We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Francine Kitkowski a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Francine, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

Plain and simple, my parents taught me the value of hard work. Francis Sr. and “Peachy” Hubert were typical Midwestern blue collar workers. Fran was a Jack of all trades, specializing in installing carpeting and flooring. My dad worked into his late 60s before falling victim to cancer at age 73. His hands were rough and callous, the result of often 12- to 14-hour work days. His heart was golden. Peachy has been a house-cleaning specialist since her late teens. To this day, she still has several cleaning jobs. At age 73, she can still run circles around those half her age. Both my parents – by example and through their words – instilled in me a tremendous work ethic. When there was work to do, it got done – no questions asked. Any leisure or down time would come after every job was complete. As a child, my siblings and I always had chores. We didn’t mind. As part of the family, it was our obligation to help out. We never felt entitled. Besides the colossal work ethic, my parents also taught me about respect, honesty, integrity and loyalty. All of these attributes carried into my high school years, into adulthood and into parenthood. It’s one of the reasons I am known in the local real estate market as a honest “straight shooter” who will work tirelessly for my clients. For that I owe my parents.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Francine Kitkowski and I am owner/broker of Assist 2 Sell Buyers & Sellers Real Estate in Marinette, Wis. I got my start in the real estate industry kind of by accident. My husband and I moved back to my home town more than 30 years ago. I was only 23 years old and our first child was under 1 year old. I needed a job and had several possibilities very quickly. I accepted a job as a secretary at a bustling real estate company. Soon I was a manager for four offices. My job was to coordinate those offices, work with the Realtors and keep things running smoothly. It didn’t take me long to realize that I could be an agent. I like the fast pace of the real estate business and how the job is different every day. A few months later I had my real estate license and I began my career as an agent. I worked at a couple of offices and then started my own company. After a few years I ended up selling my business to a nationwide franchise. I worked for them and a couple of other companies over the next few years. In 2019 I wanted a change so I researched the industry and I found Assist 2 Sell, a company based out of Nevada with a unique business model. Assist 2 Sell offers a low, fixed commission so home sellers aren’t paying outrageous commissions and are in fact putting more money into their pockets. The business model really puts the clients first and that appeals to me. At the same time, we are a full-service real estate company that goes above and beyond most traditional companies. I take pride in the fact that my clients are satisfied – both buyers and sellers. I have had countless repeat customers, hundreds of clients referred to me and nearly all of my clients give me great reviews. With more than 30 years in the industry now, I am excited that I was able to find this wonderful business model and I truly enjoy helping people in what is often the biggest purchase or sale of their life.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Experts say that most people who start in the real estate industry need time to get their feet under them. It can be tough to make a decent living. I was more fortunate as I was very successful and was a top producer in the area right from the beginning. I quickly had three offices and business was thriving. That was in the early 1990s and into the next decade. Then, in 2008, the recession hit … and it hard. The real estate market crashed. I ended up selling my business and I lost my home to foreclosure. It was one of the worst times in my life and it was extremely difficult for our family. Through it all, I never left the profession. In fact I persevered. I stayed in real estate and rode out the storm. I rebounded by once again becoming a top agent, In 2019, I started my own company – Assist 2 Sell Buyers and Sellers Real Estate – with offices in both Wisconsin and Michigan. My company is flourishing. I recently purchased a home in a dream location.. A lot has changed since 2008 and I am both stronger and thankful for the lessons I learned in that difficult time.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

After being in the business for more than 25 years, you start to think you really know your competition. What I didn’t know is how much of a threat I really was to them. When I opened my new business in 2019 it was eye-opening. The Assist-2-Sell business model – where sellers are charged a flat fee of $2,995 – has been in existence for many years, but it was completely new to this area. Real estate agents/brokers here, for lack of a better term, are mostly old school. And one of the old school ideas is charging a high percentage to sell their home. When my new office came on the scene, most Realtors in this area saw me as a huge threat and did anything and everything to see that I fail. For example, I am required to have an office in neighboring Michigan, which I am licensed in as well as Wisconsin. I rented space from a small business owner and some real estate companies refused to patronize that business if the small business owner kept renting to me, even though that business owner leased space to another real estate company. The business owner backed down and I was forced to find another office. Also, a couple of brokers/Realtors filed baseless, frivolous complaints against me. They had no merit and were quickly dismissed. Through word of mouth, I heard that many agents were telling their clients untruths about my business. They would say things like, “read the fine print,” “there are hidden costs” or “she will be out of business in a year.” Additionally, the local board was conducting anti-trust meetings on what they could do to ruin my business. Also, some companies refused to show my listings or work withy my company. On numerous occasions I have had to consult with corporate legal counsel to handle matters. Those at the corporate office in Reno, Nevada refer to the brokers/owners in this area as “the real estate mafia.” It is unbelievable the amount of landmines I’ve had to avoid and the roadblocks I’ve had to navigate. Through it all and no matter what is said or done, I have treated my colleagues in the industry with professionalism. Many of my competitors work with me and my company, but there are a handful who remain difficult. Some people fear competition; I thrive on it. My business is a success despite the efforts of some who were determined to see me fail.

Contact Info:

• Website: marinettemenomineehomes.com
• Instagram: assist2sellmarinette
• Facebook: Assist 2 Sell Marinette
• Linkedin: assist2sellmarinette
• Youtube: assist2sellmarinette
• Yelp: assist2sellmarinette
• Other: Rate My Agent, Google,