Keeping Up with Kati Adair—Her Broker’s License & How She Serves Hopkins County

You might know her as the Turkey Trot Director, putting out signs on race day, handing out t-shirts, and overall making this annual event go as smooth as possible. Or you might remember her as a teacher or one who serves as an officer at the local Mother’s Culture Club. But besides her family, Kati Adair’s biggest standout might be her continued growth in real estate.

Kati will tell you that her husband, Zach, is her biggest cheerleader. Married since 2011 and parents to two toddlers, they love spending time walking in the pasture on their farm and visiting their cows and horse as they dream of living in the country of Hopkins County. And what is the biggest challenge for a working mom? “Balancing it all,” says Kati. “I block out time in my schedule for my family and my boys. I want to be present when I’m with my family. That includes my husband and parents too. I still must answer calls, texts and emails sometimes. But there are times where I put it all down and just be Mom.” Zach works as firefighter and paramedic for the city of Garland. Between his schedule and hiring a sitter, Kati puts her time to good use.

And one use of time is her work as an officer for Mother’s Culture Club. This organization includes women who have children from kindergarten to younger. Moms from all walks of life dedicate their gifts, talents, and time to raising money. Thousands of dollars each year go back into Hopkins County. With intentional planning to make a difference and create lifelong memories through events like father-daughter dances etc., these women enjoy the fruits of their labors and Kati is proud to be part of it.

Of course there is always Turkey Trot day—a large event that takes place every year on the morning of Thanksgiving. In the spirit of the season, donations and sponsorships go toward a family in need. What better way is there for kicking off Thanksgiving? Organizing such an event is a massive endeavor. Kati, as the director, says, “Turkey Trot is pretty stressful.” She shares, “I have hundreds of people counting on me to make sure it’s a good race and good experience.” But in the end, Kati says, “It’s all worth it when we are able to hand over the check to the family.” And those checks have been large thanks to her and the committee’s work behind the scenes and their generous sponsors. For the participating runners and walkers, they can feel less guilty at the dinner table later that day.

A little-known fact about Kati’s professional life might be her recognition in 2023 from Dallas’ Metrotex where she was awarded among an elite group of “40 Under 40”. These winners are up-and-coming agents who are thriving in real estate from all over the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Only forty agents under forty win this title. Kati still can’t believe she made this prestigious list and says, “I was pretty shocked that I won that. There’s a lot of agents out there under the age of 40.” But of course, her peers at Janet Martin Realty are not surprised.

Speaking of the number forty, Kati has sold over 40 million dollars of real estate, much of it in Hopkins County, even though she sells outside the area too. Did she ever think she’d reach that number so soon? “It’s pretty insane,” she says. “I never dreamed I’d be selling this much. My goal going in, was to make my teacher salary. I am beyond thankful to my clients who have trusted me and allowed me to help them.”

But Kati’s biggest standout came in March of 2024. After being a licensed real estate agent since 2018, she obtained her state & national Broker’s license—a worthy accomplishment that could allow her to one day have her own real estate company. Taking the national Broker’s exam, she says, “I was definitely anxious about taking the test. I knew it was a big test. The application process requires a lot too. [But] I studied and felt prepared going in. The test was very hard!” As for what she’ll do with a Broker’s license, she plans to continue at Janet Martin Realty.

Even though she has a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s Degree majoring in Educational Administration from Texas A&M—Commerce, she gave up teaching and jumped with both feet into real estate. However, she supports her local schools by being a member of the Bond Planning Committee, is a member of the Bond PAC, and will be a SSISD school board trustee starting in the summer of 2024.

Despite all these esteemed accomplishments, she cherishes her family the most. She contributes to Hopkins County as an investment into her boys’ future and from a love for the people who live here. To put it simply, keeping up with Kati comes down to two things—family and community.