Can Emergency Responders Be Successful At Real Estate? – Kevin Kowalik
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Kevin Kowalik!
To watch the full episode, check it out on YouTube below. In the meantime, here’s a summary of the conversation…
Here’s what you missed from Kevin Kowalik…
The conversation began with a word association icebreaker on marketing, automated underwriting, and more. Kevin then introduced himself beyond his real estate profession. He describes himself as someone dedicated to serving, protecting, and ensuring the safety of both his clients and people in general. He prides himself on being upfront, honest, and straightforward, sometimes to a fault. On top of all that, he considers himself a problem solver by nature.
When it comes to Kevin’s business, it differs from that of a typical real estate agent. He follows a boutique-style approach, relying on personal and professional referrals. This unique approach has allowed him to expand his services across various locations, spanning from South Branch, Michigan to Dundee, and practically throughout the entire state. The feasibility of the situation and the quality of the client relationships he develops determine Kevin’s willingness to extend his services to different regions. While he primarily operates in Oakland County, Macomb County, and Lapeer, he is open to serving clients in other areas as well. The nature of his work involves investing more individual time with each client, differentiating him from agents who focus solely on a specific geographic location.
Kevin’s journey into real estate took an unconventional path, beginning during his high school years. He worked as a freelance photographer for a bi-weekly publication that covered the MLS in Macomb County. This job involved scouting houses, interacting with homeowners, and obtaining permission to photograph their properties for the publication. This experience, which took place in the pre-internet era of the mid-1990s, provided Kevin with a foundation in real estate. Additionally, his mother’s involvement with the local MLS and a real estate management company exposed him to influential agents and mentors. With a passion for photography and an interest in houses, Kevin gained recognition through published photos bearing his name. Although he later pursued a career in law enforcement, ultimately retiring as a public safety officer in Oakland County, he recognizes the similarities between his previous work and real estate in terms of dealing with and helping people.
Kevin’s interest in real estate began to solidify around the year 2000, during his time in law enforcement. Aware of the potential risks and uncertainties associated with his profession, he felt the need to establish a backup plan. Given his exposure to the industry through photography and his mother’s involvement with a real estate school, Kevin obtained his real estate license as a precautionary measure. However, he primarily focused on his law enforcement career at the time, occasionally making referrals within the real estate field. Looking back, he now wishes he had dedicated more time to real estate, although part-time involvement was somewhat discouraged at the time. Nonetheless, he maintained his license and made occasional referrals, recognizing the value of keeping his mind engaged beyond retirement. When the time came for him to retire, Kevin communicated his expectations and business model to his broker, preparing to fully immerse himself in real estate. This career shift allowed him to structure his business according to his own preferences, creating more time for his family and offering a departure from his previous career.
Kevin then talked about a particularly rewarding interaction he developed with a client. He reflects on the rewarding relationships he has formed with many of his clients, given that a significant portion of his client base comes from referrals and personal connections. One story that stands out involves a client who was referred to him by a friend of his wife. This client had emerged from a traumatic domestic violence situation. The person who made the referral recognized Kevin’s background and his ability to handle such sensitive situations, ensuring the client’s safety and comfort throughout the real estate process. As Kevin worked with this client, a strong friendship developed, and they continue to stay in regular contact. For Kevin, this experience fulfills a sense of purpose and satisfaction that was missing after retiring from his previous career. Witnessing the client find peace and establish their own home after enduring so much turmoil is truly priceless.
Kevin, our host, then asked Kevin, our guest, to share a story of the most untraditional way he obtained a client. In 2021, Kevin encountered a couple who had been working with a different real estate agent. They had viewed an astonishing 50-60 houses and lost out on 15 offers. These clients happened to be associated with a lender who was a business associate of Kevin’s, and they expressed their dissatisfaction with their current agent. Sensing an opportunity to assist, Kevin agreed to take them on as clients. They scheduled a phone call to get to know each other and determine if they would be a good fit for working together. With a shared understanding, they hit the ground running. To everyone’s delight, Kevin was able to find them a home in the Rochester area with just one offer. It was especially satisfying because the clients were using a VA loan, and VA offers can be challenging to secure. Overcoming this obstacle within the client’s tight timeline presented Kevin with a fulfilling problem to solve. This experience showcased the value of unconventional approaches and the positive outcomes they can yield.
When it comes to volunteer work, Kevin shares that he is actively involved in a motorcycle club that operates as a 501C3 nonprofit organization. The club’s main objective is to raise funds for public safety personnel who find themselves in times of need. Kevin is part of a specific chapter within the club that organizes charity events throughout the year, mirroring the efforts of other chapters within the organization. These volunteer events hold a special place in Kevin’s heart as they provide him with an opportunity to take a break from his real estate work. During these events, Kevin purposely refrains from distributing business cards, as the focus is solely on donating his time and engaging with people. Most individuals attending these events are already aware of Kevin’s profession, eliminating the need for self-promotion. Instead, Kevin seizes the chance to establish genuine connections and build relationships. If someone expresses interest in his real estate services and believes he would be a good fit, Kevin engages in meaningful conversations, ensuring he can serve them to the best of his abilities.
When asked to speak on a situation where he had an intense disagreement with an opposing client’s agent, Kevin shares that he fortunately hasn’t encountered any significantly intense disagreements with opposing agents throughout his career. He firmly believes that both agents can reach a mutual understanding when they remember that the focus should be on their respective clients rather than personal conflicts. By prioritizing their client’s best interests and setting aside personal differences, effective mediation can take place.
However, Kevin does recall a situation involving an unfavorable inspection. The opposing agent insisted that he was required to provide the home inspection report, despite it not being a negotiated provision in the contract. Kevin’s client had invested their own money in obtaining the report, and he questioned why their private funds should be used to benefit the seller by addressing the property’s issues. The listing agent failed to approach the situation with kindness or offer any compromise regarding the inspection cost. Recognizing the agent’s approach, Kevin decided not to comply with the request. He believes that a more considerate and reasonable approach from the agent could have led to further discussion and a potential resolution. Ultimately, the key lies in the approach taken during disagreements, with a focus on benefiting both parties involved.
The two then talked about what Kevin’s typical workday looks like. Kevin begins by describing his typical workday, which usually starts with checking and responding to emails. He stays on top of market updates and stays in touch with clients, both current and potential, through phone calls. Setting appointments, attending closings, conducting showings, and engaging in recruitment activities are all part of his daily routine. However, Kevin emphasizes the importance of flexibility in his workday. Unexpected events and tasks can arise, requiring him to adapt and prioritize accordingly.
The conversation wraps up with Kevin reflecting on his journey and sharing some valuable lessons he has learned. The first and most prominent lesson is patience. He acknowledges that patience can be challenging, especially when things don’t go as planned. However, he believes that the trials and tests he experiences are meant to help him grow and become better, and patience is an essential virtue to cultivate.
Another key lesson Kevin has learned is not to define success solely in terms of money or notoriety. Instead, he places emphasis on defining success as obedience. By focusing on doing the right thing for his clients and being obedient to the principles of the industry, he believes that the desired results will follow. He believes that prioritizing clients over monetary gains leads to a more fulfilling and harmonious real estate career.
Check out Kevin Kowalik:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.kowalik.39
Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/sellingwithbigkev
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