FROM LONE HUSTLER TO REAL ESTATE LEGEND
For Karen Bernardi, success wasn’t something handed over; it was earned through grit, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing.
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Today, as the leader of The Bernardi Group at Coldwell Banker, Karen’s story is more than one of real estate success—it’s about overcoming obstacles, defying expectations, and building a legacy rooted in hard work, authenticity, and service.
Born in Indiana, Karen moved to Colorado as a young adult and started her career with humble beginnings. As a single mother with no formal education, she worked as a waitress and bartender and struggled to provide for herself and her young child. “It was the experience of being poor that really drove me,” she reflects, acknowledging how those early challenges pushed her toward real estate.
A serendipitous opportunity arrived when two key figures in her life—the owner of the restaurant she worked at who was starting his own real estate company, and her father—offered her a lifeline by lending her money to get her real estate license. Juggling both jobs, Karen fought for financial stability before fully committing to real estate. Those early years were far from easy. “I got poorer at first,” she admits.
Continuing to hustle and think outside the box for her clients, Karen persevered. “I was always
willing to do more than most people,” she recalls. One unforgettable experience involved going out with a client to look at a $20,000 vacant lot -- and selling a $110,000 property. This opportunity came about through a chance encounter while hitchhiking after her car broke down while out with a client.
“I was so broke that I had a flat tire and no spare,” Karen recalls with a laugh, remembering her yellow car with a green door that she was too poor to paint. “We tried hitchhiking back, and this big biker dude helped us. That’s when we saw that other property. You just never know what can happen.”
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What separated Karen from others in the industry was her authenticity and tenacity. She always believed in pushing harder, even during the toughest times. Her career truly began to skyrocket after she met renowned real estate coach Mike Ferry. “I started tracking my sched-ule and following his advice,” Karen explains. This new discipline trans-formed her income—from $80,000 to $160,000, then to $350,000, eventually surpassing $1 million. Karen’s relentless work ethic, combined with Ferry’s guid-ance, led her to become one of the top real estate agents in the nation.
Karen’s success has not only been widely recognized; it has also remained steady over time. Ranking within the top 10 agents in the nation, her mantra, “Do the right thing,” remains central to her business philosophy. Even if it means turning down short-term financial gains, Karen prioritizes the long-term well-being of her clients.
This commitment to client service has led Karen to adopt creative ways to help her clientele. One such innovation is offering interestfree loans to help sellers prepare their homes for sale, knowing these short-term investments can yield high returns. Karen also emphasizes clear communication with her clients, ensuring the process remains smooth and stress-free.
Building a team came naturally to Karen. As a single mother, she mastered the art of delegation and time management early in life. Hiring her first assistant was a bold move—offering a percentage of her earnings—but it paid off as her business grew. As her team expanded, Karen shifted to offering salaries with benefits, including paid vacations and health insurance, which has fostered loy-alty and retention. Team members have stayed with Karen for an average of 9–10 years—a testament to her leadership.
“The key to building a successful team is taking care of them,” Karen says. “I know how important things
like health insurance and time off are, especially because of my experiences as a single mother.”
While The Bernardi Group is known for its excellence in real estate, Karen is intentional about maintaining a small, high-quality team. “I’m picky about who I bring on board,” she admits. “I don’t want a big team—I want a small team that shares my values.” Her team doesn’t just focus on transactions but on continuous learning, often reading books together like The Disney Touch and Man’s Search for Meaning, reflecting Karen’s commitment to both personal and professional development.
Outside of real estate, Karen enjoys a fulfilling life. She is an active runner, pickleball enthusiast, weightlifter, and traveler. A member of a Spanish book club, Karen is fluent in Spanish and is currently relearning Italian. She is a proud grandmother of four and is preparing to get remarried at 69, adding another wonderful chapter to her personal journey.
As Karen reflects on her remarkable career, one thing is clear: the grit that took her from a lone hustler to a real estate legend still drives her today. “Always be honest, with yourself and others,” she advises.
With a legacy built on resilience, hard work, and doing right by her clients, Karen has cemented her place in the industry—not just as a top agent, but as a true testament to what it means to lead with integrity and heart.
