We recently connected with Katie Guntle and have shared our conversation below.

Katie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

Real estate wasn’t always my plan—but after four moves in four different states, it quickly became my passion.

My husband’s career led us on a journey across the country, and with each relocation, I gained a new perspective—not just as a homeowner, but as a consumer navigating different markets, different agents, and very different experiences. Some were smooth. Others? Not so much.

Those moves taught me what great service feels like, and just as importantly, what it doesn’t. By the time we landed in our fourth state, I knew I wanted to be the kind of real estate professional I had hoped for as a client—someone organized, thoughtful, proactive, and truly in tune with what matters most to people during a move.

I started my career as an Administrative Assistant to a top-producing real estate team—one that left a lasting impression on me as a client. I helped manage their monthly newsletter and stayed in touch with past clients, learning how meaningful those long-term connections can be. I saw firsthand how trust is built, how communication creates calm, and how a great agent can make a stressful process feel empowering.

That experience sparked something in me—and now, years later, I’m proud to serve my own clients with the same care, strategy, and heart that inspired me to step into this career in the first place.

Katie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Before I became a real estate agent, my career path took a few meaningful turns—each one preparing me in its own way for the work I do now.

Early on, I worked in inside sales for a library automation software company, while also supporting my husband through several career relocations. After a series of cross-country moves, I accepted a position with the Kentucky Housing Corporation, where I worked as a Compliance Manager. In that role, I traveled the state auditing communities and housing programs to ensure compliance with funding and state housing regulations. It gave me a deep understanding of how housing programs function, the importance of safe, affordable living, and how impactful proper oversight and support can be for families and communities.

As my husband’s career continued to move us, and we began growing our own family, I made the decision to step away from full-time work to become a stay-at-home mom. We had three boys—each born prematurely and out of state—with no nearby family or built-in support. Managing three under two years old, while being more than three hours away from loved ones, was both overwhelming and deeply rewarding. What saved me was community. I joined several local mom groups that became my lifeline, and I’m forever grateful for those early friendships that helped me navigate those intense years.

Once our boys got older and life steadied a bit, I began to think about what was next—and what kind of career would allow me to combine my skills, passion for people, and lived experiences. After going through four very different relocations, I realized how much I had learned—not just about real estate, but about what truly matters when you’re buying or selling a home. I knew what felt supportive and what didn’t. I knew what good communication looked like, and how impactful it was when someone took the time to care.

That’s when I stepped into real estate, starting as an Administrative Assistant to one of my favorite agents. I managed her monthly newsletter, helped gather content to stay connected with past clients, and saw firsthand how intentional communication and consistent value built trust. It showed me what it meant to stay top of mind—and more importantly, how to truly serve people.

That experience launched a new chapter for me. Today, I’m proud to use my background in housing compliance, sales, and family relocation to help my clients navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives—with insight, empathy, and the level of service I once longed for myself.

Whether you’re relocating, upsizing, downsizing, or just thinking about your next move, I’m here to guide you through it—every step of the way.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

When I moved back to Columbus, Ohio after being out of state for over 12 years, I knew rebuilding my network wouldn’t be easy. While it was familiar territory, many of the relationships I once had had faded with time, distance, and life changes. I was essentially starting over—not just in a new career, but in a city that no longer felt quite like “mine.”

The first couple of years were tough. It was all about showing up, putting myself out there, and earning trust in a market where I was still reintroducing myself. I knew I couldn’t wait for people to come to me—I had to go to them. So I started by sending postcards to my neighborhood, sharing my story and my heart for helping people navigate real estate with honesty and care.

It wasn’t instant, but slowly, it started to happen.

Friends began reaching out. Then friends of friends. A neighbor gave me a shot. And soon, I had a few opportunities to prove that I would treat every client’s home and decision like it was my own.

I’m incredibly proud to say that I’ve grown my business authentically—through a mix of intentional marketing and the most meaningful source of all: referrals from friends and family who trusted me to do right by them.

Today, I still send those postcards. I still show up. And I still approach every transaction with the same sense of gratitude and purpose that I had when I was just getting started—because I know firsthand what it means to build something from the ground up.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

One of the things I value most in my real estate business is staying connected with the people I’ve had the honor of working with. Whether you bought your first home with me, sold your forever home, or are still dreaming about that next chapter—I’m here for the long haul.

Here’s how I stay in touch with my past, current, and future clients:

Monthly Newsletter – A blend of personal updates (including life with my husband and our three busy boys), plus real estate tips, local market insights, and information that’s actually useful and enjoyable to read.

LOLO Gifts – I’ve partnered with LOLO to send my clients a small gift card each month to a local Columbus business. It’s a simple way to say thank you—and support our local community.

Client Events – From our Shred It Day in April for Earth Day to the Family Photo Day in the fall, I enjoy creating opportunities to bring people together. These events are my way of giving back and staying in touch long after closing.

Neighborhood Ice Cream Socials – In my own neighborhood, I host two ice cream socials every year. We just had one last week for the last day of school—and even though it was 40 degrees, lots of families came out to enjoy a frozen treat and connect.

Real estate is a relationship-based business, and I’m proud to build mine with care, consistency, and community at the heart of it all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://katieguntle.kw.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiesellscbus/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555367097143
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-guntle-b94719148/

Image Credits

Photo 1: My Ice Cream Social Event last week when it was 40 degrees
Photo 2: Me with a Key to homeownership
Photo 3: My Sponsorship for the Let Me Run Program in Central Ohio. I coach and sponsor their 5k each year
Photo 4: Working at a computer showing me in the job