Kim Cryderman

ESTABLISHING PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT IN DILIGENT WORK

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by Jessica Laine Photography

“Hard times and hard work always lead to great things,” Kim Cryderman, real estate agent at RE/MAX Classic in Milford, said. “There was a time in my life where I wasn’t sure how I was going to buy groceries for my family or put gas in my car to go show a house.” However, even in the darkest moments, Kim had an unyielding belief in herself and found a way to be resilient, which paid off.

In 2013, Kim went from years of having the support of a team to being on her own, and she was scared. “I felt like I was starting all over again as an agent,” she recalled. Within two years — because of Kim’s determination — she received the RE/MAX 100% Club award for the first time in 2015, which was one of her greatest accomplishments outside of raising her sons and buying a house on her own. In 2020, she earned the Top 5% award from Hour Detroit magazine for a second time as well as the RE/MAX Platinum Club award for the first time. “Reaching that level in my career was really emotional because it was a goal I had for a long time,” she shared.

Kim conveyed that a career in real estate isn’t for the weak. “You need to get up every day with a plan and then work that plan,” she said. “But I couldn’t have done it without the love and guidance from my fellow agents, brokers, friends and family, and my amazing, wonderful clients. I’m so grateful for their support that helped me get where I am today.”

Kim’s journey to real estate success started when she waited tables for 16 years to help pay for nursing school as well as after being a “Tupperware Lady,” where she learned about sales. “Back in 1997, after just six months with the company, I was the #1 consultant in the region, selling $10,000 of Tupperware in one month,” she shared. Despite eight prosperous years as a senior executive VIP manager, Kim’s Tupperware distributorship was near its end, and she looked to real estate to find her next adventure. “After watching my now-ex-husband sell real estate for five years, I felt the need to give him a little ‘nudge,’ so I got my license and joined him in the business,” she said.

After eight years of selling real estate together, Kim and her husband parted ways in business and in life. Struggling to adjust taught Kim how to work harder and dig deeper for her goals. “Going through my divorce made me even stronger, and having to make it on my own was probably the best thing for my personal success,” she said.

As the oldest of four children, Kim was often reminded by her father that she was to set the example for her siblings. “My father’s belief in me began at the age of 12 when he had me balancing his checkbook,” she said with a laugh. “But honestly, the responsibility really shaped my life because my father’s influence taught me that hard work pays off and that ‘handouts’ are not something given to us but something that’s earned through dedication and commitment.” Kim added that her parents’ encouragement and advice was an intangible gift that she will always treasure.

HARD TIMES AND HARD WORK ALWAYS LEAD TO GREAT THINGS.

In her 17 years of selling real estate, Kim’s biggest challenge continues to be how the changing markets affect her clients. “I simply need to remind myself and my clients that everything will always work out somehow,” she explained. “I’m very intentional with my decisions and passionate about doing the right thing. My clients know that when I find them a house, it should be the ‘right house’ and not something they should settle on.”

Kim’s greatest reward comes from her referral-based business. “It makes me smile every time I get a call and the voice on the other end says, ‘I was referred to you by ...’ It means I did a good job, and that makes me feel proud of my work,” she said.

“Giving my buyers the keys to their new home changes people’s lives, and that never gets old,” Kim shared. “When I know I have made a difference in someone’s life — that is how I measure success.”

Kim’s two sons — Zachary and Garrett — are her whole world. “When we have time to spend together, it usually involves food, conversation and them making me laugh,” she said. Kim also finds time to occasionally golf or take walks in Kensington Metropark, but she mostly enjoys just hanging out with friends and family while sitting at one of their favorite restaurants in Milford.

Kim’s advice to new agents is to be patient and to be available. She also suggested getting involved in the community and to consistently network with others. “It’s also important to stay connected with your clients,” she added. “Remind them that you appreciate them. This business shouldn’t just be about the paycheck — if it is, you probably shouldn’t do it.”

While Kim finds fun ways to interact with her clients, she treats her profession as a business and not a hobby. “I take a lot of pride in this thing I call a ‘job,’” she said. “You have to be there if you say you are going to be, and always put your clients’ best interest first.”

Kim Cryderman - Agent Spotlight