On a recent episode of my podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kevin Patsel, vice president at Compass in Northern California. Kevin has been a friend and colleague for many years, and his journey in real estate is nothing short of inspiring.
From his early days in public relations (PR) to becoming a key figure at Compass, Kevin's story is filled with lessons on leadership, adaptability, and success.
Watch the entire podcast episode here.
Kevin Patsel’s Career Journey and Lessons in Leadership and Industry Evolution
Kevin’s story is one of transformation, determination, and a drive to always learn and grow. Let’s delve into how he thrived and achieved success in this dynamic industry.
Kevin's Career Journey
Kevin divides his life into three distinct phases. First came his 20 years of growing up and finding his path. The second phase was 20 years in public relations and marketing, where he honed his communication skills, learning the art of relationship-building and strategic thinking. Finally, the third phase began 20 years ago when he transitioned into real estate.
Kevin's background in PR shaped how he approached real estate. He learned how to manage perceptions, handle crises, and communicate effectively—all skills that serve him well today.
His PR experience gave him a unique edge, especially in understanding how to present properties and connect with clients on a deeper level.
Transitioning to Real Estate and Overcoming Challenges
During a difficult time in his marketing career, Kevin found himself at a crossroads and decided to get his real estate license, thinking it would be a temporary solution.
However, he quickly excelled as an agent, joining Coldwell Banker and succeeding in sales. Despite this success, he struggled with imposter syndrome, feeling uncertain if he truly belonged in the industry.
His journey took a turn when he was offered the chance to manage Coldwell Banker’s flagship office in Marin. Moving into management felt more aligned with his skills and interests.
However, managing real estate agents brought its own set of challenges. He likened it to “herding cats,” as every agent has their own way of doing things. Here, Kevin found that serving and supporting agents was more important than directing them.
This was a leadership lesson he would carry forward in his career.
Joining Compass: An Entrepreneurial Mindset
Kevin's move to Compass was marked by an entrepreneurial spirit. He joined the company when it was still in its infancy in San Francisco, captivated by its innovative approach to real estate. Compass was different—it was more than just a brokerage; it was a community that valued collaboration, learning, and creativity.
As one of the early members, Kevin quickly became a key figure at the company. He was the person others turned to for guidance, which helped solidify his leadership role within the company.
What excited him most about Compass was the freedom to think outside the box and shape a new company culture focused on teamwork and transparency. This culture, developed with input from staff and agents, resonated deeply with him and aligned with his values.
Navigating Today’s Real Estate Landscape
During our conversation, we delved into the current complexities of the real estate market.
We discussed the ongoing changes within the industry, including the lawsuits involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). These changes emphasize the need for greater transparency in how real estate agents are paid and how their roles are understood.
Kevin and I agreed that it’s crucial to clear up misconceptions about the real estate profession. Many people still believe agents make easy money without considering the hard work, time, and expertise that go into every transaction.
We talked about the importance of being there for clients throughout the entire process, whether it's connecting them with the right mortgage brokers or closing the deal. It’s all about providing a seamless experience, which requires commitment and transparency.
Education, Mentorship, and Building Relationships
A key point Kevin emphasized was the importance of continuous learning in real estate. He credited mentors, like Vickie Naidorf, who helped him navigate the intricacies of real estate law and strategic decision-making.
In real estate, he explained, building relationships is everything. It's not just about making sales—it's about fostering trust and aligning your interests with your professional life.
For me, podcasting is also another powerful way to build those connections within the industry. That’s why I started the REalizations Podcast.
And, to ensure each episode delivers the most value, I work with a professional real estate podcast production company. This has allowed me to share conversations with professionals like Kevin and provide insights that help others succeed.
Maintaining Work-Life Balance in Real Estate
One of the most interesting parts of our conversation was Kevin's approach to maintaining work-life balance.
Early on, he found his work in real estate all-consuming, but he eventually learned the importance of setting boundaries. Now, he dedicates his full attention to work when he’s in the office but reserves his personal time for himself.
He appreciates that agents respect his space, contacting him only when it's truly necessary. It’s this mutual respect that allows him to manage his time effectively and stay committed to his clients without sacrificing his personal life.
Follow the REalizations Podcast for More Dynamic Conversations with Real Estate Icons!
Kevin’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, learning, and leadership in real estate. His insights on bridging a public relations background with real estate success offer valuable lessons for anyone navigating this field.
If you found Kevin's story intriguing, I invite you to tune into the REalizations Podcast. Each episode features dynamic conversations with real estate professionals, offering a peek behind the curtain of the industry and sharing tips for success.
And, if you’re ready to start your own real estate journey, I’m here to help. Whether you’re buying or selling a home in the Bay Area, let’s connect and make your experience a positive one.
Contact me today!
