We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Lee recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ashley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the early days of establishing your own firm. What can you share?

My husband Kenton and I met when we were just 16 years old. Both of us shared a passion for real estate, which led us to pursue our dreams academically and professionally. We went to college at UCR and Cal State University of Dominguez Hills, where we both minored in real estate. Even as students, we envisioned one day owning our own real estate firm, a shared ambition that kept us motivated.

After graduation, we embarked on our separate professional journeys. I spent a decade working in commercial real estate as a marketing specialist for Stan Johnson Company, while Kenton gained valuable experience working with Keller Williams and a financial advisement company, ICM. These roles gave us critical industry insights, refined our skills, and built our professional networks.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, it presented a turning point in our lives. The uncertainty and rapid changes in the market made us reconsider our long-term goals. I decided to leave my job of ten years and fully commit to building our own company, which we named Kash Elite Group.

Starting Kash Elite Group was both exciting and challenging. One of the main hurdles we faced was navigating an ever-changing market due to the pandemic. Real estate trends were shifting rapidly, and we had to adapt quickly. We invested time in understanding the new dynamics, leveraging digital tools, and maintaining close communication with clients.

We also saw this as a perfect time to pull the trigger on the investment side. Travel restrictions and closures led to panic selling by some investors who were lowering their prices to offload properties quickly. This presented unique opportunities to acquire high-quality assets at reduced costs, allowing us to build a stronger portfolio while preparing for the market’s eventual recovery. Seizing these opportunities required calculated risks, but it positioned us for long-term success.

When it comes to building a team in real estate, the right partners can make all the difference. On the investment side, having a knowledgeable and trustworthy realtor is essential. They can help you uncover great deals and analyze numbers to ensure the investment aligns with your goals. Additionally, securing a lender and having your finances in order is critical. Being pre-approved and ready to act is key because in competitive markets, the first and most prepared buyer often wins the bidding game.

On the development side, assembling a team of experts ensures a smooth process from start to finish. A good architect, experienced contractor, knowledgeable real estate agent, and supportive banker form the foundation of a successful project. The realtor evaluates the area and lot to ensure the numbers make sense, the contractor runs the numbers on the build, the architect designs in line with what the realtor identifies as marketable, and the banker assesses the deal’s value to provide funding. A well-coordinated team ensures the project moves efficiently, saving time and money.

Making sure you are financially ready to go and having your finances in order can save significant time and costs. In real estate, time is money, and delays can lead to increased carry costs. Unexpected events during a build can arise, so having a financial plan and safety net for all scenarios is critical to staying on track.

Another important consideration was ensuring we had multiple sources of income and a solid savings cushion when we started our firm. In the real estate world, delays are inevitable, and payment periods can take longer than expected. Having financial stability allowed us to weather these challenges without compromising our operations or growth.

Looking back, there are a few things we might have done differently. Perhaps we could have sought mentorship. However, every challenge taught us resilience and adaptability.

For young professionals considering starting their own firm, here are a few pieces of advice:

Build a Strong Foundation: Gain as much experience as you can in your industry. The knowledge and networks you build will be instrumental when you venture out on your own.

Plan but Stay Flexible: While it’s essential to have a business plan, be prepared to adapt. The market can change unexpectedly, and flexibility can be a significant asset.

Embrace Technology: Digital tools can help streamline your operations and expand your reach. Staying updated with the latest tech trends can give you a competitive edge.

Network Relentlessly: Building relationships is crucial in any business. Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and potential clients who can support and guide you.

Stay Resilient: Challenges will arise, but perseverance and adaptability will help you navigate through them. Learn from every experience and keep moving forward.

Starting your own firm is a rewarding journey filled with learning opportunities. Trust in your vision, stay committed, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. Your hard work and dedication will pay off in the end.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am 36 years old with a lifelong passion for real estate, deeply rooted in my upbringing. My father, a real estate expert and former Vice President at Grubb & Ellis, recently passed away, but his influence on my life and career remains profound. His mentorship and belief in my potential shaped my early understanding of the industry and my aspirations to pursue real estate as a career.

Although I majored in Health Science in college, I minored in real estate, knowing it was my true calling. After graduation, I spent a decade gaining invaluable experience in the real estate sector. This journey eventually led me to co-found Kash Elite Group with my husband. Our firm specializes in providing rental properties within the condo hotel sector and residential housing, operating across Texas, California, Nevada, and Florida, with plans for further expansion.

In addition to our rental properties, we have successfully marketed our services to undertake development projects where we build and sell properties. This expansion into development allows us to create and offer high-quality homes that meet the evolving needs of our clients. We are also actively planning to grow our condo hotel portfolio, aiming to provide more luxurious and accessible accommodations for our clients.

What sets us apart is our dedication to offering high-quality properties and personalized service. We aim to solve our clients’ housing needs by providing comfortable, well-maintained rental options. Our deep industry knowledge, coupled with a commitment to excellence, ensures a seamless experience for our clients.

A unique part of our vision is building a portfolio of rental properties in destinations we love to travel to, including international locations. This goal combines our passion for real estate with our love for exploring the world. By strategically acquiring and managing properties in these destinations, we aspire to generate passive income while creating the freedom to travel and stay in our own properties whenever we wish. This approach not only expands our portfolio but also allows us to turn our personal passions into a sustainable business model that supports our lifestyle dreams.

I am incredibly proud of my transition from a corporate career to entrepreneurship. It was a bold and meaningful decision, inspired by my desire to honor my father’s dreams for me while pursuing my own aspirations. Although leaving a secure job to start my own business was challenging, it has proven to be the most rewarding choice of my life.

At Kash Elite Group, we are passionate about real estate and dedicated to our clients’ satisfaction. We want our clients and followers to know that we are committed to growth, innovation, and delivering exceptional service. Our journey is a testament to perseverance and the belief that with hard work and dedication, dreams can become reality.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Our reputation within the market has been built on a foundation of professionalism, reliability, and collaboration. My husband and I pride ourselves on being approachable and easy to work with, which fosters an environment where ideas are welcomed and valued. We believe in the power of teamwork, and when good ideas are presented, we are more than willing to adopt them to drive success.

Timeliness and efficiency are key aspects of our operations; we ensure that all tasks and payments are handled promptly, maintaining a high level of trust and dependability. Additionally, we prioritize building lasting relationships with contractors, architects, sales agents, brokers, and bankers. By consistently working with the same trusted partners, we cultivate strong, long-term partnerships that contribute to our ongoing success.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

These are the principles I’ve embraced in my own work life, having worked alongside my husband without a formal team, and they reflect what I believe to be true after spending 10 years in corporate America. Managing a team, even if it’s just the two of us, and maintaining high morale requires clear communication, genuine recognition, and fostering a positive work environment.

– Clear Communication: Ensure that both of us are aligned on roles, responsibilities, and goals. Regular updates and open lines of communication prevent misunderstandings and keep us both on track.

– Recognize and Reward Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate both individual and joint accomplishments. Recognizing hard work keeps motivation high and reinforces a sense of pride in the work we do.

– Encourage Professional Growth: We make sure we are continuously learning and improving, not only to grow our business but also to keep the work dynamic and fulfilling.

– Foster a Positive Work Culture: By creating an environment where we feel respected, valued, and comfortable sharing ideas, we can work collaboratively and productively.

– Lead by Example: As we are both equally invested in the success of the business, we ensure that our actions and attitudes set the tone for the work we do and the culture we aim to maintain.

– Provide Support and Resources: We ensure we have the tools, resources, and support to succeed, whether it’s through researching solutions or seeking expert advice when needed.

– Maintain Work-Life Balance: As we work closely together, it’s essential to respect each other’s boundaries and promote a healthy work-life balance to maintain long-term productivity and satisfaction.

These strategies have been integral to keeping our work environment positive and our business successful, even as we grow and evolve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mylittleangelsco.com
• Instagram: @curl_lee
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingLavishLee
• Other: I own a little girls luxury dress line as well. The website to purchase is https://mylittleangelsco.com