Secrets of success

Joanne Kitt, owner of ReMax Caldwell Agencies, shared her thoughts on her business, the secrets of success and the future

ReMax Caldwell Agencies staff in Kimberley are a dedicated team; owner Joanne Kitt is on the far left. — Photo courtesy ReMax Caldwell Agencies

Joanne Kitt, owner of ReMax Caldwell Agencies in Kimberley, has been in the property business for a long time. She became a Realtor in 1981 and bought the business from her parents in 1995. In 2011, ReMax Caldwell Agencies was listed at No. 16 on Kootenay Business's list of the Top 50 Kootenay Companies, ranked by revenue. Kitt has enjoyed her years as a business owner and shared with us some of the secrets of her success. 

To what do you attribute your success in the past year?

Lots of hard work and a positive attitude from all the Realtors and staff.

How do you see the year ahead and what are the positives?

It is all a bit concerning with the rest of the world’s economic situation. The bright side is that there are lots of good things happening here. Families are wanting to relocate to our area and the affordability is attracting them.

What lessons have you learned in the past?

Keep a really close eye on the future and be very aware of trends that can be seen as indicators of a changing market.

Are you involved in the community?

I like to stay involved in the community, as that is the way I was raised. Giving back to the community and being involved is very satisfying and you get to meet a whole different group of people. I am currently involved in the Canada Cup Curling, and everyone in my office supports the children’s hospital, as a part of every deal goes to them. I have volunteered with the Kimberley Dance Academy and I am on the Kimberley and District Community Foundation.

Who are your mentors?

My parents have been my mentors. My mother was the first woman on the Real Estate Council of British Columbia, the first woman president of a real estate board, a city councillor and one of the few mothers that worked when I was young. She was very driven to succeed and all the time kept an amazing sense of humour. She and my father started Caldwell Agencies in 1963 and never looked back. They worked together every day and raised five kids. They were the first joint Citizens of the Year in Cranbrook and were always well known for the pride they took in their family, business and community.

What is your favourite part of the business?

First-time buyers. There is nothing more satisfying than helping young people get into their first home.

Would you like to add anything?

I have been selling real estate for over 30 years now and still love it. The people that work for me are fantastic and the job is different every day. My daughter now works for me as a Realtor and an appraiser, and Rea Jarrett has been here for 27 years. We laugh about someone carting us out of here one day. I don’t think I could enjoy my job as much without the camaraderie of the Realtors and support staff. I am very fortunate to have a great crew.