[00:00:00.000] – David Maples
Hello. And welcome to the Inaugural episode of the KC Leaders Podcast. I’m one of your hosts, David
Maples. Today on our very first episode, I’m delighted to have Rebecca Graham here. Rebecca
Graham is a realtor for United Real Estate. She’s done this for a little bit over six years now, and she’s
been helping people find the places that they’re going to love to live in Kansas City ever since then.
One of the reasons we thought it was important to have Rebecca on our very first episode of the KC
Leaders podcast is because not as she a person around town and mucky de muck who’s doing many
things. She is my go-to person for finding out what’s happening in the KC region and area. But she
also was instrumental in welcoming us as we moved into this marketplace and helping both my wife
and I feel very welcome in the Kansas City area. She was instrumental in us helping to find a place to
put our podcast studio up here in the northlands in KC in Gladstone. Without further ado, I’d like to
welcome Rebecca Graham to the show. Thank you. Great to have you here.
[00:01:16.640] – Rebecca Graham
I’m excited to be here!
[00:01:17.290] – David Maples
So, on the KC Leaders podcast, this is a little bit of a love letter to KC. It’s about people who want to
continue to make this the greatest city in America. One of the things I found amazing when I got up
here was how much people love this area. They love this community. It’s a great place to raise a
family, to work, to play, and it’s got amazing opportunities coming down the pike for us. I want to ask
a little bit about your background and how you ended up in Kansas City.
[00:01:46.150] – Rebecca Graham
Gosh, it’s a long story, but the short version is back in 2003, I was living in Ohio, and I lived in multiple
states. I’m actually from St. Louis originally, so not too far, but I’ve lived in California, I’ve lived in Ohio,
and I was ready for a change in 2003. I was looking for places to go. I didn’t necessarily need to stay
in Ohio. When I started doing some research, I wanted to be close to home, but not too close to home.
So not in St. Louis, but close enough I could get there in a few hours. I started checking out Kansas
City and I just got a feeling. I was like, That feels like the right place. I actually made an attempt to
move here in 2003. And due to some unforeseen circumstances, I was not able to accomplish that.
But I tried again in 2005 and was successful. But that interim of two years, I did come here and I
actually met my future husband. It really turned out that this was where I was meant to be, and I’ve
been here ever since. This is the longest I’ve lived anywhere, and it’s definitely home for me.
[00:03:01.260] – David Maples
I could say to the audience members that Kansas City is a great place to find a great husband.
[00:03:06.120] – Rebecca Graham
It worked for me.
[00:03:07.890] – David Maples
That’s important. Ladies, if you’re out there listening and gentlemen in the audience, if you’d like to be
on the podcast, please let us know. They’re waiting. That being said, so now tell us about how you got
into real estate. What do you find most rewarding about it?
[00:03:25.010] – Rebecca Graham
Real estate was something that I actually had some friends that they participated in, and they kept
telling me, You’d be a great realtor. You’d be a great realtor. But I had another business that I was
running, and it was very full. Unfortunately, COVID caused some issues with that business, and I had
to look at some other ways to diversify. I went ahead and jumped into real estate and it allowed me to
be flexible with both businesses. And then, of course, COVID killed the other business and I doubled
down on real estate. And for me, being able to help somebody, I think, just really take that next step,
elevate themselves into homeownership and all the benefits that that brings is what I love most. I’ve
had several clients that are right out of college, just getting married, and I’ve watched them buy their
first homes, get married, have babies, and upgrade into their next homes. And to be able to be with
somebody through that whole progression of their adulthood is really exciting and that provides me a
lot of reward, and I know that I’m doing a great job for them.
[00:04:34.990] – David Maples
Very, very cool. Now I’m going to ask a Kansas City specific question. In what ways are you helping
contribute to the Kansas City community to make it a better place to live, play, and to work?
[00:04:46.290] – Rebecca Graham
I really do love this area. As far as living here, I think it’s really important to be out in the community
volunteering. I participate in some pretty regular charities to provide support as I can out as far south
as, say, Green Valley, go in the Metro area. Kc Pet Project is another one. Getting out there and being
able to raise awareness, bring an education, shine a light on the different causes here in Kansas City.
Those are really important for me. I love to provide an education. I guess after raising five kids, I’ve
been educating others. Providing people and education on what they can receive as a benefit from
homeownership. We spend a lot of time talking with potential buyers and sellers and providing an
education on the market, what’s good for them, introducing them to other really legit people here in
Kansas City that can be a good support for them, whether it’s for work, play, or fun. Then going out
and just enjoying the services here. Places like Chicken and Pickle is one of our fun places to go, and I
invite other people to come and see them. I even host a once-a-month event, usually somewhere
where there’s food and drink. I invite my clients to come, and I extend that out to my business
partners as well. They have an opportunity to see something new and different because the best
memories are made over food and a drink.
[00:06:23.340] – David Maples
Got it. Interesting you mentioned chicken and Pickle. Are you an avid pickleball player?
[00:06:29.450] – Rebecca Graham
I don’t know if I would say avid, but I can hold my own. My husband and I do play in the league, and
unfortunately, this summer there are no leagues, which means there’s more opportunity for reserving
courts and open play. If you haven’t been down there yet, you should go because the vibe is great.
[00:06:47.570] – David Maples
Excellent. What is one initiative or project that you’re particularly proud of and why?
[00:06:55.470] – Rebecca Graham
Well, I did manage to raise five children and get them all out of high school. That’s a big
accomplishment coming from a young mother. That was really a big thing on a personal level. But
professionally, with real estate especially, I’ve achieved things that I never thought I could achieve
financially, being able to do certain things in my life, and being able to give back in a more generous
way. Specific projects. I really love, like I said, helping the local charities. I do art on the sign. I have
donated several of my art pieces to various charities for auction. That’s been pretty fulfilling, too.
[00:07:44.500] – David Maples
There’s a lot of things that are coming down the pike for Kansas City upcoming. Obviously, at the top
of mind for a lot of people is the World Cup is next year. What unique opportunities or challenges do
you see for Kansas City in the upcoming years?
[00:08:05.570] – Rebecca Graham
Well, I think we’re going to grow. We’ve already been growing. But I think if we’re not careful, we’re
going to have so much hit us so quickly, we may not be able to manage it well. I can remember when
the Royals won the World Series and people just flocked to downtown and that first parade was a
cluster. We waited two and a half hours just to get on a bus to go downtown. Then we missed most
of it and we couldn’t hear anything. We’ve learned from that because, well, we keep winning really big
titles. As we have the World Cup coming, I think we’ve known about it long enough that we’ve really
been working hard to create a good infrastructure to support the influx of people. I know businesses
have been getting prepared. We’ve got our streetcar that is free. I think a lot of people are going to…
The airport is open now. I think as we get closer to those types of events, we’re really going to see a
ramp up. I think we’re capable, but it’s going to be a lot. It’s a lot of influx, but it’s a really great stage
for Kansas City to be on. People from all over the world are going to see it.
[00:09:12.200] – David Maples
Something I wanted to hit on this a little bit is obviously preparing for those changes. The
infrastructure challenges are real, and I don’t want to deny that. How do you think that Kansas City
can approach or look at those things ahead of time? How can we look at this and be mindful of it in a
way that helps us catapult ourselves up the ranks of the cities in the US, et cetera? What things can
we do to better prepare ourselves as Kansas Citians?
[00:09:40.450] – Rebecca Graham
Oh, well, my number one rule is just be kind, be patient. There is a lot of people that are going to be
coming who have absolutely no idea what to expect, and there will be longer than usual weights, lines,
and things like that. Just first be kind to be a good human and understand that everyone’s going
through different things. As far as a community, I think we have an opportunity to speak to our
leaders, our Mayor Q, and putting our words out there. We just need to step up and do that. If we have
some suggestions, might as well share them, because it might just take one simple suggestion to
really take a project to the next level. We have the time right now to implement. I would just say speak
your voices and speak them kindly.
[00:10:31.750] – David Maples
You mentioned the fact that the new terminal at the airport, I guess it’s like a brand new airport.
[00:10:36.750] – Rebecca Graham
It’s a whole new airport. It’s lovely. I’ve been there so long.
[00:10:40.400] – David Maples
What do you think that means for Kansas City?
[00:10:43.070] – Rebecca Graham
Well, for somebody who’s flown in and out of an old airport that really was just a regional airport for
so long to now walk through what we have. It almost doesn’t feel like you’re in the traditional Kansas
City because we’ve been in the old regional airport for so long. It really feels like we’ve leveled up.
We’ve just upped our game and it is inclusive. It is innovative. It is beautiful to look at and it is
efficient. There was a lot of concern. I totally get it. It’s something new and something new to learn.
There’s always going to be some hiccups and bumps at the beginning. But as we go and we use this
airport, I think a lot of people are going to find that it’s actually very easy and pleasurable to be there. I
mean, all the best food is there. They have 8,000 square foot barbecue experience. Folks will be
leaving Kansas City, arriving at their destinations, smelling like barbecue. I think it’s fantastic.
[00:11:43.440] – David Maples
I know it’s our first episode, and I don’t want us to get canceled right now, but I need to ask a
question. Best barbecue in Kansas City?
[00:11:53.890] – Rebecca Graham
Joe’s, Kansas City.
[00:11:54.710] – David Maples
Joe’s, Kansas City.
[00:11:55.980] – Rebecca Graham
Hand-down.
[00:11:56.170] – David Maples
Everything? The brisket, the burn-ins? What? Is it everything?
[00:11:59.550] – Rebecca Graham
I’m really partial to burnt ends. Smoke House has a really good burnt ends. There’s a brand new one in
north Kansas City just close to Chicken and Pickle called F-325, and they’ve got a really unique mix of
flavors, Kansas City, Virginia style, and Texas. I mean, yeah, it’s an interesting flavor, but Joe’s, Kansas
City has been my favorite for ribs and burnt ends. Those are my two key items.
[00:12:33.050] – David Maples
Excellent. Now, I want to shift a little bit right now. One of the things that’s really come through in the
multiple conversations I’ve had with you is you have this burning because you want to build teams.
You want to mentor others. Am I wrong?
[00:12:47.740] – Rebecca Graham
You’re not wrong.
[00:12:48.480] – David Maples
I believe for a long time the best things happen in teams. How do you personally approach
collaboration and fostering unity within your field, within real estate?
[00:12:59.980] – Rebecca Graham
Well, there’s a lot of misconceptions about real estate and how it is. And for me personally, I feel like I
can learn from other realtors. It doesn’t have to be cutthroat. It doesn’t have to be, I’m better than you.
It doesn’t have to be I do more volume than you. The bottom line is we each have unique skills and
things that we enjoy doing within our industry. And what somebody else might enjoy that I don’t? Well,
I can learn from them and maybe learn how to do it a little bit better. So for me, collaboration is really
important. I network regularly with other realtors. I think it’s important to be able to hear their
experiences. That way, if I have a similar experience, I have somebody I can go to and I can lean on
and say, Hey, how did you handle this? And we can help each other. I really feel going from that
perspective, we can all improve. I’d rather, rising tides lift all boats. I’d rather have that mentality.
[00:14:00.080] – David Maples
I personally believe that that’s a great thing, not just in real estate. I think that’s a great thing for
Kansas City as a whole. Because as we all rise, we all rise together. Can you share a personal
experience or a lesson that has significantly shaped your career or perspective? What is something
personal for a minute that really has shaped how you look at things?
[00:14:24.720] – Rebecca Graham
Well, I was a young mom, and I had to work really hard. And if it weren’t for the graciousness of other
people who had gone before me, who took the time to recognize, hey, she’s making an effort. She’s
trying to improve herself. She’s trying to improve her family. She’s trying to improve those around her.
They poured into me knowledge and time, which is priceless. In several cases in real estate, people
who were not in my brokerage, people who had absolutely no reason to help me were kind and patient
and willing to sacrifice some things so that I could step up and lead and learn. Because of that, it
really showed me the right way to do things because it can be very cutthroat. That’s unfortunate.
Some people are just motivated differently, and that’s okay. Everyone can be different. But it has
allowed me to stay very true to what I believe is client-appreciation, and it doesn’t end when the
transaction is over. And because I have learned from other people pouring into me their knowledge
and wisdom, I am able to now gift that forward, pay it forward to some other folks who are wanting to
do business through referral and taking care of people, just taking care of people in general.
[00:15:53.270] – David Maples
What is one actionable piece of advice you’d like to share with our listeners that they can either do to
make their businesses better or make Kansas City better? What is one thing you’d like to say, Hey?
[00:16:05.390] – Rebecca Graham
That’s a loaded question. That’s a lot of facets. As far as making business better, give yourself grace.
It’s okay to take some down days when you get overwhelmed, because if you yourself cannot handle
what’s going on in your world, you’re not going to be able to help anybody else. And if your mission is
to support others through whatever industry, whether it’s real estate or you’re fixing roofs or you’re
doing marketing, you need to be able to be there presently. So give yourself some grace. As far as
Kansas City goes, I have always found that people here, they’re just nice to people. They’re just nice.
You could walk down the street and everyone waves. It’s one of those places where paying it forward,
the kindness, really goes a long way. I mean, it’s so hard to say, get out there and get involved. That’s
really one… I mean, that’s what we do. We do it as a team. We’re volunteering the month of June.
We’re going to be at the KCRIR Pride Walk. We’re going to be volunteering at Mimi’s pantry. We’re
going to be… Oh, there’s a third one. I have to think of it. But KCRIR, real estate agents as a whole take
this whole month, and we go out and we volunteer all over the city in different habitat for Humanity, all
different areas. I’m really looking forward to it because it means we get to help the community at
Boots on the Ground. That’s it.
[00:17:37.710] – David Maples
To the listeners out there, if you want to go to the website, which is leaderskc.com, or if you’re
watching this video on YouTube, you’re going to find links to all those relevant charities down below
the actual episode, or you’ll find it on the YouTube episode in the list of places below there. How do
you stay informed, connected, and engaged with the Kansas City community?
[00:18:02.910] – Rebecca Graham
I do quite a bit of networking. I really do feel getting out there and talking with people one-on-one is
one of the best ways to connect and learn about opportunities. The Clay County EDC is an economic
development council, is huge for me. As I live in Clay County, it’s where I do a vast majority of my
work, the Northland in general, but they provide so much great information about what’s coming to
Kansas City, connections that would be good for me business-wise or for my clients. Really just, gosh,
for me, I’m a people person, getting out and meeting the people and then turn around and sharing that
I have a newsletter. Then I like to send out some fun invitations as well.
[00:18:48.650] – David Maples
Quick question. You’re a people person. Networking might come easy to you. What advice would you
give to someone else who might find networking daunting?
[00:18:57.220] – Rebecca Graham
That’s not an uncommon situation. If you have a friend that you know is a little bit more outgoing,
maybe just go and ask them to come along. Hey, I’m going to go to this new place. I’d really love
some support. For me, if I’ve got some friends, I mean, that’s what I would offer to do. Hey, I know
you’re a little bit shy, come with me and go to a place that I already know people. I can introduce you.
It’s laid back. But I will say not every place is for everybody. So it might take a little time for you to
figure out what space is right for you, what the right vibe is. So be patient. Take a deep breath. Take
your business cards, number one, take your business cards. And just know that you miss every
opportunity that you don’t take. So you might as well take a few steps in the door and just say, I’m a
little nervous. Nothing wrong with just being honest. Would you please introduce me to somebody?
Because most places do have somebody there that will be happy to introduce you to whoever it is you
might want to meet.
[00:20:07.200] – David Maples
So ask for help if you show up.
[00:20:08.800] – Rebecca Graham
Ask for help. Yeah. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help.
[00:20:12.320] – David Maples
I think a lot of us don’t do that.
[00:20:14.730] – Rebecca Graham
Yes, I’ve been there.
[00:20:15.840] – David Maples
It’s a thing. What do you most love about Kansas City and what makes it stand out versus other cities
you’ve been to?
[00:20:25.490] – Rebecca Graham
We have just a really great mix of big town with little town feel. I think that closeness that you have
with the city itself, I can’t go anywhere without running into somebody I know. That is all four corners
of Kansas City. The whole Metro, I can run into somebody. But then again, I also get out there quite a
bit. That is probably one of the things I love the most is that you can go just about anywhere and run
into a friend. But we have so many great things to do here. There’s sports, there’s art, there’s
technology. Again, the vibe is just such a nice mix. You can’t go wrong.
[00:21:10.230] – David Maples
Are there any local leaders or influencers in Kansas City that inspire you? If so, who are they and why
do they inspire you?
[00:21:18.760] – Rebecca Graham
I will say Lynn Van Meeter, she is with RE/MAX. She was actually the realtor that I used when I bought
my current home back in 2009. I had zero clue what being a realtor was. I didn’t have no desire to be a
realtor at that point. But she was so patient and kind and worked with us and our many children. And
when I decided to get into real estate, I met with her and she gave me her thoughts and her
perspective and her testimony. And it really was a really big reason why I decided to get into real
estate. And she is also on the Women’s Council for real estate, and she has been instrumental in
helping the real estate community, especially women in real estate. So Lynn Van Meeter is one. Jay
Swarengen is another person who has been a big influence in my life. I’ve podcasted with him, but
he’s another realtor. And we have great business chemistry, so we know how the other works, and we
can bounce ideas off each other as far as how to build business. With his background in politics, and
he’s served, I believe it was army, I could be wrong on that, but he has served, and I’m a military
relocation specialist for real estate, so that’s important to me to be able to have those connections.
He’s got just a different perspective, and he’s a teacher as far as real estate goes. I’ve learned a lot
from him on how to view things maybe from the guy’s side of point of view. That has helped me to
look at some deals a little differently and be able to help clients. There’s so many people, honestly, but
those are the two that probably jump out to me right away.
[00:23:14.460] – David Maples
How do you see the future of Kansas City and what role do you hope to play in that future?
[00:23:19.840] – Rebecca Graham
Well, the northland of Kansas City is getting ready to explode. There are some really big projects that
are going to bring lots of business, lots of community, lots of opportunity. I really want to be at the
forefront of that. Obviously, the more retail and commercial you bring into it, the more people you’re
going to have to bring into it. While we do have a small enough city, folks can commute from south or
wherever, we’re going to have to put more residential homes here in the northland. I really have been
hoping to maybe meet up with some builders that would be interested in partnering in allowing us to
provide the real estate services for their new construction. That’s really going to help us to get out in
front of some of these projects, assist new home buyers, and ultimately help the community grow. I
know the other thing we should also consider is what’s going on south of the river. There’s this divide.
Everyone says you need a passport to go south of the river, north of the river. But it’s great on both
sides, and there’s so much coming. I think that’s really where I’d like to end up being.
[00:24:32.660] – David Maples
I maybe just have a different perspective on things because I’m originally from around the Atlanta,
Georgia area. For there, everything’s an hour and a half away. It doesn’t matter where you go. When I
got here, I can go north, the south of the city. I think the transportation is really good, and I can get
north, the south in 20-30 minutes max. It doesn’t seem to me like there’s any reason for there to be
some barrier. Yeah, I just don’t know. Maybe I just don’t understand.
[00:25:03.040] – Rebecca Graham
Well, if this is what you’ve lived in the whole time, 30 minutes seems far, right? But there are some
things that the south side of Kansas City, Johnson County, or the Kansas side tends to get that maybe
the northland doesn’t have yet. So it always feels like, Oh, we have to drive all the way down there.
When really it’s not that far. It really isn’t. We’re a small enough city, you can commute. I have several
clients, military clients that are stationed at Fort Levenworth, but they live in Smithville.
Geographically, that looks like a long drive, but it’s all highway. You can get from point A to point B in
30 minutes.
[00:25:40.890] – David Maples
You mentioned some of these projects coming into the Northlands in particular. Are there any that
you’re really excited about? I know that Meta boughtt, supposedly Meta bought, I think, 1,000 acres up
here north in the city.
[00:25:51.540] – Rebecca Graham
Yeah, Meta’s putting in their center that’s already under construction. It’s a ridiculously large area. The
587 project is at the intersection of 152 and 435. So you add that up, you get 587. Got it. And so it is
really a way to enhance Clay County, the Northland, starting at the south side of 435, right as you
come into Clay County, Near Worlds Fun. And they’re working to really fill up that corridor, that 435
corridor up into the 152 area and even just a little further north. I don’t know if that’ll stretch all the
way to Smithville, but I wouldn’t be surprised. That project is probably what excites me the most
because Northland is my backyard. I know it backwards and forwards all over, and that’s where I love
to serve my homeowners. But I go everywhere. But I think that project specifically is going to bring to
the northland what maybe Johnson County and the south Kansas City area already has. We’re really
going to be putting that up here as well. It just looks like the ideas, the concepts are pretty powerful.
[00:27:06.500] – David Maples
I think it’s really cool. I think there’s a lot of things happening here. There’s a lot of energy in the city
around this. What steps would you suggest to someone who wants to make a difference in Kansas
City? What steps should they take to get involved?
[00:27:19.050] – Rebecca Graham
Well, I would start with what are you passionate about? What gets your fire going? Do you love to
work with animals? Do you love to work with seniors? Do you want to get out and help the homeless?
Where do you feel called to go? So do a little bit of introspection first and figure out what you’re
passionate about. Then get online. There are so many resources out there in the Kansas City area
where punch in, volunteering for pets. And you’re going to have probably half a dozen shelters pop up
that are in desperate need of people to come and volunteer. And they want people who are vested. So
that’s really the first step. And then go check it out. Take the steps, see if it’s a good fit for you. If it’s
not, move to the next one. It really is just about taking some initiative, but start with what you’re
passionate.
[00:28:06.260] – David Maples
Would you recommend any local events, organizations, or places that people should know about?
[00:28:10.480] – Rebecca Graham
Well, it just depends on what you’re interested in. Again, I love a good drink, so there are some really
well-kept secrets around the Kansas City area as far as beverages go. My Sip and Savor club is we go
out once a month and we try someplace new. We’ve got our next event coming up at the end of June,
and that is utilizing the streetcar. It will be a progressive dinner using the streetcar and getting to learn
about the history, the mafia, the murals, all while doing a little bit of hiking around using Urban Hikes
KC, which is a relatively new business, I’d probably say 2019. They’ve got some great ways to check
out Kansas City in a really different way. If you want a good stiff drink, swordfish toms down in
Crossroads. Chicken and pickles is a go to, but there’s now two of them in the northland. Well, one in
the northland and one in Overland Park, so go check that out. I swear, Chicken of Dental did not pay
me for this, but they get enough of my money. Gosh, I mean, the arts in general, going downtown and
checking out Kaufman, the art center down there. There’s just about anywhere you go, you can find
something really fun to enjoy.
[00:29:35.830] – David Maples
So how can listeners get involved? I think you have a newsletter that people can subscribe to, correct?
[00:29:41.510] – Rebecca Graham
So yeah, they can find me at keyhomeskc.com, and on there they can connect with me and put their
information in and I can add them to the newsletter. It goes out once a month. It talks about what’s
happening around town. Obviously, I can’t list them all, but visitkc. Com is one of the websites that I
go to, and it will pull up different activities for the weekend, the month, whether it’s family-friendly or
adult, if it’s drinks or more of a physical activity. So that’s a great resource to go to to find different
things to do.
[00:30:18.130] – David Maples
Is there anything else you’d like to add before we sign off today?
[00:30:21.490] – Rebecca Graham
I mean, I hate to do the shameless plug of if you know anybody wanting to buy or sell, but there’s
never a hurt for that. But we do want to educate people on real estate so they know their options. And
Kansas City is great. I’ve lived here since 2005. It’s where I raised my children. It felt like home pretty
darn quick. I was drawn here, and this is probably where we’re going to stay. And so I love it.
[00:30:48.160] – David Maples
Well, I’d like to thank you, Rebecca, for being on the show today. You can find her. We’re going to list
all her social media platforms, etc, in the below the video or on leaderskc.com. You can also find her
at keyhomeskc.com. Rebecca, thank you for being on the show today.
[00:31:06.190] – Rebecca Graham
Thanks for having me. I appreciate it.
[00:31:07.250] – David Maples
Thank you!
[00:31:07.680] – Producer
Thank you for listening to The KC Leaders Podcast! Please remember to like, share, subscribe, and
leave a review wherever you listen. For more information about this podcast, you can visit
kcleaderspodcast.com. And don’t forget to check out our other great podcasts like The Buck Stops
Here, streaming now on all major platforms and at the buckstopsherepodcast.com.
