Embarking on her academic journey, Kellie Drayovitch started as an international business major with a minor in Spanish, paving the way for what she thought would be a long-term business career. However, her trajectory took a twist when a perceptive professor nudged her towards accounting—a shift she now recognizes as a pivotal moment. Fast forward nearly 15 years, with a solid decade dedicated to the nuances of commercial real estate (CRE), and Kellie not only found her professional passion, but is navigating a career marked by continued growth and enthusiasm.
We sat down with Kellie to dive into the fascinating realms of accounting and CRE, exploring the driving forces that have shaped her journey. Our goal? To unearth the excitement and depth often overlooked in the accounting field.
What do you feel is a common misconception about an accounting career?
You know, there’s this stereotype that accounting is all black and white, a monotonous dance of debits and credits. But step into the world of accounting in CRE, and you’ll find it’s anything but mundane. It’s a realm buzzing with innovation and creativity. Every deal results from an entrepreneurial spirit that requires a creative solution, making it more like solving a dynamic puzzle each day than engaging in a simple routine.
Reflecting on your journey in accounting, can you share the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice that has stayed with me is to take it all in. Different people and different mentors, each at various stages of their career and life, offer unique perspectives and insights. It’s like accumulating this treasure trove of knowledge that you can dip into as you navigate through different phases of your own journey. Take it all in, apply it, and then use it to understand your colleagues or clients through their own lens. It’s a continuous learning process that not only propels you forward professionally but also enriches your entire worldview.
What sage advice would you impart to those eyeing a career in accounting?
Become a sponge. While accounting may seem straightforward, there’s an ocean filled with information to navigate. Take the opportunity to soak in knowledge from fellow accountants and other teams like Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and your producers. Actively absorbing the diverse insights and experiences shared by others allows you to develop a critical approach to problem-solving. This enhances your understanding and propels your professional growth.
How has Stream supported your career journey?
Working with Stream has been nothing short of transformative. It’s like they handed me a pair of glasses that allowed me to see the business from a completely different perspective. The freedom to dive into every nook and cranny of CRE, whether it’s brokerage or property management, has been invaluable. And let’s not forget the incredible team–the support and culture are truly unmatched; I look forward to working each day.
What’s next for you?
I’ve enrolled at Texas A&M this year to pursue my master’s in accounting. This journey is not just a professional expedition—it’s a personal journey, too. I realize every step I take sets an example for my daughter. Whether exploring our family’s ranch or tackling the next professional hurdle, every day is an adventure.
Favorite hotspots in Dallas: Depends on mood but Mariano’s Hacienda and Kaze never disappoint.
Other hobbies/interests: Spending time with family, fishing, hunting, living room dance parties with my daughter (the only kind of parties I go to nowadays) to name a few!
Favorite music: Alternative
Favorite movie: The Mummy (1999) the only good one, no offense to Tom Cruise.
Favorite places to travel: Any mountains. As a Coloradan, I really enjoy going back home and showing my daughter around my old stomping grounds and sharing my “state” with my in-laws. We are more mountain people than beach people
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