Today we’d like to introduce you to Dolly Lopez.
Hi Dolly, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I am a Licensed Real Estate Broker (Realtor) in the states of Florida and Kentucky. I have served on a plethora of committees and in leadership positions with such entities as KYR, GLAR, and a local School Board, and I have been recognized by Governor Bevin and El Kentubano Magazine as one of the top 100 most influential Hispanics in the state of Kentucky; one might think that it all came very naturally or with ease. That could not be further from the truth, describing myself as “a troubled kid growing up,” and after discovering who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do, I have forged a special path of accomplishments and impact. I was born and raised in Camaguey, Cuba, but moved when I was 12 years old to Miami, Florida to live with my father. I left my mother and two sisters behind, but later, I ventured to Louisville and reunited with them when they came to the United States.
Not knowing what to expect, I fell in love with the city in a short time, and I loved the warm and diverse people who created a special atmosphere there. My parents have been a monumental influence on me, noting that my mom taught me how to be ambitious and resourceful, and my father taught me to be unapologetically true to myself. I describe my mother as a “powerhouse,” who emulated a “compelling and capable attitude” during the difficult times of life and who led my family through the tumultuous waters of the scarcity of food and security while my father was establishing himself in America. The experience forged some courageous spirit in me, but still, I found myself in my mid-teens with a stubborn attitude and no clear direction on what my purpose was. I ended up in military school (FLYCA), and while there, I became shaped by the experience which gave me the tools of resourcefulness, structure, and drives that guide my efforts today.
Before real estate, I worked in the financial industry at a bank and as a controller for a large demolition company. My entrepreneurial spirit soon took dominance and led me to find my niche as a Real Estate professional. My business has given me the ability to provide for my family, which is the most important part of my life, and I am also able to show my passion for my work to my children.
Early in 2022, I decided it was time to expand my Real Estate Firm to Tampa Florida as I saw the need of building a “one-stop shop” to help clients transition smoothly between the two cities. The amount of people moving to Louisville KY from Tampa Florida and vice-versa is unreal. I am a wife and proud mother of four boys: Victor (2010), Anthony (2014), David (2016) Romi (2022), and a little girl name after me; Dolly (2022). I love to spend my free time with them, and I like to dance Salsa, eat Cuban food, and travel. My husband, Romi, was a professional baseball player in Cuba, and in addition to taking care of our rental properties, he helps me run our Real Estate Team.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
After leaving my mother and two sisters in Cuba to move to Miami Florida with my father at the age of 12, I experienced a difficult transitional period adjusting to life in a new country. In an effort to make something of myself, I overcame various personal struggles, but I would definitely describe myself as a challenging teenager. Not only did I skip school and hang out with the wrong crowd, but my stubborn personality and “know-it-all” attitude, brought me and my family more headaches than peace. I felt lost, powerless, and hopeless. I was not making good decisions and my life was headed in the wrong direction. I felt I had to do and act a certain way to be able to fit in so I could earn the respect of other kids in my age group. I felt misunderstood, unloved, unheard, and uncared for and those feelings played a big part in my making a lot of wrong choices. I was an almost high-school dropout, but my father decided it was best for me to go to a military school as a last resort. While there, I became shaped by the experience which gave me the tools of resourcefulness, structure, and drives that guide me today. My life took a 180-degree turn after I went to military school. Going there was a changing point for me as it gave me the strength, structure, and discipline I so much needed.
Life is not easy but from that point on, I became focused and disciplined, and I never lost sight of my goals. I, of course, made a few mistakes in life, and some of them I am not proud of, but I understand that mistakes are a normal part of life, and learning from those mistakes is another valuable lesson. Failure teaches us how not to do something and is important for our personal development.
As an entrepreneur, one of the biggest challenges I have faced is the invalidating criticism I have received from people around me. My disappointment came from people close to me that did not believe in me or had little confidence in my work and abilities to succeed. By utilizing the qualities I earned in my adolescence, I found the strength to forge ahead, and today, I am an example of perseverance and have been able to enjoy the fruits of a strong work ethic.
Challenges are a part of my day to day. I must continuously find ways to succeed in this competitive world and stand out among thousands working in the same industry. I am a mother of five children and not losing sight of my family limits my time immensely which makes it challenging to expand to the extent that I would like. But I am driven, passionate, and balanced. I am proud of what I have accomplished so far and can’t wait to continue my personal and business growth.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Elite KY Homes?
Elite KY Homes is a certified Real Estate Firm that specializes in Tampa Florida and Louisville, Kentucky, and surrounding areas. We are focused on empowering our community especially minority groups to homeownership!
Since 2015, we’ve been helping our clients buy, sell, and invest in real estate – managing every aspect of the real estate process. No matter whether they are looking to sell their current home, or find a new property to live in, we help them secure the best opportunities in the real estate market with professionalism and sincere care.
I have built my work on the core values of hard work, professional performance, and personalized customer service. I seek to support my clients from initial contact through closing and beyond, whether they are buying or selling. I always work for the good of the clients and keeps their best interests in mind. My goal is not only to provide excellent service with the highest ethical standards, honesty, and integrity but to foster a lifelong relationship with my clients.
What does success mean to you?
Success for me is a feeling of accomplishment. Meeting your goals regardless of what your goals are. Your self-development provides a good perspective on what you want and what’s important to you. Reaching your own goals and feeling proud of how you got there, gives you a sense of self-respect and a deep feeling of satisfaction. Everyone’s purpose and goals are different, but the feeling of accomplishment comes with being successful regardless of how little or big your goals were.
For newer Realtors, I always encourage them to be consistent and to never fear the “No’s” that often come in the business. I tell them to believe in themselves and to always be grateful to those who are helpful – keeping them in mind when it is time to return the favor. Being organized with a definitive plan is key, and the only way to improve is “to take responsibility for your actions and own up to your mistakes.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elitekyhomes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dollylopezrealtor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealtorDollyLopez
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dolly_Realtor
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtHerJ0pxwWcIYHzFnzDh8g
Image Credits
Mike Rodriguez – Tampa Bay Photographers
