Kim Draper

FOCUSED ON WHAT MATTERS THE MOST

By Jane K. Asher, Ph.D.

Photos by Tracie Seeley with Downriver

In June of 2020, Kim Draper made her Real Producers debut as a Rising Star in the industry. At the time, Kim, who had less than two years of real estate experience as an agent with Island Realty Inc., was intent on earning a coveted Top Producer spot on the cover — and now, Kim has done just that.

“I am always up for a challenge, but, more importantly, I consider it an honor to be included with the many well-deserved people before me,” she said. “I am just naturally competitive, a hard worker and very goal oriented. I’m always striving for personal growth and ways to improve myself.”

Kim’s rapid ascent to Top Producer and the strong brand recognition she has developed on Grosse Ile and in the neighboring communities materialized as a result of her dedication to ongoing education and her propensity for keeping up to date with video marketing and other industry trends. Most importantly, she hasn’t lost sight of what matters the most in this industry: the clients. “My focus has always been — and still is — my clients’ overall experience,” Kim said. “In real estate, no two transactions are the same. I am constantly adjusting to new situations and coming up with solutions to make deals work. Through attentiveness and creativity, there is a solution for everyone — the word ‘no’ is not an option; it’s a starting point.”

Driven by her commitment to her clients, as well as by her willingness to pivot and adapt in an ever-changing industry, Kim is currently on track to close out 2021 with nearly $20 million in sales. She has also been Island Realty’s top producer in both 2019 and 2020 and will most likely retain her title in 2021.

“I complete all transactions with the utmost integrity and sincerity for all of my clients,” Kim said. “I love the emotion of real estate, the roller coaster ride with clients. Some people shy away from that piece, but I gravitate toward it.” Kim also loves surrounding herself with people she knows and trusts. “I consider my clients to be in that pool, along with my co-workers and friends,” she added.

One of those people Kim trusts and works closely with is her “amazing marketing director/transaction coordinator/director of all things,” Andrea O’Donnell. “Andrea wears multiple hats, and she has a ton of patience and a great background in marketing and public relations,” Kim said. “We are a great team — we can take an idea and run with it. She truly is the yin to my yang.”

Before entering the real estate industry, Kim had a longstanding, successful career as a strategic account director for a Fortune 500 company. As the leader of the company’s largest account, Kim regularly traveled throughout the midwestern and eastern U.S. After she and her husband, Rob, started their family, Kim was ready for a new career, one in which she could set her own schedule and “be present at home.” After Kim and her husband purchased and sold a few of their homes, Kim kept in touch with their agent who inspired and encouraged her to give real estate a try. “I have always had a passion for real estate, and I love meeting new families and helping them achieve their goals, so this change was perfect for me,” Kim said.

LET YOUR TRUE SELF SHINE THROUGH, BE HONEST AND PEOPLE WILL LIKE YOU FOR YOU.

In real estate, Kim finds a lot of personal fulfillment in educating her buyers on the state of the market and helping them find their dream home. “The whole process can be overwhelming and stressful, but the smile on my client’s face when they have keys in hand makes everything worth it,” she said. “My true passion is being a home matchmaker, and I wouldn’t change a thing!”

Photo provided by Kim Draper

Born and raised in Trenton, Kim is thankful for her mom, who always kept her grounded, and her dad, a successful leader of a medical sales team. She is also ever so thankful for her #1 fan, Rob, as well as for her sister and longtime group of friends who continue to support her along the way. “My friends and family truly inspire and motivate me,” Kim shared.

Kim and Rob met at Michigan State University where Kim earned her bachelor’s degree in packaging engineering. They have been married for 13 years and are the proud parents of three boys: Dylan, 11, Mason, 10, and Lennon, 6. As a family, the Drapers all enjoy playing sports and board games, skiing, hiking and vacationing. In her free time, Kim likes watching a good tearjerker — her favorites are the Hallmark holiday movies that she used to watch with her grandma — and listening to country, alternative, pop and throwback ‘80s and ‘90s jams. Kim makes time for exercising on her Peloton and running outside — she has completed seven marathons. Additionally, Kim is involved with her sons’ schools where she helps out in their classrooms and has served on the Grosse Ile Parent and Teacher Booster Club board for several years. She is also an active member of The Guidance Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating the development, resilience and well-being of individuals and families.

At the end of the day, Kim wants to be remembered for her smile and for inspiring others. “Helping my clients and building lasting relationships is what matters the most,” she said. “Be yourself — don’t portray yourself as someone you’re not. Let your true self shine through, be honest and people will like you for you.”

Kim Draper - TOP PRODUCER