When put to the test, I turned a career I loved into a thriving business to provide for my family. This journey brought not only financial security but also deep connections to my community and lasting fulfillment through the work I do.

 

One day, as my eldest son Ethan was preparing to go to high school, I had a sudden realization that college was just around the corner. It hit me like a ton of bricks—college expenses were looming, and despite our savings, we simply didn’t have enough. It was a turning point for me. I knew I had to step up and ensure that my sons, Ethan and Luke, would have the opportunity to attend any school they desired without financial constraints holding them back. 

 

This revelation came right in the midst of the 2008 economic downturn. The real estate market was crashing around us, and many were struggling to stay afloat. However, I refused to let these challenges deter me. 

 

Family has always been my driving force in life. Growing up, I witnessed my mother's struggles with mental illness. As the oldest, I often took on a caretaker role for my younger siblings, ensuring they had some semblance of normalcy. This experience deeply ingrained in me the importance of family, being there for one another and doing whatever it takes to keep those connections strong. 

 

When I first started in real estate, it was to be more involved in my kids’ lives as they grew up. Initially, I worked in software training at a Fortune 500 company in New Jersey and continued my career in Vermont when we moved in 1989. However, by 1992, I was pregnant with Ethan and looking for more flexibility to take care of my kids. I had already received my real estate license in New Jersey, so this was the perfect time to finally pursue it.

 

In the early days of my career, I was focused on connecting with people and helping them find their perfect place. My growth was steady, but I was most focused on being present for my children as they grew up.

 

With the prospects of college on the horizon, everything changed. I intensified my efforts and significantly grew my business. I worked tirelessly, joining a coaching company and diligently applying their strategies. I focused on developing and maintaining my network, reaching out to my database and doing the hard work that many agents shied away from. It was very challenging to grow a business during a time of short sales and foreclosures, but I kept pushing forward. My dedication paid off, and my business grew significantly during those tough times, allowing my husband and I to pay for Ethan and Luke’s college.

 

Ethan is now an aerospace engineer and married to Sheida, and Luke is a physical therapist, married to Shina. It is amazing to see how far they have come and to know all the effort was well worth it. As someone who loves what they do, I’m grateful they have found their passions.

 

One of my favorite things about living here is that I meet many of my clients simply through doing the things I love. I spend a lot of my free time on the tennis courts as the Captain of the Quechee Ladies Tennis Team for 12 years. I am also an aspiring golfer, connecting with people and building relationships over shared interests. Whether it is someone I have known for years or a new client, I take really great care of people and treat them as if they were family to create an amazing, full-service experience.

 

My life has been shaped by an unwavering commitment to my family. This commitment has driven my success and continues to guide my future. My daughter-in-law, Shina, plans to join me in real estate. All the hard work, care and dedication I have put into building this legacy will continue through her. The real estate industry has given me not just a career, but a way to support and be present for my family while connecting with my community. And for that, I am deeply grateful.

 

Community involvement has always been a cornerstone of my life and career. I am the founding Vice President of the Vermont Parrot Heads in Paradise, a Jimmy Buffett fan club dedicated to community service. We partnered with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports and the Special Olympics, running events and aid stations to support people with special needs. Nowadays, I’m a member of the Quechee Club and involved with QLLA Charities, which organizes the CHAD Classic Golf Tournament and the CHAD Gala. These activities not only enrich my life but also strengthen my connections within the community, which directly benefits my real estate business by fostering trust and relationships.

 

My passion for real estate goes beyond just a career; it’s a calling that blends my love for helping people with my expertise in the housing market. I find immense joy in guiding my clients through one of the most significant decisions of their lives, whether it's finding the perfect home or securing a great deal for a seller. Real estate has provided me the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both my clients and my community, aligning perfectly with my values of service and dedication.

 

Sincerely,

 

Kasia Butterfield