Amidst the tight-knit communities of Armada, Michigan, one agent is making a name for herself in the competitive world of real estate: Katie Rotarius. A dynamic force in the real estate industry, her journey from a comfortable nine-to-five job to becoming a thriving agent is nothing short of inspiring.

Coming up on three years as a licensed real estate agent, Katie has already achieved remarkable success. Her total career volume stands at an impressive $11.1 million in closed sales, and in 2022, she closed deals totaling $5.7 million. Her accomplishments, however, go beyond numbers: They are a testament to her dedication, passion, and commitment to helping others.

Before Katie got into real estate, she worked in the title industry for six years, gaining invaluable insights into the intricacies of the real estate trade. Her involvement in the title industry was not only about acquiring knowledge but also about preparing herself for the challenges she always knew she would embrace.

“After having my second daughter in June of 2020, it occurred to me that I was ready to take on a new challenge,” Katie explained. “I wanted more out of life — both personally and professionally. That’s when I started to get serious about getting my real estate license and leaving the title industry to become a full-time agent.”

Katie’s determination and her willingness to take the road less traveled have always defined her path. She hails from Armada, a small rural farm town where her graduating high school class had only about 115 students. Her parents, who instilled a strong work ethic in her, were instrumental in supporting her decision to pursue a career that was far from traditional. “Both of my parents are to thank for my strong work ethic today. They’ve always allowed me to pursue my dreams and passions, whatever that may be,” Katie said. With the encouragement of her parents, she took a leap of faith and left the comfort of a nine-to-five job.

After graduating high school, Katie pursued broadcasting at Specs Howard School of Broadcasting, followed by a radio gig in Georgia. She has had her share of ups and downs, but the birth of her first daughter marked a turning point in her life. “Kids have a way of putting things into perspective. I knew from that point on that I wanted to give her a life that she deserved,” Katie said.

For Katie, success is about overcoming challenges, and her career in real estate has been no exception. Although managing her children’s schedules alongside her husband’s work commitments has posed logistical challenges, she has devised a system to keep herself on track. Every Sunday, she sets three goals for the week ahead, displayed on a whiteboard at her workspace. This simple yet effective practice keeps her focused and motivated.

In both her career and personal life, reading has played a significant role in Katie’s growth. She devours mindset books and strives to read one book a month, which keeps her sharp and mentally resilient.

As an agent, Katie has found a work-life balance that allows her to give her clients her undivided attention and energy. “I value my client relationships more than anything,” she said. “The fact that I’ve discovered this beautiful work-life balance has allowed me to give my clients my all. Time and energy — they deserve me at my best.” 

Katie is part of a remarkable team, Peak Realty Group MI with eXp Realty, which consists of 14 agents and two in-house transaction coordinators. In Katie’s opinion, what sets this team apart from others is their solution-based approach to challenges — adapting quickly to market changes and supporting each other in times of need.

When asked about her most rewarding achievement, Katie replied that it was “proving to myself that I am worthy and capable of running a successful business” while raising two young children. Her husband, Kyle, joined her on this entrepreneurial journey, venturing into the plumbing trade for himself. Together, they are working toward building a legacy for their children.

Katie’s dedication extends beyond her business. She actively supports charitable organizations such as Special Olympics Michigan and the Iron Mike Foundation, which holds a special place in her heart. She and her team participate in the Polar Plunge, raising funds for Special Olympic athletes in Michigan. Additionally, they adopt five families during the holiday season and assemble care packages for the homeless.

Outside of her busy career, Katie has a multitude of hobbies and interests. She enjoys hunting with her husband, embarking on elk hunts in the Rocky Mountains and turkey hunting across different states. She’s also passionate about broadcasting and has plans to start a podcast in the near future.

Katie defines success as “overcoming challenges.” With her unwavering determination and commitment to helping others, she is redefining success in the world of real estate, one challenge at a time. Her legacy is one of kindness, a “can-do” attitude, and a steadfast commitment to adapt and overcome, regardless of market conditions.