Every person is the sum of their experiences. Savvy individuals take all those life lessons and apply them to future endeavors. 

That’s exactly what Kimberly Cook has done, and her real estate clients are reaping the rewards.

The Maryland native’s first stay in Florida was when she attended Navy bootcamp in Orlando in the late 1980s. After serving her country, she moved to Central Florida in 1992.

Kimberly earned her bachelors degree in aviation management, worked in the airline industry and then took an administrative position with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. She was a literary coordinator and taught inmates at Coleman Federal Prison for almost 25 years.

Her unlikely introduction to the world of real estate occurred when her home was condemned and taken for a road widening project via eminent domain.

“I finished my course to get my license on the day the country went into Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020,” says Kimberly, who hasn’t slowed down since.

“After I retired from the federal government, I realized I don’t sit still well, so was looking for something productive to do to help people,” says Kimberly. “I’ve always been a service-oriented person, whether in the Navy, working for the government or through real estate. The best part of being a Realtor® is helping people find what they’re looking for.”

Working in the prison system honed her communication skills and taught patience, both of which come in handy today. Clients appreciate how she guides them through the process. Her ability to explain each step is especially valuable for first time home buyers.

“Each transaction is unique, from the customers you’re working with to the actual transaction,” says Kimberly, who handles as many vacant land contracts as residential home sales.

She holds the designations At Home With Diversity®, Graduate, REALTOR® Institute, Military Relocation Professional, and takes pride in helping fellow veterans.

Kimberly lives in Lake County on the Minneola Chain of Lakes with her husband, Rusty. Their children, Dylan and Lea, are grown. When not working, she’s often on the water. If she’s not boating, she’s probably doing cross stitch, working a puzzle, or reading a great book.

She has her black belt in martial arts and teaches a safety class for members of the REALTORS® Association of Lake and Sumter Counties.