Meet Kymberly Read

We recently connected with Kymberly Read and have shared our conversation below.

KYMBERLY, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

I’d say my confidence and self-esteem developed through experience– lots of it, honestly. It started in the restaurant industry, where I spent 25 years working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. In that world, you learn to trust yourself because you have to. You’re constantly solving problems on the fly, interacting with all kinds of people, and handling stress with a smile. It pushed me to step up and believe in my ability to get things done.

But what really made a difference was connecting with others. As I got to know people and understood their struggles, I realized I had something valuable to offer. Helping others through tough situations gave me a sense of purpose, and with that came more confidence. Over time, I started to see myself not just as someone doing a job, but as someone who could actually make an impact.

When I shifted into business, that was a big leap for me and still can be. Running my own venture forced me to trust in everything I’d learned over the years. There’s a lot of uncertainty in the beginning, but once I started leaning into my strengths—whether it was empathy, problem-solving, or my work ethic—I found that confidence started to grow.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Keystone Rise Collective Wealth is a business born out of my deep connection to the families I worked alongside in the hospitality industry. I’ve seen how hard-working people—often juggling multiple jobs—struggle to find affordable benefits and financial security. That’s why I focus on providing small business owners and individuals—especially those in the service industry—with affordable life, health, and wealth protection options that can truly make a difference for their families.

What makes this model so special is its focus on accessibility. Many workers in hospitality, and small business owners, don’t have access to the same benefits as others, leaving them exposed when it comes to health coverage or saving for the future. Through Keystone Rise, I’ve created a way for these families to protect themselves without breaking the bank. We offer affordable solutions, personal financial planning, and support in a way that feels both approachable and sustainable.

The most exciting thing about this business is seeing the shift it creates in people’s lives. When families can access coverage, save for their futures, and feel secure in the face of uncertainty, they’re empowered to build better lives. This year, we’re expanding our offerings, adding more tools and resources that help these families protect their wealth and manage their financial futures in ways that work for them.

Keystone Rise Collective Wealth is about making sure those who work tirelessly every day—often behind the scenes—have the resources to protect their futures and rise above financial struggles.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, there are three things that really made the difference for me: resilience, empathy, and financial literacy.

Resilience: Working in the hospitality industry for 25 years taught me how to deal with constant pressure and keep going even when things get tough. I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs, but the key is not letting setbacks stop you. When I started building my business, it felt like another challenge, but my ability to push through has been crucial. My advice to anyone starting out? Don’t fear failure—it’s just part of the journey. Every mistake is a step closer to figuring it out.

Empathy: One thing I’ve always valued from my time in the service industry is the ability to really understand people—what they’re going through and what they need. That skill has been everything in my business, especially when working with families who’ve been underserved by traditional financial services. It’s about connecting and offering solutions that are real and make sense for them. If you’re starting your journey, listen—really listen to people, and put yourself in their shoes. It builds trust, and trust is everything.

Financial Literacy: I didn’t realize how important it was to understand money until I started helping people with it. Learning how life insurance works, how to build wealth, and how to help families secure their future completely shifted my perspective. So, if you’re early in your journey, take the time to educate yourself about money—learn the ins and outs, because the more you know, the more power you have to make solid decisions.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Oh, 100%—prospecting is still my nemesis. Seriously, it’s like the one thing that still gets that knot in my stomach every time. I mean, breaking the ice with new people? Ugh, it’s like I can feel myself trying not to come off like a total weirdo, but sometimes it happens anyway. That fear of being awkward or getting shut down? It’s real. Even after all the experience I’ve got, that feeling of being dismissed is still a vibe I’m working on shaking.

So yeah, even though I’ve learned a ton, I’m still trying to figure out how to make those first conversations smoother and less “Oh God, what did I just say?” It’s just one of those challenges that keeps me on my toes—and honestly, it’ll probably always be a thing I’m working through.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://keystonerisecollectivewealth.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keystonerise_kymread
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeystoneRiseCollectiveWealth
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kymberly-read-47488539/