Today we’d like to introduce you to Kari Monk.
Hi Kari, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My nickname in school was “Taz” (short for Tasmanian devil). I am spontaneous, loud, and a bit obnoxious. At least that’s how I think people see me. I am Christian and I love hard, probably to a fault. I got married in my early 20’s to a man who verbally and emotionally abused me for 6 years until I finally built up the courage to divorce. Towards the end of this marriage, I met a new friend, Daniel, who later became my Husband. Daniel introduced me to Jesus, and through Jesus led me to have a relationship with Jesus like I do today!
Daniel and I have now been married for 9 years and have a 7 year old Daughter. We have traveled, started a real estate investing business together, and have learned to grow stronger as a family unit all while doing our best to minister to those around us. God and our church family have been the center of our family unit and will continue to be so. Our real estate investments are focused on assisting those that need to get out of a bad situation or need to move on to a new chapter in life but just need a little help to do so. This has become our ministry.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are always struggles! I mostly struggled with what my purpose was in the world of real estate and if I even wanted to continue in Real Estate. I attempted to get out of Real Estate twice, but God put me right back in. My personal life has been a bit of a struggle at times too, which naturally affected the rest of my world. I have 3 siblings (so there are 4 kids). Myself and my younger brother have the same two parents. My older Sister shares a Dad, but has a different Mom, and my older Brother (the oldest of the 4) has a different Mom, but shares the same Dad.
There are 4 kids, and 3 Moms if that helps with the math. In my early 20’s, I found my oldest brother by way of a family email chain that started due to the death of our uncle. We immediately became friends and it is amazing as to how similar we are even though we didn’t grow up together and even in different states – he has always been in Kentucky and I in Texas. Then in my 30’s, I found my older Sister, who lives in Michigan, after searching for 10 years and unsuccessfully hiring two Private Investigators! We all became a true family, but it is an emotional struggle for all of us. So many unanswered questions, and what ifs. The emotional roller coaster of my family struggles affected my reason for purpose and caused me to struggle more at times.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In 2000, I bought my first house. A month later I was let go from my job and was then offered a position with a National Title Office answering phones and doing customer service. Having no idea what I was doing, and not knowing the real estate lingo, I taught myself by asking a lot of questions and running scenarios by the more experienced co-workers. I later left the Title world, and went into Lending where I jumped positions and companies often for a span of 10 years.
I loved the work, but not so much the politics, expectations, and the feeling that our customers were “just a number.” In 2013 I had my first and only child, which prompted me to really search out and find my true purpose. With that said, I landed a position with a Title office in need of some purpose, motivation, and growth. Nearly 7 years later I have tripled the size of the Title Office and I feel like I am able to live out my purpose every day to help others Buy, Sell, and Refinance residential and commercial property. I give all the glory to God in this!
It’s small, in His grand picture, but I feel as though a difference is seen and made in the transactions I am a part of. If you were to ask my regulars what sets me apart from others, it would be my ability to see problems before they happen and obtain solutions – Proactive – as well as communication. Communication is key to every relationship, regardless of type.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Everyone struggles. Everyone has things in life that put you in a pickle. I think if you look at life’s scenarios as a learning experience and take the best out of those situations it makes the “life goggles” look a little more positive. When you come to a fork in the road, take the higher road! Don’t be naïve, but believe in the best of people – there is more good than not.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://kociantitle.com/team-members/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karis1981
