Young Professional of the Month: Kimberly Schmidt of Allison James

The San Diego Young Professionals Committee (YPC) is committed to supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County by planning and hosting fun and upbeat fundraising and networking events throughout the year.

A new way the San Diego YPC is supporting the community in the New Year is by celebrating one deserving Young Professional of the Month in a new humanitarian series featured on DiscoverSD.com.

Our Young Professional of the Month for May 2011 is Kimberly Schmidt of Allison James Estates and Homes. This innovative local businesswoman has a vibrant passion for life, business and the art of giving back. From her introduction to the real estate industry to donating a portion of her sales to Big Brothers Big Sisters, get to know Kimberly Schmidt, in this San Diego Young Professional of the Month spotlight!


DiscoverSD: At 10-yrs-old, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Kimberly Schmidt: When I was 10, I either wanted to be a teacher or a foreign language interpreter.  I did end up teaching while I was in graduate school, which I loved.  And I've always studied languages as well.

DSD: What is your education and business background?

KS: I have an undergraduate degree in English from Arizona State University, and I studied Speech Language Pathology in graduate school at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.  I actually started working for various businesses when I was in high school doing administrative work. Then, after college, I did a lot of marketing and project management in a variety of industries, including interior design and construction.  I think having such an early start in the business world has really helped me in a lot of ways. It's an environment I've always been comfortable in.

DSD: When and how did you first know you wanted to be in the real estate industry?

KS: After graduate school, I was either going to go on and get a Ph.D. or try my hand at real estate.  I had started thinking about real estate during my Master's program when I realized that I spent so much time looking at homes both in person and online.  By doing my clinical work with my speech therapy clients, I realized I loved working with people, and it occurred to me that real estate would blend those two interests together.  I told myself I would give real estate a try for two years and if it didn't work out, I could then go the academic route.  I'm in the middle of my fifth year in real estate and I have no plans on changing my career!

DSD: What is the most important business lesson you’ve learned from working in the real estate industry?

KS: The most important thing is to listen to my clients and to serve only their interests, not my own.  I work for them.  Also, to not be emotionally attached to the outcome of the transaction.  Some transactions go through and some don't.   For me to do my job well, I need to not get emotionally involved, so that I can focus on just doing my job in a professional manner.

DSD: For over a year you have been donating a portion of your sales to Big Brothers Big Sisters. What led you to make such a heartfelt decision and what has been the most rewarding experience of it?

KS: The most rewarding experience is knowing that I'm giving back to the community.  I left Prudential, a large brokerage, to work for a much smaller brokerage (Allison James Estates and Homes).  By doing so, I gave up the large, fancy office and the big brand name.  But I also gained more of my commission, which gave me the opportunity to start donating money to charity instead of giving it to a large corporation.  I learned about the organization from one of my past clients, and had been looking for a program that focused on helping children.  Since I grew up in foster care and had a couple of women act as mentors to me when I was younger, it seemed like a really good fit.  I am currently waiting to be matched to a "little sister" through the program, so I'm really excited to start giving in that way as well.

DSD: San Diego charity events are another great way to have a fun time while giving back to a good cause. Aside from giving back to Big Brothers Big Sisters, what are some of your favorite local charity events?

KS: I try to participate in running/walking events since that's a great way to keep fit while giving back.

DSD: Where do you hope to see yourself 10 years from now, professionally and personally?

KS: In ten years, I see myself selling real estate and possibly doing some property flipping on my own.  I love houses and I enjoy seeing a home that just needs some TLC actually get that attention and become a great space.  Personally, I want to continue making good friends, seeing great places, and making a difference in the lives of those who are close to me.  And maybe also in the lives of those who aren't so close to me.

DSD: Why do you think San Diego is such a great city for professional and social networking?

KS: Obviously, it's always gorgeous outside.  Being born in Phoenix (where it's so hot), and having lived in Minneapolis, (where it's so cold), I can attest to the effect that weather has on our lives.  It really makes a difference.  Also, San Diego, like Phoenix, has a lot of transplants.  When people move to a new town, they tend to be more open and friendly, in my opinion, because they know what it's like to not know anybody.  People here are nice and I think that makes it easy to increase your networking circle.


DSD: What advice do you have for young San Diego entrepreneurs who want to make a difference in the world, starting at the local level?

KS: My advice is to not spread yourself too thin.  Pick one thing that you really care about and just start with that.  People will be able to sense your genuine interest.  Also, it's better to honor your commitments than to promise more than you can do and have to back out.  When it comes to business, I would tell them to focus on the big picture.  I am never just working for the next commission; I am working to make my client a raving fan because they are so happy with my service.  If they are happy with my service, they will send me business for years to come.


DSD: When you’re not working, where can we find you in San Diego?

KS: When I'm not working (which isn't all that often!), I can be found hiking with my husband and my rescued dogs; seeing shows at the Casbah or The Belly Up; or at any restaurant/bar that has good music and red leather booths.

To learn more about the San Diego Young Professionals Committee, Young Professionals of the Month, or quality networking events, friend them on Facebook. All funds raised by the Young Professionals Committee events are donated to Big Brothers, Big Sisters of San Diego County.  To learn more about the BBBS program, visit the BBBS site.

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