The Beginning of The Panozzo Team

A Real Estate Career Born from Passion

Kim Panozzo REALTOR, ABR, CRS, GRI

Kim Panozzo’s journey in real estate started over two decades ago when she realized her passion for helping people find their dream homes. She spent the first 12 years of her career as a solo agent, navigating the ups and downs of the market. While she was making the income she had always dreamed of, something was missing.

Kim found herself feeling stuck in a cycle of constant work with little time to enjoy life outside of real estate. She had a wealth of experience and knowledge to offer, but she felt like she was keeping it all to herself. This internal conflict pushed her toward the next chapter in her career: building a team.

The Motivation to Build a Team

The catalyst for Kim’s decision to form a team came after she attended a Tom Ferry convention in 2012. The convention highlighted the future of real estate being in team-based models. At that moment, everything clicked for Kim. She realized that forming a team could not only help her grow her business but also allow her to mentor and guide other agents toward success.

She didn’t start alone, though. Her husband, Dave Panozzo, decided to jump into the real estate business alongside her. For years, Kim had been nudging him to get his license, and when he finally did, The Panozzo Team was born.

Building the Team’s Core Values

Service as the Foundation

The Panozzo Team isn’t just about closing deals. It’s built on core values that reflect Kim’s four-generation military family background, where service and commitment are at the heart of everything they do. Kim emphasizes that their team thrives because of their “servant’s heart”—a desire to truly serve their clients and the community.

People First—The Key to Recruiting

One of the first questions Kim asks prospective team members is, “Do you like people?” It may sound simple, but for her, it’s foundational. Real estate is a people-centric business, and if you don’t enjoy working with clients, it’s not the right fit.

But finding people who genuinely care about others isn’t enough. Kim looks for agents who bring energy and are willing to put in the hard work. Even those without prior sales experience can succeed on The Panozzo Team if they show the right attitude and effort.

Strategies for Recruiting and Growing the Team

Word of Mouth and Social Media

Kim doesn’t rely solely on traditional recruitment methods. A lot of their agents come to them via word of mouth or from following the team on social media. Instagram and Facebook have become valuable tools for connecting with aspiring real estate agents who admire what The Panozzo Team stands for.

The Jumpstart Program

To ensure that new agents are prepared to succeed, The Panozzo Team has implemented a 90-day Jumpstart program. This initiative allows Kim and Dave to gauge whether new recruits are the right fit. During this period, new agents receive training, leads, and hands-on experience in managing clients. The program isn’t just about testing skills; it’s about identifying commitment and drive.

The Roles and Responsibilities Within The Panozzo Team

Defined Roles for Maximum Efficiency

Dave Panozzo, REALTOR

One of the key factors behind The Panozzo Team’s success is the clear definition of roles within the team. Kim manages contracts, negotiations, and inspections, while Dave is the motivator and sales trainer, working with agents to fine-tune their techniques.

The team also employs an internal sales agent (ISA), who focuses on inbound leads and follow-up calls. This role is critical—84% of leads she contacts within 48 hours convert into clients. This level of efficiency helps the team manage a large volume of clients without missing opportunities.

Support Staff for Seamless Transactions

The Panozzo Team also has a dedicated transaction coordinator and listing coordinator. These roles ensure that every step of the buying and selling process is handled with precision. From managing contracts to setting up open houses, the coordinators keep the team running smoothly, allowing agents to focus on what they do best—building relationships with clients.

Client Acquisition and Retention Strategies

The Power of Open Houses

Open houses are a cornerstone of The Panozzo Team’s client acquisition strategy. By strategically targeting homeowners who have been in their homes for five to seven years, the team maximizes their chances of finding potential sellers. They invite these homeowners to their open houses, offering free market analyses, which often leads to new client relationships.

Circle Prospecting and Follow-Up

In addition to open houses, The Panozzo Team uses circle prospecting. This involves contacting homeowners in a specific area and inviting them to local real estate events. By following up with phone calls, emails, and door-knocking, the team ensures that they are top of mind for homeowners considering selling.

Nurturing Long-Term Relationships

The 10-Year Client Plan

Client relationships don’t end at the closing table for The Panozzo Team. They have developed a 10-year plan to stay in touch with past clients. This involves sending personalized messages during holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries, ensuring that clients feel valued long after the deal is done.

Social Media Engagement

Kim also takes a personal approach to social media. Each day, she spends a few minutes looking for opportunities to engage with her network. Whether it’s sending flowers to a client who just had a baby or offering condolences during tough times, these small gestures go a long way in building lasting relationships.

The Challenges and Rewards of Building a Team

The Hard Work Behind the Success

While The Panozzo Team has grown into a well-oiled machine, Kim is quick to point out that building a team is no easy task. It requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and constant learning. One of the most valuable investments they made was hiring a real estate coach. The coaching platform they’ve developed offers over 20 years of real estate knowledge, providing their agents with a wealth of resources at no cost to their agent partners.

The Importance of Continuous Learning

For Kim, continuous improvement is key. Whether it’s training agents on new techniques or adapting to market changes, The Panozzo Team is always looking for ways to evolve. This dedication to learning has kept them at the forefront of the Scottsdale real estate scene.

Future Growth and Vision

Expanding Roles in the Team

As The Panozzo Team continues to grow, Kim envisions adding new roles. These roles will allow the team to scale while maintaining the high level of service that has become their hallmark.

A Legacy of Service

Ultimately, Kim’s vision for The Panozzo Team is one of service and success. By staying true to their values and constantly seeking new ways to improve, they’ve created a team that not only thrives in the competitive Scottsdale market but sets a new standard for what real estate teams can achieve.

Conclusion

The story of The Panozzo Team is one of passion, hard work, and a commitment to serving others. From its humble beginnings to its status as a real estate powerhouse in Scottsdale, AZ, Kim and Dave Panozzo have built a team that reflects their values and dedication to excellence. As the real estate industry continues to evolve, The Panozzo Team is poised to remain a leader, driven by the belief that true success comes from helping others achieve their dreams.