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In this episode of the Messages of Positivity podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Katherine Van Brocklin, the founder and owner of Mountain and Main Property Management, a full-service residential and commercial property management company based in Asheville, North Carolina. Katherine's journey to property management is both inspiring and insightful, as she shares her unique background and the experiences that led her to start her own business.

Katherine, originally from Miami, Florida, moved to Western North Carolina over 13 years ago. With a rich history in banking, where she spent nearly 30 years leading sales teams and managing operations, she decided to pivot during the pandemic and return to her roots in property management. She explains how her family background in property management influenced her decision and how her skills from banking seamlessly transferred to her new venture.

Throughout our conversation, Katherine emphasizes the importance of flexibility and adaptability in her role, as no two days are alike in property management. She discusses the structure she has implemented within her company, including team meetings and a clear division of responsibilities among her staff, which allows her to maintain a balance between work and family life.

We also delve into the challenges of managing rental properties, particularly in the current market of Western North Carolina, which has seen fluctuations due to recent events like the hurricane in 2024. Katherine explains how she determines rental rates through comprehensive market analysis and the importance of maintaining a professional relationship between landlords and tenants to mitigate potential conflicts.

Katherine addresses common misconceptions about property management, such as the belief that it is too expensive or that landlords can easily manage their properties on their own. She highlights the value of hiring a property manager, including legal compliance and the peace of mind it provides to property owners.

As we wrap up the episode, Katherine shares her thoughts on the importance of family support in business and how her husband plays a crucial role in her company. She also reflects on her experiences as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, noting that professionalism and competence have earned her respect among her peers.

Finally, Katherine offers valuable advice to high schoolers and young adults entering the workforce: to not sweat the small stuff, learn from mistakes, and embrace their individuality. Her insights are a testament to resilience and the power of pursuing one's passions.

Join us for this enlightening conversation filled with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and a strong message of positivity and perseverance in the face of challenges.

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In this episode of the Messages of Positivity podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kimi McBurney, a dynamic member of our BNI group and co-owner of a home inspection company in Western North Carolina. Kimi brings a wealth of experience to the table, having grown up in a construction family and transitioned into the home inspection industry alongside her husband.

We began our conversation by exploring Kimi's background and how her upbringing in a construction environment naturally led her to start her own home inspection business in 2017. She shared insights into the importance of offering comprehensive services, including radon mitigation, to create a one-stop shop for clients. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also reduces costs and potential delays associated with subcontracting.

As we delved deeper, we discussed the gender dynamics within the home inspection industry, which is traditionally male-dominated. Kimi candidly addressed the challenges she faces as a female home inspector and how she has surprisingly received more requests for female inspectors than she anticipated. This led to a broader discussion about the importance of detail-oriented work in home inspections and how her team, which includes both men and women, collaborates effectively.

We also touched on the significance of marketing in today's digital age. Kimi emphasized the necessity of having a strong social media presence and how it plays a crucial role in staying top of mind for potential clients. She shared her experiences with networking, referrals, and the unique challenges of building a home inspection business primarily through word-of-mouth rather than paid leads.

In light of the recent challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, Kimi recounted how her business adapted to serve the community during a time of crisis. By offering storm damage assessments and water testing, they were able to support clients while maintaining their business operations. Her commitment to helping others was evident, as she shared how they raised over $30,000 to provide at-cost services to those in need.

As a mother of two and a business owner, Kimi discussed the balance between her professional and personal life. She highlighted the importance of having a support system and leveraging resources to manage her responsibilities effectively. Her insights into homeschooling and the flexibility of being self-employed resonated with the challenges many face in balancing work and family life.

To wrap up our conversation, I asked Kimi to share a piece of advice for high school students. Her response focused on the importance of financial literacy and saving money, a lesson she wished she had learned earlier in life.

This episode is filled with valuable insights on entrepreneurship, community involvement, and the importance of adaptability in the face of challenges. I hope you enjoy listening to Kimi's inspiring story as much as I enjoyed having her on the show.

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In this episode of the Messages of Positivity podcast, I, Norman Morris, take a different approach by sharing my journey in Medicare sales and how a networking group called Business Network International (BNI) has significantly impacted my business growth.

I begin by providing a background on my career, which started in 2015 selling Medicare products, including Medicare Advantage plans and supplements. I reflect on the challenges I faced before the COVID-19 pandemic, detailing the traditional methods of generating leads, such as cold calling and door knocking. These methods were often frustrating due to inaccurate lead lists and the grind of reaching out to potential clients with little return on investment.

As the pandemic hit, the sales landscape changed dramatically. With restrictions on in-person meetings and heightened fears around door-to-door interactions, I found myself struggling to connect with clients. I recount a humorous yet telling experience of how my size could intimidate potential clients, especially during these uncertain times.

In search of a solution, I turned to networking as a way to build connections and grow my business. Despite being naturally shy and having Asperger's, which presents its challenges in social situations, I was encouraged by a friend to join a BNI group. I explain how BNI operates, emphasizing the importance of trust and collaboration among members, and how it provided a more intimate setting for networking compared to larger organizations.

Initially, I joined a developing chapter that, unfortunately, dissolved after a year. However, I was later invited to join another BNI chapter called Mountain Synergy, which turned out to be a welcoming and supportive environment. I share how the group helped me build relationships and trust, which are crucial in my niche market of Medicare sales.

Despite the slow start in generating referrals, I persevered and learned the value of patience and networking. After a year and a half, a breakthrough occurred when a fellow member referred me to a potential client, leading to a significant opportunity to work with a local office. This connection not only helped grow my business but also allowed me to provide referrals to other members of my BNI group, creating a mutually beneficial network.

Throughout the episode, I emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, being open to learning, and the value of community support in business. I encourage listeners, especially those who may feel shy or uncertain about networking, to consider joining a group like BNI.

I conclude with a heartfelt message about pursuing one's passion and the importance of doing what you love, as it leads to a fulfilling life. I remind everyone that time is a precious commodity, and when spent on something you are passionate about, it never feels wasted. Thank you for tuning in, and remember, the choice to make it a great day is yours!