ABR, CRS, CLHMS, CDPE
Kim Spears’ path to luxury real estate and interior styling has been a bit long and winding, but it was a path that led her to her passion. Kim is a rare native Floridian. She was born and raised in a small town in the panhandle of Florida just outside of Pensacola where her family lives and farms cotton, corn and other crops. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in Finance from The University of Florida in 1993. After graduating, Kim pursued a banking career with Bank of America where she became a Financial Strategist and Commercial Lender underwriting loans and projects for various companies including The Florida Marlins, PGA Golf Course, and Fresh Express Salads. While she loved finance and lending, she quickly realized that a two-hour drive combined with long hours was not conducive to having a family, so she decided it was time for a change.
Kim wanted a job that would allow her to support her family while also providing a flexible schedule for her young children. She decided to pursue a career in real estate. “Ignorance is bliss! I thought it would be so easy,” Kim said with a laugh. “And I really liked looking at houses and how they were decorated, not to mention I dreamed of having my dream house one day!” Kim quickly realized it was not easy. The hours were long and the competition fierce, but she was determined. “I remember a client telling me that I barely looked out of college and she didn’t think I had enough experience to handle the sale.” Kim recalled. “I answered, ‘give me one hour of your time and I promise if what I say isn’t of value then I will accept the NO.’” That was almost 26 years ago and Kim hasn’t slowed down since. She realized it wasn’t the homes she loved so much. It was the people she met every day and the passion she felt when helping others. Kim feels it a privilege to work with her clients. “They are the sole reason I continue to afford the luxury of time to spend with my girls,” she said. “It wasn’t long ago that these two were just little ones… now they are 21 and 26. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve others.”
