Connect
To Top

Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Kristen Bivona of Midtown

We recently had the chance to connect with Kristen Bivona and have shared our conversation below.

Kristen, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
This is kind of a controversial subject, but the real estate industry seems to be full of flawed characters. To build a business in this industry takes a lot of hard work. People come into the industry thinking they’re going to get rich and instead spend a couple years floundering and eventually quit. Consumers are quick to judge people in the real estate industry as overpaid and in most cases we are under appreciated. This isn’t “Selling Sunset”. It’s an all consuming career. Speaking for myself… I am reactive to clients needs, I am available at a drop drop of a hat, I am emotionally supportive and treat every transaction with kid gloves. There are many days I work for free and I do that because I’m passionate about this business and about my success. The success will come to those that persevere.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Kristen Bivona and I am a Realtor® in Southwest Florida. I’ve been a real estate professional since 2007. I’ve always had a huge passion for residential real estate and interior design. I originally obtained my real estate license to capitalize on opportunities for investment properties and selling in a golf community, where I resided. Presently, I am a residential agent in Tampa and surrounding beach communities. I joined the Somerday Group here in Tampa and absolutely love being on this team of professionals. My favorite communities to sell in currently are Palm Harbor, South Tampa and Safety Harbor. I bring a unique perspective into the real estate industry with my client centric expertise. Real estate is not for the faint of hearts and it requires tenacity, discipline and complete knowledge of the real estate industry. Every transaction big or small I treat with care and every client that I work with. I create a trusting relationship and go the extra mile to make sure the buying or selling experience as the best outcome. I absolutely love my career.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship with my daughter has shaped me more than any other thing in my life… I raised her mostly on my own while excelling in a corporate career. After spending 15 years in corporate America at Chevron Corporation I left that job to create more stability for my daughter. I was traveling weekly and I saw that negative effects that it had on a young child. She was six years old then.. I decided to embrace my entrepreneurial spirit and have been self employed since. Today she is a thriving 26-year-old medical student She has watched me work hard for my successes and it’s been has been the main drive for me to always be a successful professional and caring mom… I’ve seen the same qualities in her as she grew up and become an exemplary adult. She is one of my biggest accomplishments.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one thing to my younger self, I would say.

Remember to love yourself regardless of the situation and never let somebody else’s actions dictate how you see yourself. Believe in what’s good on this earth and always hold your head high and be proud of your achievements.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
As an entrepreneurial professional driven by sales, there are so many opportunities that are put before you and many draw you in because of the perceived success. Especially social the media. I feel if you find a few things that work for your personality and work ethic and you stick to those things, success will come. Technology and Ai presence is booming so it is important to shift and improve your knowledge to avoid the risk of being irrelevant while still preserving your core values.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Life is funny…. as I grow older my perspective on personal joy and peace has shifted. I’ve experienced financial success, traveled a lot, and enjoyed the finer things in life. A peaceful, more simple life brings me the most joy. I think I’ve worked harder than anybody I know and sometimes I wish I had some of those countless hours back and enjoyed those in a more peaceful way. Maybe practiced more self-care instead of putting so many other people needs ahead of my own.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: VoyageTampa is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories