Katrina S. Campins founder of The Campins Company and star of the first season of The Apprentice, is among the most visible and successful real estate professionals in the country. Licensed at the age of eighteen, Katrina garnered her first six-figure commission check while still a college student. Katrina launched The Campins Company in 2004 and has constructed an “A” list roster of clientele consisting of celebrities, athletes and entrepreneurs.
Katrina’s business development prowess, negotiation skills, market knowledge and no-nonsense, results-driven approach make her the powerhouse she has become at a young age. Katrina graduated from the University of Miami with general honors and a 4.0 grade point average, while majoring in International Finance & Marketing. Her career in real estate began when she “flipped” her first investment property at age seventeen. Katrina believes strongly in giving back to her community and is involved in several charitable organizations. Loren’s World sits down for an inspirational interview with the beautiful entrepreneur.
What falls under the umbrella of Campins Company?
The Campins Company is a boutique real estate brokerage firm, delivering the ultimate level of service and marketing expertise to the luxury residential real estate market nationwide. Built on the mantra that passion breeds success, The Campins Company’s savvy team of professionals has created a powerful brand that services an exclusive client list including athletes, entertainers and other prominent individuals. Our reputation and client satisfaction are the company’s greatest commodities and we value them as such.
Our bread and butter consist of two main areas of expertise:
1) servicing the luxury real estate market in Miami-Dade, Broward and southern Palm Beach;
2) assisting athletes and entertainers with their residential real estate and relocation needs around the country. To date, we have assisted over 250 athletes with all sorts of real estate transactions, including short-term rentals and multi-million dollar purchases and sales.
Recently, BEGR8ER, The Campins Company sister entity was born.BEGR8ER is a collection of enterprises involving music, film, television, fashion & social media networking-all aimed at empowering others to “BE GREATER.”The BEGR8ER Movement will have a direct impact on morals and ethics by bringing a sense of responsibility, pride and purpose into our society while prompting goodness, gratitude and purity of heart.
BEGR8ER is the banner under which name actors, professional athletes and major recording artists are rallying to encourage and inspire all people to take charge of their careers, lives and destiny. With the inspiring elements of music, film, television, fashion and social media networking we will provide the tools necessary to lift our community to BEGR8ER, one individual at a time.
LW: You starred on the first season of “The Apprentice,” looking back, how has that experience enhanced your business savvy?
KC: My life changed since my participation on The Apprentice. To elaborate a bit, I really went into The Apprentice for the life experience I knew it would provide. The Challenge of inserting myself into a situation far outside of my comfort zone was exhilarating.
The one lesson I took away from The Apprentice was that of branding oneself. You have to stick out from the crowd. Understand your target market and focus. Don’t worry about trying to please everyone. In order to succeed at branding yourself, you have to be bold, think big and have positive energy. My mother always made me believe I could do anything, and so once I realized the power behind branding, I took it and ran with it. Donald Trump really is a genius of sorts, and a master at branding.He provided me with a coat of armor by teaching me the art of the battle – that combined with the many teachings I received from professors as well as athlete friends and clients while a student at the University of Miami, changed my life. I learned the meaning of the word “Champion” and as a result, I became much more attuned with the business world – my primary field of interest at the time.Champion Blood.
LW: You have had phenomenal success in the real estate market. Are you surprised at your own progress from when you flipped your first home at the age of 17?
KC: Honestly, I rarely look back as I move forward. To say that I am surprised at my own progress would undermine the essence of my belief system as I set no limits.I live now. Having said that, I am grateful for the person I have become.I was brought up in a traditional Cuban-American environment where education, hard work, morals and standards were of the utmost importance.I was also brought up to believe that absolutely everything was attainable.It was that foundation that afforded me the mind-set I grew to believe and sustain today.
LW: Name the five most important books that you use as encouragement.
KC: Living Buddha Living Christ by Tich Nhat Hanh; The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama; Wild
at Heart by John EldredgeDiscover the Power Within You By Eric Butterworth The Courage to Be Yourself by Sue Patton Thoele
>LW: What has been the best advice that you have received?
KC: WOW, this is a tough one because I’ve been blessed with so many “teachers” along the way and each has provided me with such profound wisdom within that chapter of my life.Each and every one of them has helped mold me into the woman I am today and the person I continue to strive to be.
Follow your bliss by Joan Wallace, a brilliant mind and deep thinker who was also my English Professor in High School – Joan Wallace is actually working with me on my book.One of Donald Trump’s favorite quotes also stuck with me – “If you’re going to be thinking, you may as well Think Big.” and so I do!
The best advice I would give someone is… BE You and believe in You.Belief will carry you through anything and everything you desire to accomplish.
LW:If a young woman aspired to travel a similar path, what advice would you give to her?
It takes years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.Being a woman in what continues to be a “Man’s World” is a challenge on its own. INTEGRITY, RESPECT, KNOWLEDGE, SERVICE, LOYALTY, CONFIDENTIALITY and a true passion for your work are the key to success. Looks will only get you in the door but the power of knowledge, determination and verbal prowess coupled with owning your self-worth will allow you to take over the world. Whether you’re riding high or facing challenging times, always remember to maintain an altitude in your attitude. There is the saying “courage is grace under pressure” and keeping an altitude in your attitude is key.
LW: Of all of your accomplishments, what are you most proud of?
KC: Keeping true to myself, my compassion and my love for humanity.I’m Me, real. Once You Give Yourself to Yourself….. You have nothing left to lose. BEGR8ER
J
