People You Should Know: Jessica Kempf

Realtor, Crane & Crane Real Estate
[email protected]
AGE: 25

JOB DESCRIPTION: I wear many different hats. I am a Broker-Salesperson. I help buyers find their perfect home, and help sellers market and sell their homes. I also am the managing broker for the company, so I assist agents with their current transactions, make sure all closings go smoothly, create ads for our company, and maintain our Web site, among other things. Some days the list is longer than others.
YEARS LIVED IN COLUMBIA: 20
ORIGINAL HOMETOWN: Columbia
EDUCATION: I graduated from Hickman High School (go Kewpies!) in 2001 and received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with an emphasis in finance and minor in economics in 2005.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Downtown Optimist Club, and have been an active member for three years. I am active in the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, and was the past co-chair of the Chamber Classic Golf Tournament. I am on the Board of Directors for the Columbia Board of Realtors and Missouri Association of Realtors. I am also on the Advisory Board for the Missouri Chapter of Young Professionals Network.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: Although I officially got my license in January 2006, I have been seeing the real estate world my entire life. My mom began real estate in the mid 80’s, and my dad has been building houses since before I was born. I can remember waiting for my parents at the title company, or going to a showing on a Saturday afternoon. It is kind of ironic – I told myself I would never be a Realtor because of the hours, but I love my flexible hours now.
A COLUMBIA BUSINESSPERSON I ADMIRE AND WHY: Maybe a little stereotypical, but I would have to say my parents, Jeff and Rena Crane. My father has been self-employed since he graduated from high school. They were brave enough to leave a large real estate company and open their own business in 2002 and are successful at it. I love being my own boss, and I think I get that from my parents.
WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT MY JOB: I love houses! And, most of all I love helping people find their home. Everyone is, in general, interested in real estate. I love talking about real estate and informing the public about what is going on in our economy. My favorite part of the job is handing a first-time home buyer their keys at closing – the look on their face is priceless.
IF I WEREN’T DOING THIS FOR ALIVING, I WOULD: be a tornado chaser (or at least a meteorologist). I am pretty obsessed with the weather, especially large thunderstorms, lots of snow, and tornadoes.
BIGGEST CAREER OBSTACLE I’VE OVERCOME AND HOW:  I think my biggest obstacle has been convincing the community that a 25-year-old CAN sell real estate. Being young provides a new, fresh perspective to the business and I think it is something that is needed in an industry like real estate. First, I stay involved at the state and local level so I know all issues affecting real estate in our community. Second, I can relate to any age level and I adjust my services to each client individually; I have had clients from 20 to 75. My business has improved every year, and I continue to receive personal referrals, so I guess my efforts are working!
A FAVORITE RECENT PROJECT: Currently, I am working on a huge fundraiser for the Downtown Optimist Club. We recently renovated our clubhouse located in the First Ward and made it a community center that can be used by local organizations, as well as serve as our headquarters for Christmas tree sales. Our goal is to raise $20,000 and we are well on our way. I am excited to see how it turns out!
WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PROFESSION: Communication is the number one key. When selling one property, there are so many different people that have to know exactly what’s going on-the buyer, seller, lender, title company, other real estate agents, inspector, appraiser, and the list can go on. It is a Realtor’s responsibility to make sure all these people know the details, and if something falls thru the cracks, it usually falls on our shoulders.

WHAT I DO FOR FUN: I love to read & cook at home. I enjoy traveling to warm places, going on float trips, and going to MU Tigers games. I also try to play golf, but I am still working on my game. I just try to be outside as much as possible, and take my dog if I am!
FAMILY: My husband, Travis, who is also a real estate agent with Crane & Crane Real Estate. We have a black lab, Rocko, who makes us laugh every day!
FAVORITE PLACE IN COLUMBIA: I love going to all the parks we have in town. My favorites are Stephens Lake Park & Capen Park. If I want to take a short drive, my favorite place in the summer is the A-Frame at Les Bourgeois winery in Rocheport.
ACCOMPLISHMENT I’M MOST PROUD OF: Our first home (and we built it). We hired all the subcontractors, arranged for all the work, and we’re still married! I had a little help from my dad, of course, but there were days that were a struggle. But, we are so happy with our home now!
MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT I: I am a 6th generation Columbia-born native!ϖ