Kay Evans, co-owner and co-founder of Keller Williams Realty Southeast Region since 1999, Kay Evans has played a pivotal role in the region’s remarkable success. Alongside her partner Bob Kilinski, they transformed Keller Williams into a powerhouse in the Southeast, making it the #1 performing region in all of Keller Williams since the early 2000s. The Southeast Region which includes all of Georgia along with most of Tennessee and Alabama has also consistently held the position of the #1 Real Estate Organization in Metro Atlanta, a recognition by the Atlanta Business Chronicle every year since 2011. 

When Kay and Bob took on the challenge in 1999, Keller Williams was relatively unknown in the Southeast Region. Kay, a respected local real estate industry leader, partnered with Bob Kilinski, a successful businessman from New Orleans. Their mission was to overcome the “Keller Who?” challenge and introduce Keller Williams Realty to the Southeast, starting in Atlanta. Both saw immense value in the dynamic and unique business model created by visionary Gary Keller and were excited to help change the face of real estate in the region.  

Kay’s local influence, combined with Bob’s business acumen and deep understanding of Keller Williams’ systems and models, created a powerful partnership. Kay, recognized as the 1999 Educator of the Year Nationally by the Real Estate Educators Association, brought her extensive knowledge of the market and her connections. Bob, with his expertise in KW’s unique business model, provided valuable insights. Together, they attracted influential individuals in local markets throughout the Southeast, building a network that contributed to the region’s phenomenal success. 

The partnership between Kay and Bob Kilinski has not only made Keller Williams a dominant force in the Southeast but has also established a legacy of excellence and leadership in the real estate industry. 

From Teacher to Real Estate Maven  

Kay’s journey in the real estate industry is a testament to her resilience, adaptability, and leadership. Starting as a high school teacher in Lafayette, Louisiana, she made a bold career move by obtaining her real estate license in 1978. When the major industry in her area, oil, collapsed in 1984, Kay, fueled by her passion for real estate, embarked on a quest to find a thriving market. 

After exploring various cities across the U.S., she and her husband Glen decided that Atlanta was the ideal place to start anew. Despite initial reservations, Glen recognized the potential, stating, “I smell currency here!” The couple arrived in Atlanta in 1984, ready to embrace a new chapter filled with hope, dreams, and joy. 

Kay’s early career involved turning around struggling real estate offices. She first served as the broker/manager of a failing office, turning it into a success. She continued this pattern with another struggling office, establishing herself as a “turnaround” specialist. Her pivotal opportunity came when she became the Director of Education for the Georgia Institute of Real Estate, a role that allowed her to blend her real estate expertise with her education background. 

Later, Kay became the broker of a successful real estate company in Atlanta, tasked with maintaining its success and driving further growth. In 1999, she partnered with Bob Kilinski to open Keller Williams Realty offices in the Southeast U.S. This partnership flourished, and they rapidly expanded the region to include 60+ offices. Its continued growth through the years and adding a third partner, Cheryl Sadoti has resulted in 15,000 agents in the region. Kay’s leadership has played a crucial role in making KW Southeast the #1 performing region in Keller Williams, a position it has held in Metro Atlanta since 2011. 

Kay’s educational background includes a BS Degree in Business Education from the University of Louisiana Lafayette. She has been actively involved in real estate education, sales, and brokerage, earning a place on the Master Faculty of Keller Williams International. Outside her professional life, Kay and Glen, who have two children and five granddaughters, enjoy traveling and having fun together. Her journey exemplifies the possibilities that come with tenacity, vision, and a passion for one’s chosen path. 

Transforming Luxury Real Estate 

As the Regional Director for Keller Williams in the Southeast Region for the first 10 years, Kay Evans played a pivotal role in leading the region to the top tier. Following this successful tenure, she transitioned into a role involving various projects in the region, aligning with her dynamic and excitement-driven personality. One of her standout and beloved projects was assisting a group of Keller Williams agents in launching a luxury division named Live Luxury, aimed at strengthening their presence in the luxury real estate market in Atlanta. 

Live Luxury started with five agents and has now grown to include over 150+ members, establishing itself as a leader in the luxury market. Many of the members also align with Keller Williams Luxury at the international level. The project, led by Kay and a talented Coordinator, Courtney Gardner, has expanded beyond Metro Atlanta into other market areas in the region. Live Luxury’s rapid growth can be attributed to their appealing marketing program, high-level speakers, and luxury masterminds, contributing to an impressive presence in the luxury real estate market, especially in properties priced at $1Million+. 

Strategic Alliances and Entrepreneurial Triumphs 

In a significant entrepreneurial move, prior to KW, Kay transitioned to a national trainer role. However, after realizing that constant travel and hotel stays were not aligned with her long-term preferences, she sought a different path. During her stay in Las Vegas for the Nevada Association of Realtors Convention, she made a decisive call to the president of a large mortgage company in Atlanta, with whom her office had prior dealings. 

In the meeting with the president, Kay proposed a mutually beneficial arrangement. She suggested that his loan officers could accompany her to real estate offices when she trained, providing exposure and value to both parties. This proactive approach to creating opportunities showcased Kay’s strategic thinking and ability to identify win-win situations. The proposal was well-received, leading to a dream opportunity for Kay. 

This initiative evolved into teaching for numerous companies in Atlanta and establishing a first-class facility where agents came for classes. Kay’s impact extended beyond Atlanta, as she spent one week every month in Florida teaching for their offices and the leaders in the real estate community. Reflecting on this opportunity, Kay humorously noted that she got paid to be accompanied by young, professional men and women who treated her like royalty, perhaps akin to their mother figure. 

This episode in Kay’s career underscores her entrepreneurial spirit, proactive mindset, and knack for creating opportunities that align with her values and preferences. 

Celebrating Love and Legacy 

Kay and her husband, Glen, recently celebrated their remarkable 64th anniversary. Together, they have a daughter named Glenda, a son named Bob, and are blessed with five granddaughters. 

Kay’s “Big Why,” the driving force behind her daily energy and motivation, is centered around creating memories and excitement for her family while making a positive impact in the lives of those around her. The Evans family shares a love for travel, exploration, hosting friends gathered over the years, and supporting The Kay Evans Scholarship Fund, which assists Keller Williams Southeast associates with education opportunities. She is also driven by the focus of Keller Williams through the 501(c) 3, KW Cares a charity which is there to help agents in need when disasters or life experiences create hardships. It is life changing. Tee are lots of ways in KW to serve others, including KW Kids Can, a program for children of associates to develop life skills at a young age. 

In a candid reflection, Kay admits to a recurring nightmare—that she initially turned down the Keller Williams opportunity a couple of times due to a limiting belief. At the age of 60, she hesitated, thinking retirement was imminent and questioning the idea of starting a new, highly competitive venture at that stage. However, joining Keller Williams proved to be a rejuvenating and enriching experience, providing continuous learning, a culturally rich environment, and a lifestyle that allowed for a more generous and fulfilling life. Kay expresses gratitude for the personal growth, meaningful friendships, and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others that she would have missed if she had not embraced this transformative journey. 

A Builder’s Mindset 

Kay describes herself as a builder who enjoys creating projects, moving on to the next opportunity, and keeping the cycle going. Building is what excites her, while maintenance is less appealing. Her approach involves hiring talent and leveraging resources. 

Throughout her journey with Keller Williams, Kay has received recognition as a leader: 

Award of Excellence: An annual award presented for leadership, recognizing one person each year. 

Entrepreneur of the Year: An annual award recognizing individuals who demonstrate an entrepreneurial approach to business. 

Co-hosted the Cultural Summit: Kay co-hosted this event annually for 12 years with Mo Anderson, former Keller Williams President and Cultural icon. The Cultural Summit celebrates agents involved in contributing good deeds to help others, aligning with the region’s focus on giving where they live. 

Path to Growth and Success in Business 

Kay emphasizes the importance of being in business with the right people as a key factor in her success. She echoes Keller Williams’ principle that “who you’re in business with really does matter.” Kay acknowledges the instrumental role of her partners, Bob, Regional Operating Principal and Cheryl Sadoti, who followed Kay as Regional Director, in building the company they created together. She considers herself fortunate to have had such exceptional partners in her business journey. 

Reflecting on her success, Kay attributes it to embracing change rather than fearing it. She believes that resisting change can impede growth, and she sees changes as opportunities to develop new skills, meet new people, and create excitement. While she doesn’t advocate for taking unnecessary risks, she acknowledges that taking on challenges that involve some level of risk has been a motivating factor for her. Kay shares that these challenges push her to work harder, do what others might not, and make necessary sacrifices for long-term success. 

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