Kelly Ebbole’s Strategic Real Estate Journey

Customer Spotlight on Strategic Focus Realty

Meet Kelly Ebbole, the dynamic force behind Strategic Focus Realty and a proud Layerly website customer. With a diverse background in finance, options trading, and a passion for real estate, Kelly’s journey is a testament to her dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. Transitioning from a bustling career in Chicago’s financial sector to the serene real estate markets of Wisconsin, Kelly has crafted a unique path that showcases her expertise and commitment to excellence.

In this special edition of our Layerly Spotlight Series, we have an insightful conversation between Kelly Ebbole and Alexander Ramsey at Layerly. Through this dialogue, we get an in-depth look at Kelly’s business journey, her extensive experience in real estate, and the strategic decisions that led her to choose Layerly for her business website. Join us as we delve into Kelly’s inspiring story, her passion for real estate, and the pivotal role Layerly has played in establishing a strong online presence for Strategic Focus Realty.

Background and Experience in Real Estate

Kelly Ebbole’s journey into real estate began long before she founded Strategic Focus Realty. With a solid background in finance and options trading, Kelly’s career trajectory took her from the bustling city of Chicago to the serene landscapes of Wisconsin. She recalls, “My first job out of college was in financial planning, and eventually, I transitioned into compliance within the financial planning sector.” Her early career saw her obtaining numerous licenses, including the Series 7 and Series 24, which laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors in the financial and real estate sectors.

Kelly’s professional journey is marked by her time in options trading, where she gained invaluable experience working in a retail brokerage firm. “For over a decade, I worked in options trading,” she shares, highlighting the depth of her expertise and dedication. Her career in this field saw her through several significant company acquisitions, including a notable merger with E-Trade. This period was instrumental in shaping her business acumen and understanding of complex financial instruments.

During her tenure in options trading, Kelly also pursued further education, completing her MBA. This experience included a significant milestone: winning a business plan competition. “We ended up creating a company from scratch, presenting our business plan to venture capitalists and angel investors across the country,” she recalls. This experience was a catalyst for her entrepreneurial spirit and reinforced her desire to eventually start her own business.

However, the practicalities of raising substantial capital and navigating FDA approvals led to the disbandment of the startup. Despite this setback, the seed of entrepreneurship had been firmly planted. “At some point, I knew I wanted to own my own business,” Kelly asserts. This ambition stayed with her, guiding her future decisions and career path.

Starting Strategic Focus Realty

The idea of owning her own real estate brokerage had been brewing for a while. After moving back to Wisconsin with her family, Kelly immersed herself in the local real estate market. She worked with Exit Realty, where she learned the ropes and considered various franchise opportunities. “About a year ago, I started looking into becoming a broker owner. It took time, effort, and a push from some great accountability partners,” Kelly explains.

The culmination of this journey was the launch of Strategic Focus Realty on May 28, 2024. The decision was not taken lightly. “I felt like I could start something on my own and I was ready,” Kelly says, crediting her network of supportive friends and colleagues for encouraging her to take the leap. The move to establish her own firm was a bold step, reflecting her confidence and readiness to handle the responsibilities of being a broker-owner.

Passion for Real Estate

Kelly’s passion for real estate is palpable. She loves the dynamic nature of the industry and the opportunity to help clients through significant life changes. “It’s a puzzle, and I like puzzles,” she says, describing the complexity and satisfaction of piecing together successful transactions. The challenge of navigating through various aspects of a deal and finding the perfect solution for her clients keeps her motivated and engaged.

Each real estate deal is unique, presenting its own set of challenges and opportunities. Kelly enjoys the multifaceted role she plays – negotiator, listener, problem-solver, and confidante. “People don’t do this very often, so even the most seasoned person sometimes needs help,” she explains. The relationships she builds with her clients often extend beyond the transaction, turning into lasting friendships. This personal connection is a vital aspect of her business philosophy.

Kelly’s approach to real estate is deeply client-focused. She understands that buying or selling a home is one of the most significant decisions in a person’s life. “I want to make sure my clients feel supported and informed throughout the entire process,” she says. Her dedication to her clients’ needs and her ability to navigate the complexities of real estate transactions set her apart in the industry.

Services Offered

Strategic Focus Realty offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to various client needs. Kelly specializes in:

• Residential Homes: Assisting clients in buying and selling homes, ensuring a smooth and successful transaction. Kelly’s expertise in the residential market allows her to guide clients through every step, from initial consultation to closing the deal.
• Vacant Land: Helping clients find the perfect piece of land, whether for building a home, investment, or recreational purposes. Kelly’s knowledge of the local market and connections with landowners and developers are invaluable resources for her clients.
• Investment Properties: Guiding investors through the intricacies of purchasing and managing investment properties. Kelly’s background in finance and options trading provides her with a unique perspective on real estate investments, helping clients maximize their returns.
• New Construction: Working with clients and builders to facilitate the construction of new homes, leveraging her extensive network of builders in southeastern Wisconsin. Kelly’s experience in new construction projects ensures that clients have a seamless and stress-free building experience.

Kelly’s approach to real estate is strategic and client-focused, ensuring that each transaction is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Her comprehensive services cater to a wide range of real estate needs, making Strategic Focus Realty a one-stop solution for clients.

Choosing a Website Vendor

When it came to establishing an online presence for Strategic Focus Realty, Kelly knew the importance of selecting the right website vendor. After researching multiple options, she chose Layerly for its simplicity and precise examples. “I needed something simple and precise that showcases the business and can showcase a little bit about me,” she explains.

A key factor in her decision was Layerly’s ability to integrate seamlessly with her chosen CRM. “Being able to identify who my CRM was and how it would work with Layerly was really important to me,” Kelly notes. The integration worked smoothly, enhancing the functionality of her website and streamlining her business operations. This seamless integration ensured that Kelly could manage her client relationships efficiently and effectively.

Kelly’s decision to choose Layerly was also influenced by the clear and straightforward examples provided by the vendor. “The examples on their website were very helpful in visualizing how my own site would look,” she says. This transparency and clarity in the website creation process gave Kelly the confidence that Layerly was the right choice for her business.

Website Creation Process

The process of creating the website with Layerly was straightforward and efficient. Kelly appreciates the quick turnaround time and the minimal input required from her end. “The initial website draft was provided within five business days,” she recalls. Layerly only needed her logo and a few pictures to finalize the site, which was then ready for launch.

Kelly also praises Layerly’s responsiveness, particularly their commitment to making updates within 24 hours. “You were very responsive, even over the weekend before my website launch,” she says, highlighting the excellent customer service she received. This level of responsiveness ensured that any last-minute changes or updates were promptly addressed, allowing for a smooth and timely launch.

The website creation process was designed to be user-friendly and stress-free. “I didn’t need to provide a lot of direction,” Kelly notes. Layerly’s team took care of the details, ensuring that the final product was polished and professional. This efficiency allowed Kelly to focus on other aspects of her business launch without worrying about the website.

Importance of Brand Visibility

For Kelly, having her own branded website is crucial for growing her real estate business. It allows her to control the traffic and leads, showcasing her brand rather than relying on a generic corporate site. “Now that it’s mine, I can drive the traffic there the way I want to,” she explains. This autonomy is a game-changer, enabling her to build and promote her brand effectively.

Kelly’s website serves as the cornerstone of her marketing efforts. By driving traffic to her site, she can provide potential clients with detailed information about her services, background, and current listings. “It’s a central hub for all my marketing activities,” she says. This centralization ensures that clients have a consistent and comprehensive view of what Strategic Focus Realty offers.

The ability to showcase her brand through a personalized website also enhances Kelly’s credibility in the market. “A professional website establishes trust and legitimacy,” she notes. For potential clients, a well-designed website reflects the professionalism and reliability of the business, making them more likely to engage Kelly’s services.

Recommendation for Other Business Owners

Kelly advises other business owners to thoroughly research multiple vendors to find the right fit based on their specific needs and integration capabilities. Her experience with Layerly underscores the importance of choosing a vendor that can provide a simple, effective solution. “Layerly was the perfect choice for me after doing all of my research,” she says.

She emphasizes the importance of understanding your business needs before selecting a vendor. “Know what you need from a website and find a vendor that can meet those needs,” she advises. This proactive approach ensures that the final product aligns with the business’s goals and requirements.

Kelly also highlights the value of transparency and communication in the vendor selection process. “Work with a vendor who communicates clearly and is responsive to your needs,” she suggests. This open line of communication ensures that any issues or concerns are promptly addressed, leading to a smoother and more efficient website creation process.

Kelly’s Business Journey

Starting Strategic Focus Realty has been a significant milestone in Kelly’s career. Her decision to work with Layerly for her website needs was driven by a desire for simplicity and efficiency. “We talked about website options and decided Layerly was the best fit for my real estate business needs due to its simplicity,” she explains.

The journey of starting her own brokerage has been both challenging and rewarding. “There were many moving parts and decisions to make,” Kelly recalls. However, with the support of her network and the right vendors, she was able to navigate these challenges successfully.

Reflecting on her journey, Kelly is grateful for the support and encouragement she received from her colleagues and friends. “I couldn’t have done it without the push from my accountability partners,” she says. This support network played a crucial role in her decision to start Strategic Focus Realty and continues to be a source of strength as she grows her business.

Layerly Website Experience

Kelly’s feedback on her Layerly website has been overwhelmingly positive. The website was easy to create and customize, meeting all her needs effectively. “The Layerly subscription service works well for my ongoing website needs,” she notes. The ability to make quick changes and updates has been particularly beneficial, ensuring her site remains current and functional.

The subscription model offered by Layerly provides Kelly with the flexibility to make adjustments as needed. “It’s a cost-effective solution for maintaining an up-to-date website,” she explains. This ongoing support ensures that her website continues to meet the evolving needs of her business.

Kelly also appreciates the user-friendly interface of the Layerly platform. “It’s easy to navigate and make updates,” she says. This simplicity allows her to manage her website independently, without needing extensive technical knowledge or support.

Importance of Networking

One of the key elements in Kelly’s success has been her strong network of supporters. She emphasizes the importance of having the right people and vendors to help and support your business. “My networking groups pushed me to start my own business,” she says, highlighting the value of building and maintaining professional relationships.

Kelly’s network includes colleagues, friends, and industry professionals who have provided guidance and encouragement throughout her journey. “Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your vision,” she advises. This supportive network has been instrumental in her success, offering advice, resources, and motivation when needed.

Networking has also been a valuable tool for business growth. “It’s not just about getting referrals; it’s about building lasting relationships,” Kelly explains. These relationships have opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations, further enhancing her business’s reach and impact.

Business Focus and Areas

Strategic Focus Realty primarily operates in southeastern Wisconsin, with a strong focus on Waukesha County. Kelly’s extensive network of contacts across the state enables her to provide top-notch service to clients, regardless of their location. “I know people in those areas of Wisconsin that I trust a lot and can refer people to as well,” she says.

Kelly’s commitment to excellence and her strategic approach to real estate make Strategic Focus Realty a trusted partner for clients looking to buy, sell, or invest in properties. Her dedication to building lasting relationships and providing exceptional service sets her apart in the competitive real estate market.

In addition to her focus on southeastern Wisconsin, Kelly is also well-connected with real estate professionals across the country. “I can help clients moving out of state by connecting them with trusted Realtors in their new location,” she explains. This national network ensures that her clients receive consistent, high-quality service, no matter where they are moving.

Conclusion

Kelly Ebbole’s journey from finance and options trading to owning her own real estate brokerage is a testament to her strategic mindset and passion for helping others. Strategic Focus Realty embodies her commitment to providing top-tier real estate services with a personal touch. Her decision to partner with Layerly for her website needs has been a pivotal step in establishing her brand and driving business growth.

For those looking to navigate the complex world of real estate, Kelly’s expertise, and dedication offer a guiding hand. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing in properties, Strategic Focus Realty is equipped to help you achieve your real estate goals with confidence and ease. Kelly’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating the power of strategic planning, networking, and a passion for serving others.

Through Strategic Focus Realty, Kelly continues to make a positive impact on the real estate market in Wisconsin and beyond. Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, support, and determination, achieving your entrepreneurial dreams is possible.

Contact Strategic Focus Realty

If you’re interested in learning more about Kelly Ebbole and how Strategic Focus Realty can help with your real estate needs, visit their website at strategicfocusrealty.com. You can also follow them on social media at Facebook and LinkedIn. You can also contact Kelly Ebbole directly through the contact details provided on the site. Kelly and her team are dedicated to providing exceptional real estate services tailored to your needs.