Let's Get to Know Each Other

I’m glad you’re here!

I’m Sandy Bild (Kacena). I write content for real estate agents and small businesspersons’ websites, emails, newsletters, or anything using words and designs. However, I didn’t start out as a writer and took a long journey of different careers to where I am today.

My life as an employee began in early adulthood working many unsatisfying and dead-end jobs. Sure, I got a paycheck, but I had to work over 45 hours per week (without overtime) with two small children who always seemed to be at daycare – and the hours were grueling and my bosses unappreciative.

I knew I could do more and succeed if I worked for myself. So, after taking a full load of real estate classes at night, I got my real estate license. After working real estate part-time and being employed full-time, I broke away and started my Real Estate brokerage, all while living in a small rural community in East-Central Iowa.

Once I started my own business, I had an “Ah Ha” moment – “The Buck stopped with ME!” What a sobering and terrifying thought! But I pulled up my big girl panties and took that role to heart. I took full responsibility for what I did, and if I made a mistake, I corrected it and kept my client always in the loop. My reputation spread of being a straight shooter and very fair.

I quickly became a “Jacqueline of all trades,” which differed greatly from other agents from larger real estate companies in nearby cities. I handled my clients from pre-list to past closing, never handing them off to a closer. I kept my finger on the transaction from start to finish and was ready to handle any surprises.

I still work that way.

My treatment of my clients, cooperating agents, and all I came into contact with in my Real Estate business made me a resource for my clients and local vendors like attorneys and appraisers. I was the “go-to” for many in and out of the real estate world, and everyone became my friend.

My World Turned Upside Down in 2006

However, the real estate world was facing significant changes with the Housing Crisis of 2006 to 2010, and my small community was going to be hit especially hard, with almost 40% of home mortgages going upside down and into bankruptcy. Although I was still determining what was headed our way, I sensed the market would change, not for the good. I started looking for something to supplement my income instead of selling homes. And I discovered the wonderful world of Virtual Assistance. I could help other agents without moving, so in 2005 I took an online course on becoming a Virtual Business.

Fast forward to 2006, and much drama later, I moved to the “City,” taking my daughter, granddaughter, and two little dogs with me. Unfortunately, my real estate business had to be shut down because of the move.

After over 10 years of working in real estate, one old, wise Independent Contractor told me something that has stuck with me, “If you have worked for yourself for over 5 years, you will make a rotten employee.”

So, I jumped in full force to grow my Virtual Real Estate Assistance Business, going from “We Do More for You” to “Bild a Better Business.” My company name changed as my last name changed – but not how I conduct business.

Where am I Now?

I live in Iowa City, Iowa – Go Hawkeyes! – and have a solid support group starting with my Husband, David, who I usually have to shoo out of my office when I’m “Zooming,” my strong-willed daughter who’s married to a wonderful and patient man; two highly intelligent and techy grandsons who talk WAY over my head, and my lovely and very talented granddaughter who’s making her own way in the “adult” world.

I also share my office with my two Rat Terriers, who often make themselves known over Zoom when it’s least expected.

I was the third of four children of a Veterinarian and High School Counselor, growing up on a farm in Nebraska. We had many chickens, ducks, dogs, horses, and an eclectic herd of cattle. My parents instilled a strong work ethic, a compassion for animals, and a love of learning and teaching.

My love of animals continues today as I always need a pet to live with me. Rat Terriers have had a special place in my heart and on my lap for many years.

Currently, I have two Ratties, Gracie, who’s 17 pounds and 10 years old, and Teddy, who is 30 pounds and not quite two years old. He’s a VERY large (and strong) puppy. Both puppies keep me on my toes but make great office mates – when they aren’t barking at the UPS truck.

How I Do Business

Mom taught me the love of learning and teaching, which is one of the ways I conduct my business. I am always open to learning more for myself, my clients, and my prospects, and I love anything about business, technology, and everything in between.

I approached my real estate business and my current virtual business as an opportunity to educate and help my clients with something that could improve their business and lives.

For example, when selling real estate, most people looking to buy or sell their home need to learn the process, even though they may have purchased or sold a home years ago. It was up to me to help them with all the information they needed to make their best decision. It wasn’t up to me to “Sell” them something and close the deal.

Their smile of satisfaction at closing was always a highlight in my life.

A Leader in Technology

After being introduced to computers in the early 1980s, I learned the importance of technology and web presence. Around 2000, when I launched my Real Estate Brokerage, I saw the need to have my listings online and on a Multiple Listing Service instead of printed in a THICK four-inch listings book. I was the only agent/company in our county with a website and PUSHED our local REALTOR Association to have the State set up an MLS system for us. Many of my fellow agents fought this idea since they didn’t use or see a need to be online, but I forged on and eventually won them over, and they all got websites.

I carry these same work habits, ethics, and foresight into my Virtual Business today, working with real estate agents and many small business owners and independent contractors. Many clients and prospects may not know how or what to use for a website, email marketing campaigns, or lead generation or don’t want to “deal” with complex technology and email marketing programs. OR they don’t have time.

Fortunately, I’m right there for them, consulting and carefully crafting marketing plans that work with them and their goals.

My Life Outside the Office

Being one who must be constantly doing something, my “hobbies” aren’t what you’d call “hobbies. “… and because you take the girl off the farm, you can’t take the farm out of the girl; I grow vegetable and herb gardens. However, instead of having a garden plot, I have garden pots. Out in our wooden area, we have a ravenous deer and raccoon population, and luckily, they are staying off my decks – for now.

With gardening comes preserving the bounty with canning and dehydrating. I love cooking and baking… I guess I’m a “foodie,” as my world is centered around my love of food and preparing it. Luckily, my Husband David also likes to cook, which has become “entertainment” for us. But we do share with our families and friends.

My puppies are not one of my hobbies; they are my family members and are constantly not too far away from me or on our lap.

Why work with Me?

I care. I care about you, your business, and what you are going through as a small business owner.

I want to help you. When you work with me, you get a wealth of information dating back 30+ years of writing, ad creation, business, and marketing experiences.

I’m dependable. Having been in the business/office world, I understand deadlines and office procedures. When you need something done, you’ll have it when you need it or before.

I’m always looking to stay up to date and to grow! I’m always looking for ways to improve my business and assist my clients.

I’m creative and “Think Outside of the Box.” That’s my logo – my goal is to make you look different – and better – than anyone else in your area and field.

I am a licensed Real Estate Agent in the State of Iowa and a Member of the National, State, and Local Associations of REALTORS.

I LOVE technology, and I can handle changes. If I write or create something you’re not crazy over – that’s fine! I do not take offense to that. I will make your changes or additions and have you review them again. I want to get it right for you.