Sandy Gulick is founder and partner in Kentucky Select Properties. She earned her real estate license in 1985. Born in Shanghai, China, she was raised in Louisville and has raised her son and daughter here. She is a well-known patron of Louisville’s great array of restaurants, enjoys time with her three grandsons, and loves the view of the Ohio River from her porch.
What skills do you have that have contributed to your success as a realtor?
I like people, I’m very honest, I have some mathematical skills, and I am very flexible. I took a vocational test years ago, and I scored highly on being an elected public official, an IRS agent, or real estate agent. I think I picked the right one.
What drives you now?
I enjoy my clients and keeping up-to-date with new listings and the Louisville market. I’ve had a wonderful career.
In addition to selling and buying houses (she’s lived in nine since 1975), what do you enjoy?
Buying art and jewelry. My art collection is very colorful. I’ll buy anything that has red in it, and I am mostly supportive of local artists.
What will be your legacy?
My son and daughter, Jay and Lizzie, my grandkids Oliver, Dylan, and Solomon, and my wonderful real estate company. I’ve met so many great people as clients, and many have become friends.
What do you do to keep your spirits up?
Talk to or text friends, watch Netflix, and read novels.
What authors do you enjoy?
I have many favorite authors — Jodi Picoult, Nora Roberts, Robyn Carr, Lisa Jackson, and Dorothea Benton Frank. I keep some of my books on a little bookshelf in the garage — I have a space there with a rug and chairs — and it’s considered a lending library for the neighbors. I like to support authors by buying real books made of paper.
Advice to someone starting in the business?
To be really successful you have to be available most of the time. You should be technically capable, educated about the Louisville market and its neighborhoods, and work hard.
Something you’ve learned the hard way?
Not everyone is honest. I always try to be honest, and some people just aren’t. That’s been hard for me to grab onto. It’s to their disservice to lie as they always get found out anyway.
What’s the strangest food you’ve ever eaten?
I don’t do strange food. I’ve never eaten an egg that looked like an egg. There’s just something that is gross about eggs. I do love souffles, but in those, an egg does not look like an egg.
What’s a personal challenge you’ve overcome?
Continuing to work with so many health issues. I suffered with undiagnosed Cushing’s disease for seven years. I also had five eye surgeries in one year and couldn’t drive at night. Clients would come to my house to sign contracts. People really helped me out.
Any thoughts on retirement?
Because I own the company I don’t have to retire. Now I am wanting to help other agents and have started co-listing in the last year or so to help them get to know more people.
What have you learned about yourself during COVID-19?
That I miss my friends. I had three ceiling heaters installed on my porch so I could sit out there and visit with people. I also have a few friends who will still eat inside restaurants now that it’s too cold to eat outside.
By Lucy M. Pritchett | Illustration by Dan Kisner
Yep, this captures Sandy. Loved reading this!