Katy Farley learned from an early age that often, raw talent isn’t foundational for building a career or serving others. 

As a collegiate softball player (and through the instruction of her parents) she learned discipline, and that effort, passion for learning, and consistency are much more important factors in creating the life of our dreams than luck or inherent ability. 

As a result, she attacks each day as a mom and real estate agent in the Upper Cumberland with fierce work ethic and an unbending commitment to improvement.

“My parents always pushed me to be active. I wasn’t expected to be perfect, but I was taught to stay busy and give everything my all,” Katy stated. “The basics matter. You don’t have to do things in an amazing way from day one, just start with the basics and learn how to be better. Go from there. Make sure that you’re doing your best at whatever you do.”

From losing her sister to a tragic accident as a child to caring for a parent with Parkinson’s, Katy has faced adversity in many of its most potent forms. Rather than be crushed under the weight of suffering, she uses the lessons trauma has taught to inform her work. 

“Everyone has some type of hard in their life.” She continued, “It’s how you change your hard or loss into growth and appreciation that defines you. You can grow from death loss or even relationship loss in the right way for yourself, your family, and everyone else around you. You can pull good from the bad.”

As an agent, Katy works primarily with sellers. Despite this “limitation” on client count (not working with buyers can easily be viewed as a hindrance to sales), she consistently generates numbers on par with those working with both buyers and sellers. 

But, metrics and profit margins aren’t why Katy was nominated for this edition of Movers and Shakers. No, her selfless dedication to clients and son Ripken (aptly named after Hall of Fame baseball player Cal Ripken Jr. – himself known for breaking the consecutive games played record which still stands today) earned her the adoration and nominations of those within our community. 

Through the devotion one usually finds in artists and musicians, she helps those who choose to work with her build futures of their own design while carving out precious time for the ones that matter most, her son, father, and self. 

“I do everything I can to work out the best for my clients. I make sure I can get them the most money and market their property the best I possibly can so that they have the best outcome. I am available to my clients, I answer them back, and work above and beyond so that each one knows how important they are to me.” She continued, “The more seasoned I become, the more I learn how to do all this while also giving my family and myself the time we need.”  

Katy didn’t envision a career in real estate. If not for her creative work through social media (and a proactive message from Heather Skender-Newton owner of Skender-Newton Realty), the life she lives now and loves may never have happened. 

She stated, “After graduating from TTU, I was working at Cumberland Auto. During this time, I started doing posts on inventory, features, and rebates and Heather saw it online. She approached me and suggested that I would be great at real estate and that she would love to talk. It took a few months, but eventually we chatted and I decided to make the move.” Katy continued, “As much as I loved the dealership, the position required more office time than I could give as a new mother. I decided to make the change at first so that I could have my son at work with me if needed but it ended up being the best decision I’ve ever made. Heather saw potential in me. She’s taken me under her wing and taught me how to truly help my clients. I don’t think I would be where I am if I had taken any other road. Every job has its ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade it for any other career.  I’ll take the ups and downs. It’s something I’ll never leave.” 

By using hardship as a tool, leaning into the work, and being accessible, Katy is a conduit, a channel by which goodness flows into our community. 

The unwavering zeal she has for the people of the Upper Cumberland leaves no doubt that Katy Farley’s spot among 2024’s Movers and Shakers is well-earned. 

– by Andrew Buckner, photos by Abby Weeden