Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarita Kauffman.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I moved to the United States from Brazil in 2008 to learn English and pursue college. What I didn’t know at the time was that this decision would shape the rest of my life. I met my late husband, Topher, in Philadelphia, and later we moved to Charleston to build our life and raise our family. We spent 15 years together, created a beautiful home, and welcomed two incredible children.
Topher founded the Topher Kauffman Team, which has since evolved into what is now The Kauffman Group. From the beginning, I worked behind the scenes managing the administrative side of the business. As the team grew rapidly and our children were born, I stepped back to focus more intentionally on our family, but I remained closely involved in every major decision, structure, and strategy that supported our growth.
After Topher’s passing, I stepped forward to lead the company he built. It was not easy, and in many ways it still is not. Every day brings a new challenge. Navigating grief while raising two children and running a business required a strength I did not know I had. But no matter how difficult the days feel, giving up has never been an option.
Today, I lead a dynamic team serving families across Charleston and Columbia. To me, they are more than colleagues. They are family. We support one another, grow together, and share a deep commitment to serving our community with integrity and excellence. Our alignment with Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate marks an exciting chapter for our team, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, lifestyle-driven marketing, and continued impact in the communities we serve.
If my journey has taught me anything, it is that strength is not about avoiding hardship. It is about standing up when life changes and choosing to move forward with purpose. My path has been layered. Immigrant. Mother. Entrepreneur. Partner. Leader. Every challenge has shaped me. Every setback has refined me.
We can build. We can lead. We can rise, even when we never planned to have to.
And I am just getting started.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road, and in many ways, it is still unfolding.
There have been seasons when everything seemed to shift at once. Major industry changes reshaped how real estate professionals communicate value and structure commissions. The market tightened. Interest rates fluctuated. Clients were more cautious and more informed than ever. Leading a team through that kind of transition required clarity, confidence, and the ability to adapt quickly.
At the same time, I am raising two children and navigating life after loss. Some days feel strong and steady. Other days feel heavy. The responsibility of carrying both a family and a growing business is real, and it would be easy to burn out if I were not intentional.
Instead of breaking me, these challenges are refining me in real time. They are pushing me to strengthen our systems, communicate more clearly, and lead with both confidence and empathy. They are also teaching me that mental health matters. You cannot lead well if you are not taking care of yourself. I have learned that strength is not about pushing through exhaustion. It is about knowing when to pause, when to ask for support, and when to protect your peace.
Real estate is deeply personal. People are making life-changing decisions. To guide them well, you need competence and compassion. Living through change myself allows me to meet clients where they are, with both expertise and understanding.
Resilience is not a one-time achievement. It is built daily, in small choices, in ordinary moments when you decide to keep moving forward.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about THe Kauffman Group ?
The Kauffman Group is a full-service real estate team serving Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina. We specialize in residential sales, relocation, new construction, and strategic listing marketing. But beyond transactions, we specialize in guidance.
We are known for combining strong systems with a very personal approach. Real estate is one of the largest financial decisions most people will ever make, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our clients are not just working with one agent. They are supported by a structured team that prioritizes clear communication, thoughtful negotiation, and a strategy tailored to their specific goals.
What sets us apart is the balance between performance and heart. We consistently rank among the top teams in the Charleston Tri-County area, but what I am most proud of is our reputation. A lot of our business comes from referrals and repeat clients, which speaks to the trust we build and the relationships we maintain.
We are proud to be aligned with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, a brand that reflects our commitment to elevated marketing, innovation, and lifestyle-driven service. The partnership strengthens our ability to serve clients at a higher level while staying grounded in the integrity and community focus that built our foundation.
What I want readers to know is this: we are not just here to sell homes. We are here to guide people through life transitions with expertise, transparency, and heart. That combination defines our brand.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is growing up in Brazil surrounded by family and community. I remember running barefoot outside at sunset, the warm air, neighbors talking across gates, music playing somewhere in the background. Life felt simple, even when it wasn’t.
We did not grow up with much. There were seasons when there was not a lot of food on the table. But my parents were incredibly resilient. They worked hard, valued education deeply, and always gave us the very best they could. What we lacked in resources, we made up for in love, generosity, and faith.
Even when we did not have much, we shared what we had. We were taught to care for our community, to open our doors, and to understand that sometimes a simple smile can change someone’s entire day. In Brazil, hospitality is part of who we are. You make space for others, no matter what.
Looking back, I realize those moments shaped me more than I understood at the time. They taught me that success is not measured only by what you build, but by how you treat people along the way. That sense of resilience, warmth, and responsibility for others is something I carry with me in my life and in my business every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tkgsc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekauffmangroup/?hl=en
- Facebook: The Kauffman Group – https://www.facebook.com/topherkauffmansells/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thekauffmangroup/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thekauffmangroup
- Other: https://share.google/4q8I6F1OxtSifW6xr
