We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kelly Zielinski. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kelly below.

Kelly , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.

In the world of real estate, where profit margins often overshadow client needs, I’ve made it my mission to stand out by prioritizing people above all else. As a real estate investor, owner of a construction company, and a licensed real estate agent in New York, I’ve consistently adhered to a set of core values that guide every aspect of my business – “People before profits,” “Passionate about what we do,” and “A positive attitude.”

While these core values might not seem groundbreaking at first glance, they have become my North Star or rather my “Northeast Star” (My business name is Northeast Property Partners), driving me to find innovative ways to serve my clients better and redefine industry standards.

One of the key elements that sets me apart in all three of my businesses is my commitment to addressing unique and challenging real estate situations. Take, for example, inherited homes that have been lived in by “collectors”. Often, these homes come with a significant amount of clutter, possessions and repairs that can overwhelm and paralyze the family left behind. I approach these situations with sensitivity and compassion, focusing on finding solutions to help the family transition smoothly.

Beyond just buying and selling, my businesses offer a comprehensive suite of services. When a property requires repairs, but the owner lacks the financial means, I step in to ensure the necessary improvements are made to maximize the property’s value. Whether someone needs to sell their home quickly due to back taxes or unforeseen issues or simply wants to update or repair their property, I am there to provide hassle-free solutions.

My dedication to putting people first is not a marketing gimmick… it’s a way of life for me and my businesses. Every decision I make is rooted in the best interests of my clients. Whether it’s guiding them through the selling process, helping them stay in their home during a crisis, or providing top-notch construction and repair services, I ensure that the clients’ needs are at the forefront of every transaction.

In an industry where the bottom line often takes precedence, I take pride in differentiating myself by putting people first and staying true to my core values. It’s not just about closing deals; it’s about creating positive, lasting impacts on the lives of the individuals and families I serve.

In conclusion, what sets me apart in the real estate industry is not just what I do, but how I do it. My consistent commitment and dedication to people, innovation in addressing unique real estate challenges, and the comprehensive solutions I offer make me a true exception in an industry that can often seem profit-driven. By putting people before profits, I’ve not only found success in my businesses but have also found fulfillment in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who are new to my story, allow me to take you on a journey of how I stumbled upon the real estate industry, turning what seemed like a simple favor into a fulfilling career. With a commitment to putting people first, true passion, and a positive attitude, I’ve not only built a thriving business but also maintained a legacy of helping others.

My entry into the world of real estate was anything but planned. It all started with a favor for a friend who had a dream of buying a house in need of renovations. At the time, my husband and I didn’t have the financial resources to purchase a home and carry out extensive renovations. However, we possessed the construction knowledge required to transform a fixer-upper into a beautiful home. We decided to pool our strengths: our friend would provide the funds, and we would handle the renovations. After successfully completing the project and splitting the profit upon the sale of the property, we realized that there was something profoundly satisfying about helping a friend and facilitating a new family’s journey into homeownership.

Following our initial experience, a few years passed without any real estate endeavors. That was until another friend, a tired landlord, expressed a desire to walk away from the hassles of property management. We offered a helping hand by purchasing his property, inheriting the tenant in the process. The simplicity of the transaction, coupled with the prospect of generating passive income as landlords, left a lasting impression. We found ourselves reflecting on the sense of fulfillment from helping a friend and supporting someone in transitioning out of the landlord role. It was at this point that we recognized our true calling in helping others navigate the complexities of real estate.

Our journey unfolded organically. We began actively seeking out individuals who needed assistance in various real estate situations, ranging from selling their homes to finding solutions for their unique challenges. What set us apart was our unwavering commitment to putting people before profits, our deep passion for what we do, and our positive attitude. These values became the cornerstones of our approach, and they resonated with those we were helping. They started referring us to others, and our reputation for making real estate transactions hassle-free began to spread.

As I reflect on my journey ,the thing I am most proud of is, starting a total of five successful businesses from scratch within the real estate, Insurance, and construction industries. These businesses have all thrived on referrals because of our commitment to our core values. It’s a testament to the power of people-first, passion, and positivity. I’ve even had the privilege of selling one of these businesses, a milestone that underscores the success of our approach.

My journey into the real estate industry might have started as a happy accident, but it has evolved into a purposeful mission. My commitment to helping others, coupled with my dedication to core values, has been the driving force behind my success. If there’s one thing I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about me and my brand, it’s this: we are here to make your real estate journey as easy and rewarding as possible, and we’ll do it with a smile on our faces and a genuine desire to help.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

In the dynamic world of business, the quest for new clients often involves intricate marketing strategies and relentless networking efforts. However, for me, the most fruitful source of new clients has been something refreshingly simple and deeply fulfilling – community volunteering.

Volunteering has always held a special place in my heart. It’s not just an obligation or a task; it’s a genuine passion. Every time I engage in community service, I find my cup filled with a sense of fulfillment that is unexplainable. This genuine enthusiasm for helping others has driven me to explore the world of volunteering further, opening doors to countless opportunities beyond my wildest expectations.

One of the most beautiful outcomes of my volunteering endeavors has been the lasting friendships and connections I’ve made along the way. Through shared experiences and common goals, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and walks of life. These relationships, nurtured by a sense of companionship, have proven to be priceless ways to gain new clients.

The beauty of building friendships through volunteering is that it naturally leads to trust. When people know you, like you, and trust you, they are more inclined to refer your services to others. This trust factor has been the cornerstone of my referral-based businesses. Friends I’ve made through volunteering have become some of my most loyal clients and advocates. They recommend my services to their acquaintances, creating a domino effect of trust and referrals.

In the world of business, finding a reliable source of new clients can be a constant challenge. However, my experience has taught me that the answer may lie in the simplest and most genuine of activities – community volunteering. It fills my cup with joy, builds strong friendships and connections, and ultimately fuels the success of my referral-based businesses. The lesson here is clear: when you give selflessly to your community, the community often rewards you in ways that go beyond business success. It’s a reminder that the true power of business often lies in the bonds we create through shared values and shared experiences.

Conversations about M&A are often focused on multibillion dollar transactions – but M&A can be an important part of a small or medium business owner’s journey. We’d love to hear about your experience with selling businesses.

After two decades in the insurance industry, I faced a pivotal decision – selling my insurance agency because of the passion I found in real estate. The insurance industry, with its complexities and client-centered focus, became my professional home for 20 years. My agency represented not just a business but a legacy of safeguarding people’s futures. Embracing change, I decided to sell my agency to pursue new horizons. This decision, while challenging, marked a pivotal moment in my journey.

Lessons I have learned :
-Start Early: Begin preparing your business for sale well in advance to ensure it’s in optimal condition when the time comes.
-Know Your Value: Identify what sets your business apart to negotiate a fair deal confidently.
-Build a Solid Team: Surround yourself with experts who can facilitate the sale effectively.
-Open Communication: Foster transparency with potential buyers to build trust and expedite the process.
-Embrace Change: Embrace the emotional aspects of change and focus on the opportunities it brings. THIS IS KEY!!!

Selling my insurance agency marked the close of a remarkable chapter and the start of a new one. The lessons I’ve shared are invaluable for entrepreneurs considering a business sale. Remember, selling isn’t just closure; it’s a doorway to new growth and adventures.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.northeastpropertypartners.com
• Instagram: @northeastpropertypartners
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northeastpropertypartners/