As the chief executive officer of Applewood Estates Inc. in Spartanburg, South Carolina, since 2012, Kathleen K. Wright has forged a reputation as a leading figure in residential property management. She is widely praised for her professional expertise and her ability to navigate complex challenges while maintaining a high standard of service.
Ms. Wright’s nuanced, personalized approach to client relations and tenant interactions has set her apart in the industry. She is known for her commitment to treating all clients with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances. This philosophy was particularly evident during Hurricane Helene, when she managed 16 properties under extreme conditions. With widespread power outages and limited resources, Ms. Wright worked tirelessly from home using only her cell phone to keep out-of-state property owners informed. Her dedication during this crisis led her to implement catastrophe-related changes in management agreements, ensuring better preparedness for future emergencies.
Prior to her leadership at Applewood Estates Inc., Ms. Wright honed her skills working at a real estate law firm in Georgia, managing closings in the metropolitan Atlanta area. This experience helped deepen her understanding of real estate transactions and further sharpened her vast organizational abilities. Her path in the industry began as a real estate paralegal in South Florida, where non-attorneys are permitted to conduct closings. Ms. Wright’s earlier career was shaped by the vibrant, dynamic social, tourist, and entertainment environment of South Florida in the 1980s, during which she worked in bars before pursuing paralegal studies. These formative years of employment gave her significant people skills, transforming her from a shy person into an adept and confident communicator.
Academically, Ms. Wright completed a property management course at Greenville Technical College in 2013, years after earning a paralegal diploma from Jones College in 2000, supporting her professional growth and success. She has been certified as a property manager by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation since 2013 and has been a notary public of South Carolina since 2004. Her commitment to ongoing professional development is evident in her early adoption of online rent payments and digital client services, while she remains dedicated to maintaining a personal touch that distinguishes her company.
Contributing to trends in her profession, Ms. Wright is active in organizations, including BNI Referral Powerhouse, the Boiling Springs Business Association as a board member, and the Better Business Bureau. Crediting her achievements to perseverance and a commitment to staying current with industry advancements, Ms. Wright continues to help shape the standards of residential property management in Spartanburg and beyond. Also civic-minded, she served as a guardian ad litem for Spartanburg County from 2004 to 2015, advocating for children’s interests within the legal system. In recognition of her contributions, she received a certificate of recognition from former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.
Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Ms. Wright values time with her husband, Paul Wright, and her son, Andrew Kennedy; and enjoys caring for her dogs. Planning for the future, she is focused on expanding Applewood Estates Inc. and is developing a podcast titled “The Real Estate Connector,” which will share insights and stories from the perspectives of both property owners and tenants.