great business development meeting in Weatherford and then Leah left and she was going down 171 ,” Hogan said . “ I was about 30 minutes behind her . I got the news from a state trooper because for some reason I was the only one they were able to get in touch with . I had to break the news to her whole family .”
After breaking the news to Kenyon ’ s daughter , son and boyfriend , the next morning , Hogan went in and carried on her friend ’ s business .
Tara Stark , a colleague and long-time friend of Kenyon ’ s said , “ Leah had 3 closings slated for the next day . There were additional options out on other properties as well . There were buyers expecting a return call about offers being made .”
It fell to Hogan who was 25 and licensed as a realtor for less than a month . “ A lead agent of the office met with Kate very early the morning after Leah ’ s death and started pouring through files . Every file was in order and Kate started the process of calling clients , title companies and lenders .”
Hogan stepped up to the plate and filled the shoes of her friend and mentor with a dignity and professionalism far beyond her years .
Once the dust settled from Kenyon ’ s business , Hogan launched her own business . “ I started my real estate business with $ 500 to my name . It was the hardest thing I
have ever done in my life .” “ My mom would call and say , ‘ Honey , just pack up and come on home .” I said , ‘ Mom , that would be just too easy . I know that I ’ m in Texas for a reason .’ It was the hardest thing I ’ ve ever done . But I ’ ve found that I ’ m stronger than I ever thought I was but it ’ s all been worth it .”
In the process , Hogan , a rookie realtor has earned the respect of a number of real estate veterans along the way . Stark is certainly one of them . “ Kate has grit ,” Stark said . “ She doesn ’ t give up and has challenged herself to be the best realtor possible . She is diligently at work daily mastering her craft , honing her scripts and always learning how to do it better .
Stark eventually brought Hogan on as a listing specialist for her team .
“ The future of real estate is better having Kate Hogan active within our industry ,” Stark said .
MAY 2017 PARKER COUNTY TODAY
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