Kellstrom-Ray Celebrates 75 Years in the Door Community

Heather Collins. Submitted.

The Kellstrom-Ray Agency, owned by broker Heather Collins, is marking 75 years of serving Door County. 

Collins started her real estate career with the company in 1994 and purchased it in 2007. The Kellstrom-Ray Agency has offices in Sister Bay and on Washington Island. 

“It is a wonderful and proud feeling to be celebrating 75 years in business,” she said. “We are the oldest independently owned real estate office in Door County.” 

Collins appreciates the agency’s heritage and the connection to the area. “Most of our agents are Door County natives and know the history of the county,” she said. “It is fun to see the various generations come in.” 

Kermit Kellstrom and his wife founded the firm, and prior to Collins getting the keys, Don and Kathy Ray owned it, making Collins the third owner since the firm was established in 1948. 

Today, she and her team continue the agency’s commitment to helping both buyers and sellers with diverse housing needs that include residential properties, vacant land and commercial properties. The firm also provides notary services.

“We strive to have a smooth and satisfactory transaction by giving the most professional, yet personable experience in a real estate transaction,” Collins said. 

Being successful in the real estate business also means being readily available, which led her to open Kellstrom-Ray’s second branch office – on Washington Island – in 2008. 

Today, Collins is a top-performing realtor – a position achieved through experience. 

“Starting in the real estate business at such a young age, it is hard for some to have complete confidence [in you],” she said, “but if you keep pushing forward, it will all work out, and you will gain [clients’] confidence.” 

Such lessons have inspired Collins and her agency to personalize their service, offer low-pressure sales, and exhibit integrity and expertise. Their team approach also means that when an agent is unavailable, another can assist instead, so a client is never alone in the process. 

Collins and the Kellstrom-Ray team don’t just help clients find homes; they take pride in supporting their community by donating time to various organizations and nonprofits, she said.

Collins offered a word of advice to businesspeople who are just starting out. 

“Have confidence, and strive to reach your goals,” she said. “It takes a lot of time and energy to be successful.”