For Kathy Nelson and Zac Nelson, real estate is more than just a career; it’s a family tradition built on trust, strong values, and meaningful relationships. Leading The Nelson Team at Compass, this mother-son duo has spent decades helping families find homes while fostering lasting connections with their clients. Their combined 53 years of experience and over $500 million in career sales reflect their success and dedication to treating every client like family.

 

Kathy started her real estate journey in 1992 after running her own woodcraft business, Simply Sawdust, for 15 years. “After so many years of buying wood at the lumberyard and hard hours working with the saws and my sanding machine, I knew the time had come for a new challenge,” Kathy explains. “I’ve always been a self-starter and loved working with people; along with my love of interior design, real estate was a natural next step for me!”

 

Zac joined his mother in 2003 after graduating from CU-Boulder with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Though he initially had dreams of becoming a sports broadcaster, he soon found himself drawn to the world of real estate.

 

“Growing up, I helped my mom with her real estate mailings and marketing, even though I swore I wouldn’t follow in her footsteps,” Zac recalls with a laugh. “It may sound cliché, but my mom is a huge inspiration for me. I try to follow in her path of caring for and taking care of people.”

 

That commitment to care and client service drives The Nelson Team’s 5-Star, White-Glove experience. They provide Buyers with a ‘Home Buying Resources’ email that includes a customized Buyer’s Guide, a Denver Relocation Guide, Buyer Questionnaire, and Educational Videos. Sellers receive a detailed Listing Presentation and Seller Questionnaire to ensure personalized attention to best understand our clients’ needs and timeline. On moving day, Kathy and Zac go the extra mile by providing lunch for clients and movers, with Kathy baking homemade cookies or brownies. “It’s a Minnesota thing!” she says, smiling.

 

Kathy’s connection to her Minnesota roots runs deep. Born on a family farm, she values hard work and tradition. Five years ago, she restored her family’s 1910 farmhouse over the span of 2.5 years, a project that reflects her dedication to preserving her heritage. “It’s been in our family for three generations,” Kathy explains. “Restoring it was one of the most fulfilling things I’ve done. It reminds me of where I came from and the importance of family.”

 

The Nelsons’ business model reflects these same values. Kathy’s daughter and Zac’s sister, Krista, is also an integral part of The Nelson Team, serving as the Transaction & Operations Manager since 2013. Together, the family team works seamlessly to ensure that every client’s experience is nothing short of exceptional, from start to finish and beyond.  The Nelson Team has expanded to include Cindy Russ (Real Estate Agent), Heather Weldon (Client Care & Marketing Specialist), and Bradley Mayhew (Creative / Video).

 

“We’re passionate about being our clients’ family Real Estate Advisors for life,” Kathy emphasizes. “We’ve helped many generations of families – grandparents to parents to children. We look at it as not just Real Estate Advisors, but also friends for life.”

 

For Kathy, the most rewarding aspect of real estate is “seeing the joy on the faces of families we help buy their first home; the relief on the faces of those who have lost a loved one and need help selling their property; and the excitement of someone who just purchases their first investment.”

 

“We also love creating video content,” Zac adds. “I get to use my broadcast journalism background while Kathy taps into her drama experience from high school. Our YouTube channel, Denver Living Homes, features housing market updates, fun neighborhood tours, Denver vs. other city comparisons, and top activities in and around Denver.”

 

Outside of work, Zac fully embraces Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle — skiing, hiking Colorado’s 14ers and other peaks, and mountain biking. Travel is also a shared passion, as Zac, a father of two, seeks to expose his children to new cultures and experiences. Kathy divides her time between Denver and her family farm, where she enjoys baking and cooking for her children and grandchildren.

 

Looking into the future, Kathy and Zac are excited to expand their business by bringing on additional Real Estate Agents. They aim to provide these agents with the same guidance and mentorship that have fueled their own success. Zac also hopes to one day bring his son into the family business, continuing the tradition of delivering 5-Star, White-Glove service to their clients. For The Nelson Team, success is determined not by sales volume but by the lasting relationships they build with their clients.

 

As Kathy and Zac continue to grow their business, one thing is certain: they will continue to provide the exceptional service and care that has made them a trusted name in Denver real estate, continuing a family legacy of service and excellence.