Newly divorced with two small children, Sandy Gulick was working as a bookkeeper for two real estate attorneys and thinking about the future. With their support, she decided to get her real estate license to help sell apartments at one of their developments, and the rest is history. She has been one of Louisville’s foremost Realtors for more than 30 years, and she has also been the face of Kentucky Select Properties since 2004, with her business partner John Stough and her son, Jay Gulick. If you ever want to know about a home, a neighborhood, a real estate trend or, better yet, a great local restaurant, she’s your girl. This Realtor loves the Louisville food scene and goes out to eat every single night with her numerous friends and clients. Spend any amount of time with her and you’ll see why her calendar is so full. Read on to see what makes her a local favorite and today’s FACE of Louisville.
How did you get your start in real estate?
I went to JFVS (Jewish Family and Vocational Services) vocational testing in 1983 at JCC and the test suggested I be an elected public official, IRS agent or real estate agent. I was newly divorced with two young children and working as a bookkeeper. It occurred to me that I might have to work for the rest of my life and not just get remarried, which was my mother’s plan! I thought the test was crazy. In 1984, I was offered two weeks off work if I would get my real estate license. At the time I was working for real estate attorneys Ridge-Porter, and they wanted someone to help with renting their new development, which was Clark Place in Crescent Hill. After that, my buddy Anne Mason asked me to find her her first house.
Did you ever think that this would be your lifelong career? What else could you see yourself doing as a career?
Once I got started in it, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. It’s too much fun. You get paid for spending time with your friends and making people happy.
How big is Kentucky Select now?
We have 92 real estate agents and sold 800 houses last year! Currently, we have 150 listings.
What makes the Louisville market different or special from other markets?
From the standpoint of being a Realtor, the market is small enough to be manageable. Agents can be very well informed. For a long time the market has been wonderfully affordable, both for people who live here and those who are relocating from out of town. We’ve also enjoyed 4 to 6 percent growth for many years (until the s@#t hit the fan in 2008).
Everyone knows everyone in this town. Is this an advantage or disadvantage in the real estate business?
It’s a wonderful advantage if people like you. Not so good if they don’t.
Let’s get your advice. Is it a good time to buy, sell or both?
It’s always a good time to buy or sell or both.
Give us a peek at your agenda. What’s a typical day or week like for you?
I try to have my first appointment at 10 a.m. so I can read the paper and have my coffee. Then, I’m basically what I refer to as everyone’s “beck-and-call girl.” I’m usually done by 7 p.m., but try to always be available by phone. I’m out to dinner with friends, clients or family almost every night of the week.
What advice do you treasure?
My daddy taught me to enjoy hard work, always be honest and take care of family.
Fill in the blank. You’ll never see me without _________.
A book
Where can we find you hanging out around town?
I hang out at the office, in my neighborhood, or just visiting with friends — usually at a restaurant.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Louisville?
I love events and traveling with the Speed Art Museum. I go to lots of charity events and enjoy socializing with people at those. I also love taking my 5-year-old grandson to Sunday School at Highland Presbyterian Church while his mom is teaching a Nia class at The Clifton Center.
Are you an early bird or night owl, and what do you do during your quiet time?
I used to be more of a night owl than I am now. Now I try to hit the bed by 10 or 11. I read or talk on the phone during quiet time.
Tell us some of your favorite local restaurants.
Uptown Cafe, Anoosh Bistro, Coals Pizza, Cheddar Box Too, 211 Clover Lane, Lilly’s Bistro, Volare and Basa
What’s on your personal reading list right now?
I just finished three thrillers by Lisa Gardner. I also will read anything by Nora Roberts I can get my hands on. I’m not really that deep, and I love a happy ending.
Lightning round! Give us your:
- Candy or junk food splurge: Chocolate-covered peanuts (preferably Whitley’s)
- Guilty pleasure song: “Unchained Melody”
- Tearjerker movie pick: Ghost
- Standby nail polish color: My manicurist Nohad says it’s A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find
- Favorite cocktail: Red wine
- Cartoon alter-ego: My son says “Marge’s twin sisters from ‘The Simpsons’”
What are three things you can’t live without besides faith, family and friends?
The view from my new house, B. Deemer Gallery and vintage jewelry, and I have to say a great burger!
Thank you to Adele Reding for today’s beautiful photographs of Sandy.
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