Top Agent Kevin Bishop, an Army veteran, spent time in corporate sales after his tour of service. From selling cars to women’s apparel, he was a natural. But Kevin had a dream, so he picked up a hammer, learned on-the-job trades from local contractors, and headed to the Manistee National Forest in Northern Michigan to single-handedly build his own log home. Soon, he was fixing houses up and then flipping them. For years, he hesitated to enter real estate, preferring to work alone. But in time, his body began betraying him, and he had an epiphany. “I realized I was putting out a really good product,” he says. “I could be honest about that.”

He had by then gotten to know the small community of Ludington. A close-knit, niche market comprised of 80% second homes. Kevin says, “I know these properties like the back of my hand. I have always been the kind of person to find something, make it better, and make a profit off it.” Now, after the Covid pandemic, he has buyers looking for properties that just aren’t there. The market is on fire.

Kevin works with Lighthouse Realty, where he has all the support he needs from his staff and brokers. Initially, he did not think he would make a good living as a realtor, but he has doubled sales each of the first three years. This year, his fourth, he should bring in right about $4 million. His success stems from familiarity, his clients internalize and appreciate his enthusiasm and honesty, and closing is never a worry. “Either my clients feel it in their hearts, or they don’t,” Kevin says. “There is still tremendous value in today’s residential market, and it is my job to find it.” An influx of out-of-state and local buyers seek out experienced agents like Kevin to feel comfortable in the fast-paced market. To better serve his base, Kevin has become an expert in the industry and market trends. An active online profile keeps his current clients up to speed. If something is broken, he finds a way to fix it. Even though he found what he loves, there is always room for improvement. He wants to keep evolving, studying, and becoming better all around.

In a place where community matters, Kevin enjoys being involved. He volunteered his time as a carpenter, building displays for the local children’s museum. He also supports local charities, one of which is a facility for victims of domestic violence. When not helping clients or the neighborhood, he spends time with his family. Recently, they flipped into their forever home, and now they spend the majority of their time there. Kevin’s son Sawyer is 11 years old. They “hang out as much as possible,” Kevin says. “We do whatever he wants to do.” Nearby is a fantastic beach and state park. Together, they fish, swim, big-water boat, golf, skateboard, or scooter through town. “My son and family are my biggest priority,” Kevin says.
For the future of his business, he would like to become a broker and looks forward to helping his firm hire new agents. Ultimately, he would love to pass on the business, whether to his son or an apprentice. Whatever the future holds, Kevin looks forward to it. “Sunup to sundown,” he says, “I do what I love.”

Contact Kevin at: Lighthouse Realty, 231-303-3595, bishoplighthouse@gmail.com