Kristin Bond & Trisha Mell

Founded on Friendship, Focused on Family

By Jane K. Asher, Ph.D.

Photos by Sasha Marceta with Skyview Experts

Photos taken at Toll Brothers - Reserve at West Bloomfield

Kristin Bond and Trisha Mell both started their real estate careers as independent agents in 2013 and coincidentally both made the decision to join a team a few years later, which is where they ended up meeting, closely working together and discovering how much they had in common with one another. By 2020, Kristin and Trisha were both ready to venture back out on their own, but, given their history of helping and supporting one another — and their blossoming friendship — they were intent on moving forward together. So, in February 2020, they decided to return to their original broker, Chuck Reaume at CENTURY 21 AAA North, and form The Bond + Mell Group, an equal partnership wherein Kristin and Trisha share marketing costs and jointly promote themselves yet maintain their own books of business.

“The fact that we are not only both equally invested but also that we will both reap the rewards of our investment makes our partnership successful and exciting,” Kristin said. “I know that Trisha can step in for me, and my clients are going to receive the same level of service I would provide to them.”

“We both have the same expectations for how we conduct our business, and we possess similar work ethics and value a rewarding work-life balance — and we actually do like each other!” Trisha said. “Finding a partner in this competitive industry who encourages you and is genuinely happy for you rather than being jealous of your successes is valuable and rare. Kristin has selflessly given her knowledge and time to help grow my business and me as an agent, and I am truly grateful.”

Prior to entering the real estate industry, Kristin worked as a director of marketing and property management, so her social media and marketing experience — along with her commitment to self-education and constant growth — enables her to discern trends and implement best practices in real estate. Kristin also assisted in managing their previous team, so she possessed the necessary insight and knowledge to establish a successful partnership with Trisha. Previously an advertising account director, Trisha is a reliable, self-motivated business partner.

Additionally, Trisha and Kristin bring eight years of successful real estate experience to their partnership: Trisha has a career volume of over $18 million, Kristin’s career volume is over $26 million and both of them were productive members of a team that earned DOUBLE CENTURION and GRAND CENTURION awards from 2014-2017

Leaving their previous team, where they had no financial risk or overhead, and taking on the intimidating task of building a new brand was certainly the greatest challenge that Kristin and Trisha faced together; however, they now recognize that establishing The Bond + Mell Group was undoubtedly the best decision they could have made for themselves, their businesses and their families. From the onset of their partnership, Kristin and Trisha, who feel that their clients’ accolades are the biggest measure of their success, have strived to ensure that every client feels happy with the level of service they received. More so, Trisha and Kristin are proud that they not only have built a brand founded on stellar service but also that they have been able to do so while taking care of the most important part of their lives: their families.

Trisha and her husband, Scott, have a blended family of four children — Palmer, 17, Ayden, 17, Finn, 13, and Jackson, 12 — who attend four different schools, as well as two dogs. Needless to say, many of Trisha’s days are unpredictable and a bit chaotic at times; however, Trisha — who has completed 13 marathons, including Boston, New York and Chicago — is the type of person who thrives on challenge.

“In 2015, as my career was taking off and right before I remarried, my children’s father passed away, and Scott immediately stepped in to take care of us,” Trisha said. “Financially, I honestly have the option to stay at home and devote myself to being a full-time mom, but I’ve always felt the personal responsibility to do my part — and I love my career and real estate.” Additionally, by having a career that she’s passionate about, Trisha is setting an example for her kids. “In some ways, it makes me a better mom and, hopefully, inspires them to pursue their passions. My biggest wish for them is to all become happy, well-balanced, independent adults.”

Trisha’s family time includes snowboarding whenever they get the opportunity, attending Jackson’s and Ayden’s soccer matches, watching Finn develop his acting skills and build his social media following, listening to Palmer’s performances with the Notre Dame Prep Marching Band and traveling to some really fun places in the world. In addition to running, Trisha also likes to spend her free time golfing.

Since the beginning of her career, Kristin knew that she wanted to be both a mom and a businesswoman, and she is so grateful that real estate has afforded her the flexibility and time to care for her family as well as provide for them. Kristin and Jeff, her partner of over 15 years, have two boys — Colin, 6, and JJ, 4 — and Kristin, who says she had a great childhood, wants her children to make amazing memories and live life to the fullest. “Colin, who has a speech delay and sensory processing disorder (SPD), has truly taught me that in order to make sure that happens, I have to be a strong advocate for my children at all times,” she said. “And the truth is, moms really do just know their kids and what’s best for them. I will always stand up for my boys and make sure that they are on whatever path they want or need to be on to be successful in their own way.”

Kristin’s family time includes a lot of outdoor time with her boys — Colin and JJ love the water and spending summer days at their nana’s house in Lake Orion, on their grandpa’s boat in Port Huron, or at their grandma and grandpa’s cottage in Caseville.

FINANCIALLY, I HONESTLY HAVE THE OPTION TO STAY AT HOME AND DEVOTE MYSELF TO BEING A FULL-TIME MOM, BUT I’VE ALWAYS FELT THE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY TO DO MY PART — AND I LOVE MY CAREER AND REAL ESTATE.

Kristin and her family also enjoy traveling to her dad’s condo in Florida and to Scotland to see her family. “Oh, and, I wouldn’t be 100% honest if I didn’t mention how much I love shopping and wine!” Kristin said. “Also, as a boy mom, I love girls’ days with my nieces and doing the girly stuff that I don’t get to do with my own kids.”

Kristin and Trisha both operate with a family-first mentality and acknowledge how challenging it is to balance motherhood and a full-time career. “Being a mom is a full-time job in itself, so adding on another demanding career can be very tough at times,” Kristin said. “In this industry, it is very easy to work 24/7 and be at the mercy of your clients, but, over time, it has become easier to manage. I find that I am better in all equities of my life when I give the right attention to each, but it is something I have to be mindful of at all times.”

These two hardworking, passionate moms also know that they are better equipped to manage life’s demands — and thrive in business — simply because they support, encourage and celebrate one another.

Dynamic Duo - Kristin Bond & Trisha Mell