Karen Marcinak

FINDING SUCCESS IN THE FREEDOM

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by Dawn Townsend Photography & Design

For 31 years, Associate Broker Karen Marcinak has defined her business success in a variety of ways: finding the perfect home for her clients, accomplishing daily goals — both big and small — and rewarding herself with a muchearned vacation. However, her number one definition for success is having the freedom of choice.

When Karen first graduated from college, she had a very uninspiring job and found herself wishing the weeks away with a regular case of the “Sunday-night blues.” Recognizing there was a better way to earn a living, Karen decided to combine her marketing degree and part-time work as a real estate agent, and pave a career path for herself.

“Now, there are no Mondays,” Karen laughed. “As real estate agents, we have the choice to work every day of the week if we choose — or pick the days that work best for us.” Karen said she loves the freedom to make her own schedule. She often helps her grandparents get to their doctor appointments or spends a wellearned afternoon on her boat. Karen added, “Having the ability to choose what you want in life is true freedom — and in my opinion — the ultimate measure of success.”

The events in Karen’s life have shaped and defined her and guided her to where she is today. Her experiences continuously motivate her and remind her of her creativity, determination, and optimistic point of view. Karen recalls a time when she had to take care of her younger sister while her mother was away at work. “My friends were asking me to play and I had to stay with my sister,” she said. “I remember thinking I could only count on myself. To this day, I have a hard time asking for help because of that time in my life.” It was also during this impressionable time in Karen’s life when she realized she could do whatever she set her mind to; and no one was going to stop her. This mindset has become a part of Karen’s mantra and fueled her to success.

Karen loves to keep things interesting in her life. Her family refers to her, saying, “You never know what Karen is going to do.” Karen said with a smile, “I take it as a compliment because it’s correct. I might decide to go hang-gliding off a cliff one day, and the next day I’m flying an airplane.”

In 1993, Karen took a class on setting goals. She made her first vision board which included a picture of a vacation home. Even before she had her own home, she found her dream vacation property and made it her own. “I still use vision boards today because they work,” Karen said. “My advice to anyone setting goals is to visualize what you want, then put it down on paper or create a board — seeing what you want helps define who you are, what makes you unique and clearly defines your direction.”

When asked what other advice she had for up-andcoming real estate agents, Karen suggested, “Learn the basics — they will get you through tough times. Also, find your niche by developing business from your own interests and hobbies. It’s smart to work within areas you’re already passionate about — providing a unique brand yourself that can be carried throughout all of your advertising and taglines.” She also added, “Beef up your negotiating skills. You will need them to position your offers to purchase or for upcoming objections.”

Karen also emphasized the importance of “being the expert” — suggesting meeting and interviewing multiple mortgage representatives. “You want to be prepared for your clients — offering them knowledge and options will bring them comfort,” she said.

“And lastly, but most importantly, keep those relationships going — long after the closing. In the end, what I cherish the most is the time I spent with a ‘friend’ — because we usually end up becoming friends.”

Karen — who is with Real Estate One — has a proven track record for what it takes to be a leader in the real estate business. When she first entered the marketplace, she identified opportunities for her business by hosting a booth at a bridal show. “I figured that starting a new chapter for newly-engaged couples also included getting a new marital residence,” Karen shared. “And by golly, it worked!” she laughed. “I established relationships with first-time buyers, their families and their friends. I still get clients from my bridal show days because 90% of my business is repeat and referral.”

As a result of Karen’s unique approach to business, she was asked to contribute a chapter in a book titled, “How to Buy and Sell Real Estate in Today’s Market.” Her co-authored chapter is titled “Trust,” which makes her smile when she thinks back to how she began her career.

Through the years, Karen has been recognized as an All-Star for “Hour Detroit” magazine, a member of Real Estate One’s Multi-Million Dollar Club, President’s Council of Excellence, President’s Diamond Award, President’s Gold Award and top 5% in sales volume in the nation. Karen was the president of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® in 2016-2017 and received an honor for membership retention — an award which had not been won since the organization’s inception in 1938 for her chapter.

Helping people move into their next chapter of life has always been the most rewarding aspect of what Karen does. Looking ahead, Karen would like to build a team — sharing with them the knowledge she has gained over the years. Currently, Karen is studying to become a naturopathic doctor — a dream she has had since college. Developing her real estate team is a vital working component for securing her desire to practice both real estate and doctoring.

“As I get older, it feels like the years go by faster and faster,” Karen said. “My resolve to this is having a bucket list — big or small, once a week, once a year — it fills your life with purpose and excitement.” Karen relates to the words sung by singer Darius Rucker, “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” She said, “It delights my heart to continuously discover new things.”

Karen will probably best be remembered for her wonderful laugh — a likable trait that has her noticed in a crowd — easy to recognize, hard to forget. She has an optimistic view of life and embraces each day with gratitude. She concluded, “At the end of the day, when you lay to rest, ask yourself, did I celebrate?”

Legend in the Business - Karen Marcinak