Michelle Wood knows how to keep it classy. Experienced, heartfelt, and professional is the impression she gives to her clients. This is why over 50% of Michelle's business today comes from repeat clients and referrals. With nearly 15 years of experience in Oahu real estate and over 30 years in high-stakes corporate negotiations and premier marketing, Michelle has become a go-to for many seeking a Luxury experience with some of the most sought-after real estate in the world.    

 

Michelle’s taste for the fashionable was formed from a young age. A self-described “Army brat,” she grew up all over the United States, living in places such as Virginia, Michigan, Florida, California and Oregon. After graduating Magna Cum Laude in Fashion Merchandising and Design and Small Business Management from Oregon State University, she moved to Los Angeles and started three separate clothing lines in three different countries. Although she enjoyed the creative and entrepreneurial aspects of her work, she did not appreciate the commercialization of the industry.

 

Then, one day, while at a friend’s birthday party on Oahu, she was offered a job doing contract negotiations for a produce company serving high-end grocery stores, event planners, etc. Because the company was based in Hawaii, she spent the next 30 years flying back and forth from L.A. to Hawaii, and around the world. Ever the entrepreneur, she also developed her own high-end house-sitting business on the island at the same time.

 

When the owner of the produce company retired in 2008, Michelle decided to follow her heart and move to Oahu full-time. She purchased her first property in Diamond Head and joined both the Hawaii Yacht Club and Waikiki Yacht Club, where she eventually met her husband, Ken Wood.

 

Michelle went into real estate in 2009 at the recommendation of her best friend, who told her if she earned her real estate license, she would then be her first client. As good luck and hard work would have it, Diane, her friend did keep her word, and she became Michelle's first real estate client! The rest is wonderful history.

She decided to join the prestigious 'Gold Coast Real Estate' on the Gold Coast of Oahu at the time; it was walking distance from where she lived and where she would go every day to swim in the ocean. With Don Persons as her confidant and mentor, she rapidly became one of the top agents on the island.

 

Wanting to learn everything she could about the real estate business, Michelle started from the very bottom with leasehold properties and worked her way into the Luxury Hawai’i Real Estate market. “I really hunkered down to build my business in the beginning – studied everything I could, did every kind of lead generation, online marketing, posted my client reviews and focused on helping my clients while creating the best experience possible for them,” she said.

 

Michelle has received countless awards and recognitions for her work, including making Honolulu Magazine’s “Best in Real Estate,” multiple years in a row, The Best of Trulia List for being in the top of 1% agents, Nominee for Aloha Aina awards, "Top 25 in Honolulu" on Expertise.com, Cover of Top Agent Magazine, and Hawaii Business Magazine 'Top performer' multiple times.

 

“I value the trust, respect, and appreciation I’ve built with my clients, and take pride in providing exceptional client service with a 5-star experience. I always give 110% personal attention and my very best,” she said,

 

Michelle is a solo agent with Hawaii Life Real Estate (formerly Gold Coast Real Estate), where she currently works with her assistant of 11 years Debbie Tamura, and transaction manager, Latisha Yagi. Ken often accompanies Michelle on showings when he is not running their two other companies – Ken Wood Construction on Oahu, and Ken Wood Pacific in Guam.

 

“Ken really helps me on many levels. He was a real estate broker in Australia before starting his construction companies. He has a ton of knowledge, is great with tech, and likes to drive me around, so we are a great team,” she said, laughing.  

Looking to the future, Michelle plans to continue building her business in the Hawaii Luxury market and make sure she is always fully equipped and prepared to handle anything. A firm believer in “constant and never-ending improvement,” she loves taking continual education classes, keeping up with current practices in SEO, social media sales, advertising and marketing, in addition to earning industry designations and certifications including: MRP- Military Relocation Specialist, EPRO and BPRO.

 

An enthusiastic proponent of giving back to the community, Michelle has assisted numerous nonprofit organizations over the years, including the American Cancer Society, the Assistance League of Hawaii, the American Heart Association, Goodwill Industries, and many other organizations that help feed the homeless in both Los Angeles and Hawaii.

 

Outside of real estate and giving back, Michelle is an avid ocean and pool swimmer. She has been swimming since she was a kid and has been a part of many swim teams. She also enjoys walking, sailing, weightlifting and traveling the world.

 

As Michelle continues her journey in real estate, she will continue to give her whole heart, experience, and the utmost professionalism – adding a touch of class – to all she does.