Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendal Hackett.
Hi Kendal, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been someone who enjoys helping people solve problems. During the day, I work as a Pricing Analyst, where I get to combine strategy, data, and relationship building. But I wanted something that allowed me to make an even more personal impact on people’s lives, which is what led me into real estate.
When I first got started, I quickly realized buying or selling a home isn’t just a transaction—it’s one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions most people will ever make. I found myself especially drawn to first-time homebuyers because I love taking something that feels overwhelming and making it simple, approachable, and even exciting.
Like most new agents, the beginning wasn’t easy. Building a business from the ground up while balancing a full-time career, being a wife, raising two daughters, coaching their sports teams, and investing in real estate meant a lot of long days and late nights. There were plenty of moments where I questioned whether I could do it all, but I kept showing up consistently, focused on serving people well rather than chasing the next sale.
Today, I’m fortunate to have built a business that’s fueled largely by referrals from past clients, friends, and family who trust me enough to send the people they care about my way. That trust is something I never take for granted. Along the way I’ve also become a real estate investor, renovating homes and continuing to learn the business from multiple perspectives, which helps me better serve my clients.
What I’m most proud of isn’t any award or sales milestone—it’s the relationships I’ve built. Whether it’s helping a first-time buyer get the keys to their very first home, guiding a family through an upgrade, or helping someone downsize into their next chapter, I get to be part of some of the biggest moments in people’s lives. That’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and it’s what keeps me excited to do this every day.
Outside of work, my world revolves around my husband, Phil, and our two daughters. You’ll usually find me at a softball field or volleyball court cheering them on. Building a business that allows me to serve my clients while still being present for my family has become one of my biggest definitions of success.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. Like most entrepreneurs, there have been plenty of challenges along the way.
One of the biggest has been balancing everything. I still work full-time while building my real estate business, so there have been many days that start before sunrise and don’t end until after my daughters are in bed. There have been weekends filled with showings, evenings spent writing contracts after softball games, and plenty of moments where I questioned if I could keep all the balls in the air.
Another challenge was simply building trust in an industry where so many people know an agent. In the beginning, you’re constantly trying to prove yourself. I learned early on that I couldn’t compete by being the loudest—I had to compete by being the most consistent. Showing up, following through, educating my clients, and genuinely putting their best interests first has made all the difference.
Real estate itself is full of highs and lows. Deals fall apart, inspections uncover unexpected issues, financing can hit roadblocks, and not every client relationship works out the way you hope. Those moments can be discouraging, but they’ve also made me a better agent. They’ve taught me how to stay calm under pressure, solve problems creatively, and advocate for my clients when it matters most.
Looking back, I’m actually grateful it wasn’t a smooth road. The challenges forced me to grow—not just as a Realtor, but as a business owner and a person. They’ve made me more resilient, more empathetic, and more appreciative of every client who chooses to trust me with one of the biggest decisions of their lives.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a Realtor serving the Kansas City metro, helping buyers, sellers, and investors navigate one of the biggest financial decisions they’ll ever make. While I work with a variety of clients, I specialize in first-time homebuyers. I love taking what can feel like an overwhelming process and breaking it down into something that’s clear, manageable, and even enjoyable.
I also bring the perspective of being a real estate investor myself. Having purchased and renovated properties, I understand the process from both the client side and the professional side. That experience helps me spot opportunities, think creatively during negotiations, and provide advice that goes beyond simply opening doors to houses.
I think what I’m most known for is being approachable and educational. I never want my clients to feel intimidated or like they should already know the answers. My goal is to be the person who explains everything, answers every question, and makes sure they feel confident every step of the way. Whether it’s through social media, community events, or one-on-one conversations, I genuinely enjoy educating people about real estate.
What I’m most proud of is that my business has been built largely through referrals. When past clients trust me enough to recommend me to their friends and family, that’s the greatest compliment I can receive. It tells me I’m doing more than just helping people buy and sell homes—I’m building lasting relationships.
I also believe my clients get someone who’s fully invested in their success. I’m a problem solver by nature, and I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every client has different goals, different concerns, and different circumstances, so I take the time to understand what’s most important to them and build a strategy around that. Whether that means negotiating aggressively, finding creative solutions, or simply being available to answer questions on a Sunday evening, I want my clients to know they have someone in their corner from start to finish.
At the end of the day, I don’t measure success by the number of homes I sell. I measure it by the relationships I build and the trust people place in me. That’s what keeps me passionate about what I do.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always the kind of person who liked to stay busy. I enjoyed being involved, trying new things, and figuring out how things worked. I’ve always been naturally curious and a bit of a problem solver, which is probably why I ended up loving both the analytical side of my career and the relationship-building side of real estate.
I’ve also always been pretty independent and driven. If there was a goal I wanted to reach, I was willing to put in the work to get there. That mindset has carried over into adulthood, whether it’s balancing multiple careers, investing in real estate, or coaching my daughters’ sports teams.
At the same time, relationships have always been important to me. I’ve never been someone who enjoys being the center of attention, but I do love connecting with people and making them feel comfortable. Looking back, I think that’s one of the reasons real estate feels like such a natural fit. I genuinely enjoy listening to people’s stories, understanding what matters to them, and helping them find solutions.
Today, not much has changed. I’m still someone who’s happiest when life is full—whether that’s helping clients find their dream home, cheering my daughters on from the sidelines of a softball or volleyball game, tackling a home renovation project, or spending time with my family. I’m definitely a believer that hard work matters, but so does showing up for the people you care about. That’s something I’ve tried to carry with me through every stage of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kendalhackett.1stclassre.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendalh3/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kendalhackettEXP
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KendalsKCConnections
