Kim Chamberlin
“Working with the SBDC was so helpful in providing strategy, resources, materials and most importantly confidence to embark on our business.”
Chamberlin and her husband have been teachers for over 20 years, and in 2020, they started investing in real estate by buying a condo for personal use. They then rented it out when they weren’t using it and found it to be very lucrative. They then scaled their real estate investments by purchasing more properties and starting a management company for their Airbnb properties.
When Chamberlin was diagnosed with breast cancer, she realized that she wanted more flexibility in her schedule and to work for herself. Her husband had attended a real estate meet-up and was recommended to start a management company for their Airbnb properties. They knew what they were doing but needed guidance in creating a business plan and growing the business. That’s when they turned to the Santa Cruz Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
The SBDC provided Chamberlin and her husband with the resources they needed to create a business plan, financial projections, and marketing strategies. They also helped them network with other small business owners in their community. With the SBDC’s help, Chamberlin and her husband were able to create three separate businesses, all related to real estate. They have a vacation rental management company, a short-term rental consulting company, and a real estate investment company.
Today, their businesses are thriving, and they have achieved their goal of working for themselves and having the flexibility they desire. The SBDC has been a vital partner in helping them achieve their goals, and they highly recommend their services to any small business owner looking to grow and succeed.
