4 minute read
Making an Impact: Robyn Icenhower
Making an Impact
Shared passion for community at Robyn Icenhower & Associates.
Story by Lifestyle Staff | Photos by Katie Perez
Robyn Icenhower & Associates’ 20 agents and 5 full-time administrative staff members are ranked the top real estate team in Central California. With the highest Google ratings in the area, Robyn attributes their success to mentorship and giving back to the community.
Q: When did you begin your career and your own company in real estate?
A: After interviewing our family realtor Doug Lawrence for a college project, I became inspired to explore the field. Doug needed an assistant and hired me—something I am extremely grateful for. I balanced school and work to obtain both a BS in Business Administration and my real estate license. Over those five years, I learned to operate on my strengths and leverage my weaknesses. The main lesson Doug taught me was “Go fast alone, but go far together.” Over the years, Robyn Icenhower & Associates at KW has evolved into a team I am incredibly proud of—one that works together to grow and serve our community.
Q: Does your day to day include juggling a family or other ventures?
A: Oh yes. Between school, soccer games, and sleepovers, our two active kids, ages 8 and 11, sure keep us busy. We also have a border collie named Dodger that keeps us on our toes.
Q: What successes have you and your team achieved? Feel free to share any sacrifices that were made or challenges that were overcome.
A: Last year, our team ranked #1 in sales volume in Tulare County, and that kind of success is built from a great team. Our goal is to help agents find success quickly, stay in the industry, and stay off of the real estate roller coaster. The biggest challenge in real estate is finding success as an agent. Most individuals switch from full-time employment with consistent paychecks, to real estate, where it’s difficult to forecast your next paycheck’s timing. From the time someone wants to buy or sell, it’s about a 30-90-day time frame to close. 87% of realtors quit within the first 5 years.
Q: Please share about any community outreach projects you're involved with.
A: Our longest standing (going on 10 years) and equally rewarding community event is our annual canned food drive with Food Link of Tulare County.
During COVID, we dropped off Signs of Hope (“Visalia Strong”, “Stronger Together” and “Hope”) to our friends, family, neighbors, local businesses, and past clients to show support during a difficult season. We began sharing their incredible stories and messages on social media. For each picture someone shared with our Signs of Hope, we made a monetary donation to Kaweah Delta’s front-line workers. We were blown away by all the support the campaign received. We still see those signs in yards across town—proof that our community is special.
We also love hosting client appreciation events: An easter egg hunt, free shaved ice, a fun night at ImagineU Children’s Museum, and Photos with Santa. We do these to stay connected, say thank you, and meet new people in our community.
Q: What is the most fulfilling or rewarding part of what you do?
A: Being a part of each family's journey, and helping people achieve a goal. Whether it’s their first home, a home to grow their investment portfolio, or selling a home so they can get somewhere they need to be—ALL are so rewarding when accomplished. I feel incredibly fortunate to be involved in such a large decision, and that trust is not something I take for granted. It’s also about the relationships and connections I make with our customers, who often turn into friends—that is a huge reason I do what I do.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or are you able to make time for self-care activities?
A: My kids are my hobbies right now, ha! We like to spend time doing what they like while showing them new things as a family. Some of our favorite times are spent in Morro Bay hiking, paddle boarding, or frequenting the candy store or seashell shop. When I can, I run to escape the world for a while.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
A: The real estate industry helps create community. We’re grateful to work with so many great agents, teams, lenders, appraisers, and inspectors in our area.
