Community Highlights: Meet Keaton Kendrick

Today we’d like to introduce you to Keaton Kendrick. 

Hi Keaton, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
You know that full-circle moment when looking back at all the paths your life has taken you through and recognizing how each of them led you to where you are right now? It’s important for me to say that I had no intentions of being in the profession I am in today. I wasn’t the child who aspired to be one thing when I grew up and still didn’t have a clear picture of what that would be even when graduating from college. What I did have was the determination to get out of my comfort zone, no matter how much I feared it. Each of those chances that I’ve taken to step out of what was comfortable pushed me leaps toward the achievements I’ve accomplished so far in my life. While I wouldn’t necessarily consider myself the “black sheep” of my family, I do know that I was the one always going against the grain, or whatever everyone else expected of me. After graduating college, my wife and I got married and uprooted from my hometown to a brand-new city where we knew no one, simply because we felt called in that direction. Every choice has felt like a major one at the moment but they eventually got me here, to Charleston, SC. As we prepared for the move to this city, I knew it was an opportunity to start solidifying my career path. So, I simply analyzed what my strengths were. 1) Communication 2) Creativity 3) Discernment/decision-making. What field could I make my mark that honed in on each of these skills? That is where Real Estate came into the picture. They say that you don’t have to be good at sales to be a real estate agent, you just have to be a good marketer, which I wholeheartedly agree with. However, as I started to get into the business, it became clear that the industry lacked agents who led their business with a client-focused initiative. That is when I realized how I would make my mark in this city and how I personally would stand out in a sea full of real estate agents. I was going to use my empathetic personality, communication strengths, and creativity skills to build trust around my business. While creating a successful business is a priority, I’m wired to care equally as much about the experience my clients have in every single transaction , I’m a part of, even if that means I have to sacrifice my own personal time, money, or resources. Now that I am a few years into my career, it’s evident to me that my impact goes beyond my name on a sign in someone’s yard. It’s transcendent amongst every client, every agent, or every friend I’ve made in this city.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building a business at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic comes with countless difficulties. Relationships are what take any real estate career to the next level and that is where this virus took a huge hit, among many others. When we were quarantined, I had to continue to build trust around my name through the internet. Outside of quarantine, we’ve still continued to limit our social interactions, where I thrive most, and these unprecedented times brought on unfamiliar market conditions for our entire country. Over the last 2.5 years, I’ve had many moments when I’ve questioned if I could maintain a sustainable business considering these challenges millions of us were and still are facing. However, it was made apparent throughout that time that I had an incredible support system through friends and family. When the people around you want to see you succeed, it’s during those tough times when their encouragement pushes me through it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m a local, 27-year-old, Realtor in Charleston, South Carolina. I currently am with a local boutique brokerage, Tabby Realty, that was built by my mentor and friend, Victoria Breault. She and I met when I first moved to the area and after briefly working alongside her, she brought me along to help build our own brokerage that was full of like-minded agents, who are client-focused like myself! I personally work representing both Buyers and Sellers in our Charleston market which includes areas like Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, Johns Island, Summerville, Daniel Island, and all other surrounding areas! If you were to ask those I’ve worked with, they’d likely say my care and communication with my clients truly stand me apart from the rest. It’s my goal to make each of my clients feel as though they have my undivided attention while also giving them the confidence in my abilities to get them the best deal the current market will allow! That combo really leaves a lasting impression on their experience. Knowing you can be represented by an agent who not only highly excels at the sale or purchase of a home but also provides exceptional customer service has a lot of allure to it in my opinion! I’m truly proud of how quickly my business has taken off in just a few short years. It’s always an incredible feeling to know that my peers consider me their go-to guy for any real estate questions or needs!

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Confidence. If you have confidence in yourself, others will gravitate towards you and what you do so you won’t have to ask for their business. 

Contact Info:

• Email: keaton@tabbyrealty.com
• Instagram: @keaton_david
• Facebook: @choosecharleston

Image Credits
Justin Tucker