Inspiring Conversations with Michelle Keaton-Barrow

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Keaton-Barrow.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Michelle Keaton-Barrow. I am probably one of the few people that can say that they are “North Carolina Born and Bred” I graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in Chemical Engineering. However, I am from a family of entrepreneurs, so my goal was to work for only five years. I worked at Union Carbide in a lab that had “danger” on the door… that was a bit much. I then did a 180-degree turn and worked as an Environmental Engineer for the state of North Carolina.

After four years, 11 months and eight days, I hung up my lab coat and started Keaton Barrow Realty. I have currently been in business for 31 years. I have offices in both Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina. I personally am licensed in South Carolina as well. I list and sell commercial and residential properties. The basis of my business has always been to proved professional service and expert to all in the real estate arena. I also use grassroots methods for growing my database of clients by networking and being active in the community.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Hmmm. I have a degree in engineering so I had to learn the business the tough way. When I started, most said that I was too young. That was a hump to get over. I had to earn respect. My company is small so I have had to work harder to compete with the larger companies. Real estate has a lot of ups and downs; the real estate collapse from 2008-2010 was the most difficult hurdle to overcome. Many real estate agents quit but I hustled and made it through. The pandemic has caused some issues but we are actually doing well. Being an African American female has had challenges. I have had to step up for myself and my agents in lots of situations.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Keaton Barrow Realty is a boutique real estate company with offices in both Raleigh and Charlotte, NC. The company provides services in both residential and commercial real estate. The company has been in business for 31 years. The well-trained agents provide services to first-time homebuyers, luxury home purchasers, land developers and real estate investors.

The company is known for giving back to the community by volunteering and giving philanthropic donations. We are a female/minority company that has thrived and has continues to grow. Our branding has been that the company may not be the biggest, but it is the best. CEO Michelle Keaton-Barrow is an avid golfer and continuously sponsors golf tournaments that benefit non-profits. The company is known for sponsoring free networking events that provide free platforms for business owners to congregate. The company provides free home buying and home investing workshops. Many of the agents have advanced real estate training and years of experience.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I can actually sing very well and I have modeled in the past.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: keatonbarrow.com
• Instagram: @keatonbarrowrealty
• Facebook: keatonbarrowrealty