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

Katie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about how you got your first non-friend, non-family client. Paint the picture for us so we can feel the same excitement you felt on that day.

When I started my business I was new to the area and brand new to Real Estate. I had no sphere or community. At the time it seemed crazy but looking back it was a gift. I started by knocking on doors, cold calling and taking to everyone that would engage with me. I learned from day one to put in the work and stay consistent. Here I am 11 years later and I have a habit of not just working in my business but I also work on my business each day. My first client was a “for sale by owner” home owner, I cold called. I cultivated the relationship and got the listing. I had set myself a goal that I would not allow myself to eat lunch out until I had my first closing. This was a good goal for me because I had this specific salad I loved at Panera and I didn’t allow myself to have it until I had a closing. 45 days later I went to the closing table. On December 27th, 2013 I cashed my first check and drove to Panera bread in Alpharetta. I ordered the apple chicken salad, walked outside into the chilly winter weather and sat eating all by myself, as I celebrated my first closing.

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 work in the Real Estate industry. Prior to this work I was an executive assistant as well as a loan processor. I realized how much I love people and how good it feels to make a difference in their life. I loved being a part of their journey. However, once the transaction was done, I realized I would never talked to them again. I was a tiny part of the transaction but our communication ended when my job was complete. Real estate provides the opportunity to help throughout the process and continue the relationship far past the closing table. Real estate requires to working closely with the client and oftentimes friendships are birthed through the process. One day I was talking about this with someone and they recommended Real estate. I was curious and after walking through that door, here I am! Today we get to walk the home journey with people from all different paths of life. It is super fulfilling to realize the impact we make each and every day.

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

From day one I built my business on the motto “always do the right thing”. I have been committed to a path of excellence in service. Sometimes the right thing cost me but it has always been worth it and more than paid for itself.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Taking care of people has always paid off for me. Treating each and every client like they were my only client and giving them 100% has always paid off. They have referred their friends and family to me and I strive to give them all the same level of service. From this my business has organically grown over the years. I am grateful that someone would trust me with their referrals and I do not take it lightly!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theoccasiocollective.com/?utm_source=gbp&utm_medium=organic
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoccasiocollective/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/occasiocollective
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiemgardner4/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@occasiocollective