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February 2024 ~ Jacksonville Real Producers - Rising Star Katie Jervis of KST Group
Congratulations to our February 2024 Rising Star Katie Jervis of KST Group
By Carol Nethen West Photos by Scott Golmic
RELATIONSHIPS FIRST!
Katie Jervis is a “Natural”
In the real estate industry, success often hinges on an individual’s ability to build meaningful connections with people. REALTOR® Katie Jervis, a rising star in the Jacksonville real estate community, readily acknowledges that her natural ability for building relationships has been a key factor in her professional success. With a smile, she reflects, “I’ve always had an affinity for people. I’m naturally curious, and I knew that building relationships was the key to doing well in this business.”
Unexpected Beginnings: Katie’s Entry into Real Estate
Katie’s journey into the world of real estate wasn’t anything she had initially envisioned. However, when the opportunity presented itself to join her brother Tom at the KST Group in 2020, she embraced it wholeheartedly. She explains, “I was given the chance to work alongside Tom, who serves as the Owner/Broker of the KST Group, in building a real estate brokerage here. He’s done an exceptional job and I feel privileged to be part of the company’s growth and success.”
Foundational Experience; Sociology, Law and Compassion
Many of the attributes that Katie brings to her real estate career were cultivated during her college years; she pursued a degree in Sociology and English, and later, a law degree in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her professional experience, including her work at a NC-based non-profit organization dedicated to assisting survivors of human trafficking, and her time spent in London, England with Save the Children UK, has proven valuable.
Having the Perfect Blend
It’s a testament to Katie’s determination and her passion for real estate that in just her third full year in the business, her total sales volume soared to an impressive $15 million across twenty-three transactions. Katie humbly reflects on her remarkable achievement, stating, “I realized that my genuine interest in people, coupled with my negotiation experience, has proved beneficial – it’s really become this ‘perfect blend.’”
Island Life
Katie’s family, originally from the United Kingdom, spent several years living in The Bahamas. She fondly recalls her early years, saying, “I was born in England. We moved to The Bahamas when I was eight with plans to move to Connecticut. But, my parents fell in love with The Bahamas and we never left; they joke ‘they moved to an island with three kids and three suitcases’... And it’s true!” During her time on the island, Katie gained an early appreciation for the value of real estate from her father, a successful residential developer on Grand Bahama Island.
Katie shares, “When it was time for middle school for me, we moved to South Florida, but still split time between there and Grand Bahama.” She finds it fitting that her real estate career has brought her back to the United States and to beachfront living; “The opportunity to make an impact in Jacksonville is huge, both as an agent and at the brokerage level. That’s really exciting for me. I couldn’t be happier than to call this city ‘home’.”
A “Relationship First” Approach
One of the most rewarding aspects of her journey is building her book of business locally with a “relationship first” approach. She reflects, “I knew that if I could leverage my ability to build connections with a wide variety of people, transactions would be a byproduct of that. In just over three years, I’ve worked with about 100 clients, many of whom I now consider friends.”
The Best Chapter Yet!
When asked to pinpoint a pivotal time in her life, Katie’s reflections are clear. She shares, “Looking back, I think my mid-twenties were quite a pivotal time in my life. Whether right or wrong, there’s an underlying pressure to have your life figured out by twenty-two. I moved a couple of times as career plans fell into place… and moved again, as they fell out of place. I learned that there’s something empowering about being able to start over, about acknowledging the next chapter of your life. My ‘next chapter’ back then is probably my greatest chapter now.”
Katie adds, “I give 110% to everything I do; my work ethic is second to none. I became resilient in my twenties, and I’m proud of that. I started my dream career at thirty with skills and experience I just didn’t have at twenty-two. I’m a better agent and business partner because of it.”
Family Ties
Family plays a significant role in Katie’s life, and her close-knit bond with her two siblings and parents is evident. She generously credits them, saying, “I have the most amazing family. I work with my brother, Tom, at KST, and my dad helps us with the business behind the scenes too. My mom loves to have us over for a Sunday roast (very British!) or we plan dinners out – we like trying new restaurants! Growing up, we traveled together a lot as well. My sister, Sophie, and her family still live in London; we miss her!” She adds with a laugh, “If you’re wondering what ‘KST’ stands for, it’s Katie, Sophie, and Tom!”
I GIVE 110% TO EVERYTHING I DO; MY WORK ETHIC IS SECOND TO NONE.
Striking the Work-Life Balance
In the midst of her busy real estate career, Katie treasures her leisure time. She shares, “When I’m not with clients, I’m probably at the gym, traveling, or with friends. I enjoy being active, so I try to be out and about as much as possible. A lot of my friends are now spread out across the country, so I love a fun, long weekend trip to visit them!”
Passion, Ability and Genuine Connections
Katie’s journey in the world of real estate so far is a testament to the power of genuine connections. Her passion for the industry, ability to build relationships, and her strong work ethic has propelled her to great heights in this business.
As she continues to make a significant impact in Jacksonville, she remains committed to her “relationship first” approach and is sure to see continued success.
