We recently connected with Stephanie Ray-O’Neal and have shared our conversation below.
Stephanie , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience is deeply rooted in my family’s remarkable legacy. Over 70 years ago, my great-grandparents moved to Minnesota from southern sharecropping backgrounds, armed only with 3rd and 6th-grade educations. Despite these challenges, my great-grandmother successfully raised eight children, all of whom thrived in life. Meanwhile, my great-grandfather not only worked at the Moline building assembling John Deere tractors but also launched his own successful rubbish business.
This spirit of determination carried through to my grandmother, who went on to found a nonprofit organization supporting families with children with developmental disabilities. Witnessing her commitment to creating change inspired me to chase my dreams without limits.
Kimberly Homes, the company I founded, is a tribute to my late mother and her dream. She envisioned starting a company called Kimberly Homes, and I wanted to honor her vision. The name reflects her compassion and commitment to people. Through this property management company, I strive to provide and maintain dignified housing for all—because I firmly believe that having a home is a right, not a privilege.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am passionate about creating solutions that elevate lives and foster community. As the founder of Kimberly Homes, my focus is on ensuring dignified, stable housing for individuals and families. Kimberly Homes is inspired by my late mother’s vision of a company that puts people first—a place where home isn’t just a shelter but a cornerstone for opportunity and growth.
What’s special about Kimberly Homes is our commitment to creating spaces that embody respect and care. Every property we manage reflects our belief that housing is a right, not a privilege. I am particularly excited about our approach, which goes beyond property management to prioritize building connections and strengthening communities.
We’re currently focused on expanding our footprint, with plans to bring our model of dignified housing to more neighborhoods. We are also rolling out new initiatives designed to provide additional support to our residents, such as community workshops and programs promoting financial literacy and wellness.
Ultimately, Kimberly Homes represents a blend of my personal story and professional mission: honoring my family’s legacy while advocating for equity in housing.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Ambition: This drive is deeply ingrained in me, passed down through generations of my family. Ambition fuels perseverance, and I have always believed in pursuing my dreams with tenacity and confidence. My advice to others is to harness ambition by setting clear, actionable goals and staying committed to them, even in the face of adversity.
2. Compassion: I have a heart for the people, and I believe that in this business, your servant’s cloth must always be larger than your ego. Serving others with empathy and care creates trust and lasting impact. To develop compassion, I encourage others to listen actively, understand the needs of those they serve, and approach challenges with an open and generous mindset.
3. Legacy Building: For me, creating legacy is about making a meaningful difference, not just for my family but for the families that I serve. Legacy is built through intentional actions that align with your values. I advise those starting their journey to focus on creating work that leaves a positive and lasting impact, staying true to their purpose, and investing in long-term growth.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The most significant influence in my life has been God. Without His guidance and grace, I would not be here today or have anything I hold dear. Accepting Jesus into my life was a turning point that transformed everything for the better. It set me on a path to sobriety, and I am proud to say I have been sober for four years.
Through my faith, I have grown in every area of my life, becoming the person God always intended me to be. I am deeply grateful for His presence in my journey, as He has given me strength, clarity, and purpose to overcome challenges and pursue my mission with conviction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kimberlyhomesmgmt.com
Image Credits
The AI photo that is with the Kimberly Homes logo is my mother Kimberly Ray
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
