We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kaylyn Ward. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kaylyn below.
Hi Kaylyn , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by sharing your thoughts about the pros and cons of family businesses.
I believe that family businesses can absolutely work, if structured correctly. My mom and I have our own real estate team together and it works wonderful. It is all about communication. We put agreements in place from the start to eliminate any controversy regarding the expectations we have for each other, how we will divide clients, what our duties and responsibilities will be, and what boundaries we have between business and family. We have always stayed true to those agreements, and it works great. When I have personal obligations and need help with showing houses, she steps in. When she has obligations with her other job and needs me to go to an inspection for her, I go. We are a TEAM! My kids and my husband are also with me majority of the time and I love that this has become a true family business. Our girls love to put signs out, help turn lights for showings, and do property tour videos for us. I hope that this will help them gain knowledge about being an entrepreneur themselves one day.
Kaylyn , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Kaylyn Ward. I am a wife, mom of 3, and a licensed real estate agent in Louisiana. I have lived in the Greater Baton Rouge area my entire life. I opened a real estate photography company in 2016, which ultimately resulted in me deciding to pursue getting my real estate license. I obtained my license in 2019 and hit the ground running. I always say if I would have known what I know now, I would have got my license sooner. I enjoy what I do so much! Getting to be a part of one of the biggest milestones in people’s lives is such a rewarding feeling.
This has definitely become a family business. My mom is licensed and together we are “The Small Town Team”. This career can be very demanding at times, and I am so thankful for a supportive spouse and kids who enjoy being a part of this crazy world of real estate. My husband and/or kids attend almost every closing, inspection, showing, etc. that I have, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What I love most about this career is that my success has no cap, but I also never have to sacrifice missing a basketball game, gymnastics practice, school performance, class party, family vacation etc. I have surrounded myself with the right people, who keep things running smoothly when I need it, and I can be the mom and wife I strive to be as well.
Since getting my license, I am blessed to have been nominated as one of Capital City’s Finest, the top 40 under 40 in our community, a “rising star in real estate” by Baton Rouge Real Producers Magazine, and to remain a top producer at my brokerage every year. These accomplishments would not be possible without my amazing clients and team. Their trust and dedication to me allows me to get bigger and better every year.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I think what has helped me build my reputation in this industry is that I make it a priority to be a great co-op agent. I want to be somebody that others want to work with. I try to always be a great communicator, to be conscious of contract deadlines and ensure that my tasks are completed on time, and to show support to that agent when needed. Instead of making it feel like we’re in competition with each other, I want it to feel like we are working as a team. To me, that just makes for a more enjoyable transaction for everyone involved.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy I have found to grow my business is my social media presence and providing exceptional service to my clients. In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial. With so many agents in my community, I have to make sure that I stay top of mind. While I do of course share real estate related things, I also share things that are on a more personal level, so that potential clients can determine if I am a good fit for them. Then, I provide those clients with the absolute best service I can and that is what keeps the referrals coming.
Contact Info: