Meet Trisha Lundeen Issendorf

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Trisha Lundeen Issendorf. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Trisha below.

Hi Trisha, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

I grew up in dysfunction—in a world shaped by narcissism and the weight of being the scapegoated middle child. Life often felt like a roller coaster: unpredictable, emotionally draining, and isolating. But those early experiences gave me something unexpected—resilience. Not just the ability to survive, but the strength to try and stand tall, trust in myself, and move forward with conviction. Despite how I was treated by my family of origin, I made an effort to hold my head high and forge ahead.

It was important for me to rise above. That same resilience became the foundation of my 27-year career as an educator. In the classroom, I offer students what I had once needed most: stability, compassion, confidence, and a belief in their potential. I create structure where there had once been chaos. I continuously cheer for others —especially when they don’t yet know how to believe in themselves.

Now, after nearly three decades of teaching, I’m slowly incorporating a bold new chapter—channeling that same heart for service, creativity, and community into the world of homebuilding and real estate.

With a Master’s Degree in Education and a lifelong passion for planning, communication, and design, I’m gradually stepping into my role as both a Realtor with eXp Realty and the proud owner of Keystone & Company Development, a small residential construction business. I’ve teamed up with a trusted agent-mentor and a group of skilled contractors, and together, we’re helping others create not just homes—but meaningful foundations for futures.

This eventual career shift is more than a change—it’s a continuation of the core values that have always guided me. Whether I’m helping a first-time buyer, envisioning a build, or walking clients through the process of selling their home, I bring the same care, clarity, and commitment that I’ve always brought to the classroom.

And it’s all rooted in resilience. The challenges I faced—like blatant bullying, a very high level of injustice, and deep mistrust—taught me to lead with strength and serve with heart. I’ve always known the power of healthy connection, and I believe that creating value in others is the key to lasting impact.

Through it all, I’ve never walked alone. My husband and our two boys have been my steady, loyal anchors—believing in me when I doubted, supporting my passions when they evolved, and standing by my side as I step into this new journey with purpose and pride. Besides embracing my resiliency, their quiet strength has helped me become the person I am today.

For me, this isn’t just about selling or building homes. It’s about taking that resilience and thoughtfully putting puzzle pieces together to create something much bigger and longer lasting…
POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I’ve found that transparency, trust, and respect aren’t just separate values—they’re deeply intertwined. Transparency is where it begins: choosing to show up honestly, even when it’s uncomfortable. That honesty invites trust, and over time, trust builds a foundation strong enough to hold real respect. In both personal and professional relationships, this trio creates the kind of environment where people feel safe, valued, and empowered. And when people feel that positivity—they show up fully. That’s when collaboration thrives, ideas flourish, and meaningful growth becomes possible.

Ultimately, at the heart of meaningful work is the belief that human connection changes everything. Authentic relationships are the true key to success. In a world that moves fast, they are a quiet kind of power. Relationships ground us, guide us, and give purpose to what we build.

One small habit I try to live by is this: Fill cups. Point out a positive to at least one person every day. Acknowledging the strengths of others isn’t just kind—it’s powerful. It tears down walls, affirms value, fuels cohesion, and creates space for shared growth and prosperity.

I’ve learned that behind every opportunity is a relationship. Whether in business or everyday life, it’s the connections we invest in that carry us forward. And when we nurture those relationships with sincerity and clarity, doors don’t just open—they stay open.

Contact Info:

• Website: I have 2… homebuilding and real estate. Homebuilding:: www.keyupMN.com Real estate: www.goldkeycountry.com
• Instagram: KeyUpMN
• Facebook: KeyUpMN. Goldkeycountry
• Twitter: Keyupmn

Image Credits

instaHeadshots.com

Jim Johnson – family pic

Exp logo is already trademarked

My logo design: Matt Mastrud of Punchgut