Agent Spotlight: Kim Kissel

Meet Kim Kissel, a dynamic agent from the Plainfield Baird & Warner office who boasts 15 years of real estate experience. Kim's unconventional journey into real estate started from a unique place — getting a master's degree in criminal justice. While Kim decided to pursue a different career, her education gave her a thorough, basic understanding of legal concepts. It's a skill that's proved invaluable in her work as an agent. 

Next, Kim ventured into entrepreneurship running the Chicagoland Wedding Directory, a successful online hub for wedding vendors. Her business even attracted the attention of the hit TV show ER, where her website was used as a prop in one of its episodes, a testament to her hard work as a business owner.

As an agent, Kim thrives on the variety that comes with each new day. "No two days are ever alike!" she says. This attitude also applies to her career overall, as Kim is not afraid to embrace change. "This business changes so much from market to market, and from year to year — embrace those changes," she says. " As agents, it's our obligation to learn and understand industry changes so we can efficiently and effectively educate the public and implement those changes ourselves. We only get better by being better."

Outside of work, Kim enjoys working in her yard, gardening and spending time with her kids. She loves her hometown of Plainfield for its rich history and vibrant local scene. Read on to dive into Kim's journey, learn about her experiences and discover what makes her an exceptional real estate agent. To get in touch with her, you can email Kim at kim.kissel@bairdwarner.com or visit her website to browse active listings. 

What is your background? Have you always been a real estate agent? If no, please explain.

I always had an interest in real estate and have dabbled in a few different areas, but I actually have a master's degree in criminal justice. It doesn't seem like it would relate, but it does give me a good basic understanding of contracts and legal concepts, which is extremely helpful. Throughout my thirties, I also created and ran my own wedding-related business, the Chicagoland Wedding Directory, which was an online advertising hub for wedding vendors and resources. My website can be seen on a computer monitor at the nurse's station in a 2005 episode of ER — that was very exciting! The head props department manager for the TV series reached out to me for permission to use my website, and even sent me script pages to review for prior approval! 

How many years have you been a real estate agent and why do you enjoy being one?

I've been an agent for 15 years. I enjoy the diversity in my day-to-day activities. No two days are ever alike! 

What is a meaningful real estate experience you've had with a buyer or seller? 

There have been so many!  I feel like I must be one of the luckiest agents out there — I always get to work with the nicest people!  I joke all the time about how I get to meet great friends right before they move away, but it's so true! 

What's one piece of advice that you can share with other real estate agents?

Don't be afraid of change! This business changes so much from market to market, and from year to year — embrace those changes! Make it a goal to truly learn and grow and to help others learn and grow. As agents, it's our obligation to learn and understand industry changes so we can efficiently and effectively educate the public and implement those changes ourselves. We only get better by being better.

What is something you like about Baird & Warner and your Baird & Warner office?

A few things stand out to me. I appreciate the camaraderie among the agents, staff, and management, how everyone is always so appreciative of the hard work and efforts of everyone else and — from an agent perspective — I can truly say that we are always so supported and encouraged by an amazing designated manager and assistant manager. That is easily half the battle in finding a great office and company to work with. 

What is one of your favorite local restaurants and why?

It's so hard to choose. Sovereign for so many delicious farm-to-table options. I also enjoy Capri Sogno for the delicious Fettuccine Verde Fiorentina, which is easily the best pasta dish I have ever eaten! 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I enjoy working in my yard, gardening and spending time with my kids.

What do you enjoy about living in your town?

Plainfield is like a big little town. There are tons of mom-and-pop businesses, restaurants, entertainment and such a rich, interesting history.