make ends meet. From flipping furniture she found on Facebook Marketplace to working as a school janitor, she did whatever it took to support her family.

But she knew she wanted more for herself and her children. Her breakthrough moment came when she asked a neighbor who was in real estate a simple question: “Do you think I could do what you do?” That encouragement set her on a new path—a path filled with hard work, learning, and the determination to succeed.


A Heart-Driven Approach to Real Estate

From day one, she chose to build her business in a way that felt authentic to her. She leveraged her social media skills to connect with her community and market homes in a unique way. People already knew her from her furniture-flipping days, so she built trust by showing up consistently online.

Her business wasn’t just about transactions; it was about people. Whether staging homes with her creative touch or hosting community events like Safe Trick or Treat, her goal was always to give back and create a sense of connection.

And her dedication didn’t go unnoticed. Over the years, she earned numerous awards, including being named Congressional Woman of the Year and achieving Icon status multiple times with her brokerage.


From Real Estate to Dream Projects

While real estate remained her primary focus, her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit led to an exciting new chapter: the Beach Barn.

Located along California’s Lost Coast, this vacation rental was a long-time dream. When she found the property, it was far from turnkey—it was a fixer-upper abandoned for years. But with her vision and her husband’s craftsmanship, they transformed it into a stunning getaway.

They tackled everything: new siding, roofing, landscaping, and even interior design. Today, the Beach Barn isn’t just a vacation rental; it’s a testament to what’s possible when you dream big and work hard.


Lessons from the Journey

This episode is filled with wisdom for anyone striving to build a career or overcome challenges. Here are some key takeaways:

  • Start where you are: You don’t need perfect circumstances to begin; just take the first step.
  • Creativity is a superpower: Whether it’s flipping furniture or marketing homes, find unique ways to stand out.
  • Community over competition: Collaboration builds stronger businesses and fosters deeper connections.
  • Dream big, then act big: Don’t just imagine what’s possible—make a plan and go for it.
  • Stay resilient: Life will throw challenges your way, but your mindset will determine how you move forward.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

Our guest isn’t slowing down. With plans to expand her team, open new offices, and possibly tackle another dream project, she’s proof that there’s always more to achieve when you lead with purpose and passion.

Her story is a powerful reminder that no matter where you start, you have the ability to build something extraordinary.


Ready to Be Inspired? Listen Now!

If you’ve been searching for motivation to take the next step in your real estate journey—or any journey—this episode is exactly what you need. It’s packed with actionable advice, heartfelt stories, and the kind of inspiration that reminds you anything is possible.

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