Women in Business: Kristen Boozman

Residence: Rogers

Education Attended University of Arkansas, majored in apparel studies

Professional background Boozman began selling real estate 15 years ago and opened her own company in 2008. The company has grown to include 16 agents and specializes in marketing the area’s largest and most notable residential properties, oftentimes on the QT. Portfolio represented clients in seven of the 10 most expensive home sales in Northwest Arkansas in 2017. She serves on boards representing the Northwest Arkansas campus of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Mercy Hospital and Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce.

What inspired you to pursue your current career? While I was in college, I worked at Shadow Valley Country Club in Rogers. I worked at the front desk and often gave tours of the clubhouse and all it had to offer. I realized I enjoyed the interaction and the “sell” of the club. I never thought of selling real estate as a career, because we lived in the same house my whole life growing up. I just didn’t know anything about real estate. I had a real estate agent friend tell me I should get my license. I am so glad I did.

What was your dream job as a kid? I dreamed of being a stay-at-home mom with lots of kids just like my mom. I took a completely different path as a business owner. Being a stay-at-home mom would have been way harder than my job.

What’s the most important aspect of achieving a balance between your career and your family? I had my career for 11 years before I had my daughter, Alexandria. Finding balance is a constant struggle for me, because I love to work so much it’s sometimes hard to turn it off and be in the moment during family time. Putting phones away at home specifically during dinner and Alex’s bath time/bedtime is a priority.

What achievement are you most proud of so far in your career? Despite multiple opportunities to join existing established brokerages I chose to take a risk and develop my own brand. I just broke ground on a new office building in Rogers. Although Portfolio is just one of the tenants in the building, looking back from where I started, we have come a long way.

What qualities do you feel are most important in a company leader? My agents often consult with me on different issues regarding transactions. Stepping back and looking at the big picture and doing what is right to get the deal done is important to me. Doing the “right thing” — whatever that means at the time with the knowledge we have — is paramount to our success. Money is not the No. 1 thing we work for. You do the right thing, [and] the money will come.

What advice would you give your younger self? Learn as much as possible. Knowledge is power. Try as many jobs or internships as you can. It’s good to be well rounded and to have tried many things.

What are three words you would use to describe yourself? Driven. Compassionate. Resilient.

Of all the mentors in your professional career, who has been the most influential?  George Westmoreland, my parents’ neighbor, took me under his wing early in my career. He is a retired Merrill Lynch stockbroker. He taught me how to be tough and to stand up for myself and stand up for my clients, to be a good negotiator and to be confident. He taught me not to give up and when all else fails to work even harder.

What’s your biggest passion? Getting someone a great deal on a property that I know is a good investment that will pay off one day. Or on the other side, helping someone sell a property that may be a financial burden.

What is something unique people would be surprised to know about you? I grew up on a farm, showed cattle and sheep through 4-H and was a member of Future Farmers of America. I used to own an airplane and fly as a hobby. I also have my concealed handgun carry license and was a deputy sheriff at one time. Then I started Portfolio and didn’t have time for my fun hobbies anymore.