Kathy McKinnon’s path to founding Point South Realty in Lakewood Ranch is anything but conventional. A trained entomologist-turned-science teacher, she spent 15 years in the classroom before realizing her true passion lay in advocacy—first for students, then for seniors navigating the real estate market. In this engaging Stir episode, Aginto’s Chris Williams uncovers how Kathy leveraged her teaching background, relentless creativity, and purpose-driven mindset to become a trusted guide for retirees in South Florida’s competitive housing landscape.
A Natural Advocate Finds a New Arena
“I am a constant idea factory,” Kathy declares, summing up her boundless energy and creativity. Her earliest lessons in advocacy came as a science teacher, where she championed students facing the greatest challenges. Watching her brightest students thrive under her mentorship revealed an unshakeable desire to support those in transition. That calling would follow her into real estate.
On a whim during a summer break, Kathy earned her real estate license—never looking back. “I went through my first summer and thought, ‘This is it,’” she recalls. While the broader market welcomed her expertise, one demographic stood out: retirees. Kathy found her greatest satisfaction working with clients aged 55 and above, a group she felt drawn to protect from the pitfalls of a fast-moving industry.
Guiding Clients Through Emotional Terrain
Helping seniors sell their “forever homes” demands more than market knowledge; it requires empathy and clear-headed planning. Kathy explains that the emotional weight of downsizing or transitioning to assisted living can overwhelm even the most resilient homeowners. Her role becomes part strategist, part counselor—anticipating stress points like sorting decades of belongings and reframing the move as a new chapter. “We all turn pages,” she says. “This is just one more page—and you don’t know what’s around the corner. It might be truly fantastic.”
When health or mobility issues prompt a move to senior living, Kathy brings adult children into the conversation early. Involving family members provides crucial checks and balances—ensuring every decision honors her clients’ best interests. Whether it’s finding a home with low-maintenance flooring for safety or highlighting opportunities for social connection, she eases both physical and emotional burdens.
Purpose-Driven Leadership
As a female entrepreneur in a demanding field, Kathy credits her upbringing with a supportive father for instilling confidence and ambition. Rather than let arbitrary biases define her, she leans into strengths—whether advocating in the classroom or negotiating real estate contracts. Her advice to fellow entrepreneurs is simple: “Find something that gives you purpose. When you feel driven by purpose, you go full throttle—and you learn, adapt, and excel.”
Kathy’s approach extends beyond traditional reading or continuing education. She consumes articles and targeted content that directly sharpen her skills, embodying her belief that learning should serve a clear purpose. This mindset, she says, underscored her decision to eventually open her own brokerage—Point South Realty—when she recognized that leading with purpose was her next true calling.
A Trusted Partner for Seniors
In an industry where speed often eclipses care, Kathy McKinnon stands out by slowing down, listening closely, and advocating fiercely. Her journey—from entomology labs to middle-school science fairs to Lakewood Ranch’s top senior real estate specialist—demonstrates that true expertise grows from empathy and a commitment to service.
Kathy McKinnon’s path to founding Point South Realty in Lakewood Ranch is anything but conventional. A trained entomologist-turned-science teacher, she spent 15 years in the classroom before realizing her true passion lay in advocacy—first for students, then for seniors navigating the real estate market. In this engaging Stir episode, Aginto’s Chris Williams uncovers how Kathy leveraged her teaching background, relentless creativity, and purpose-driven mindset to become a trusted guide for retirees in South Florida’s competitive housing landscape.
A Natural Advocate Finds a New Arena
“I am a constant idea factory,” Kathy declares, summing up her boundless energy and creativity. Her earliest lessons in advocacy came as a science teacher, where she championed students facing the greatest challenges. Watching her brightest students thrive under her mentorship revealed an unshakeable desire to support those in transition. That calling would follow her into real estate.
On a whim during a summer break, Kathy earned her real estate license—never looking back. “I went through my first summer and thought, ‘This is it,’” she recalls. While the broader market welcomed her expertise, one demographic stood out: retirees. Kathy found her greatest satisfaction working with clients aged 55 and above, a group she felt drawn to protect from the pitfalls of a fast-moving industry.
Guiding Clients Through Emotional Terrain
Helping seniors sell their “forever homes” demands more than market knowledge; it requires empathy and clear-headed planning. Kathy explains that the emotional weight of downsizing or transitioning to assisted living can overwhelm even the most resilient homeowners. Her role becomes part strategist, part counselor—anticipating stress points like sorting decades of belongings and reframing the move as a new chapter. “We all turn pages,” she says. “This is just one more page—and you don’t know what’s around the corner. It might be truly fantastic.”
When health or mobility issues prompt a move to senior living, Kathy brings adult children into the conversation early. Involving family members provides crucial checks and balances—ensuring every decision honors her clients’ best interests. Whether it’s finding a home with low-maintenance flooring for safety or highlighting opportunities for social connection, she eases both physical and emotional burdens.
Purpose-Driven Leadership
As a female entrepreneur in a demanding field, Kathy credits her upbringing with a supportive father for instilling confidence and ambition. Rather than let arbitrary biases define her, she leans into strengths—whether advocating in the classroom or negotiating real estate contracts. Her advice to fellow entrepreneurs is simple: “Find something that gives you purpose. When you feel driven by purpose, you go full throttle—and you learn, adapt, and excel.”
Kathy’s approach extends beyond traditional reading or continuing education. She consumes articles and targeted content that directly sharpen her skills, embodying her belief that learning should serve a clear purpose. This mindset, she says, underscored her decision to eventually open her own brokerage—Point South Realty—when she recognized that leading with purpose was her next true calling.
A Trusted Partner for Seniors
In an industry where speed often eclipses care, Kathy McKinnon stands out by slowing down, listening closely, and advocating fiercely. Her journey—from entomology labs to middle-school science fairs to Lakewood Ranch’s top senior real estate specialist—demonstrates that true expertise grows from empathy and a commitment to service.
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