MAY NIBJ 40 Under 40 Kathryn 'Kat' Arrand

Kathryn "Kat" Arrand is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty.

Arrand's background is in sales and marketing.

"When I started at Coldwell Banker in 2009, I started as a receptionist," she said.

She slowly worked her way up, with the goal in mind to someday sell real estate.

"In 2013 I pursued that dream and became the licensed assistant for Scott Carr, then went completely on my own in 2014," she said.

Arrand never went to college after high school.

"I actually went to cosmetology school and quickly learned that was not my passion," she said. "What truly shaped me for the work I do today was the work ethic instilled in me at a young age and working in industries that involved customer service."

With her outgoing personality, going back to her early years of employment, working in industries that involved customer service really shaped her into putting customer service at the forefront of her business, she said.

"At my very first awards banquet with Coldwell Banker I received Rookie of the Year," Arrand said. "An agent at the banquet said something that has stuck with me all these years: 'Real estate is a relationship business, building strong relationships with your clients is what makes you successful.'"

She plans to keep selling real estate in five to 10 years, as well as continuing to help clients build their real estate investment portfolios.

"I'll never stop!" she said.

Words of advice for her younger self: Save your money. Buy a house as soon as possible. The first house you buy is an investment, not a dream home."