STEVE McKENZIE
Written by Dave Danielson | Photos by Nested Tours
Steve McKenzie has brought his energy, enthusiasm, and talents to all that he’s done through time. In turn, he sparks success for others.
After spending 17 years climbing the ranks in the automotive industry, Steve took a bold leap into real estate, following in the footsteps of his mother, Paula Kimbrell, who became a broker.
Today, Steve and Paula are partners together at MK Partners. Steve has built an impressive career in just a few short years, achieving millions in sales volume and earning a reputation for his trustworthiness, negotiation skills, and ability to connect with clients on a personal level.
A Career Transformation
Steve's career path was initially paved in the fast-paced, high-pressure world of the auto industry. Rising through the ranks, he eventually became a general manager. But, as rewarding as the automotive career was, Steve began to feel the toll it was taking on him. “The car business can be grueling,” he explains. “I was the guy people came to because they knew they could trust me. But I started to wonder, what if I could take that same reputation and apply it to selling houses?”
Around the time Steve was questioning his future, his mother, Paula, was blazing her own trail in real estate. After retiring from her long career as an air traffic controller, she decided to pursue a career in real estate. Within five years, she became a broker, a success story that was impossible for Steve to ignore.
“Mom was doing really well in real estate, and she kept encouraging me to join her,” Steve says. “I realized I had the chance to build something new and exciting, and I had the support of my family behind me. So, I took the plunge.”
On January 1, 2018, Steve made a life-changing decision—he quit his job in the car business and decided to dive headfirst into real estate. By April of that year, he was licensed and ready to go. His first listing came in May, and by the end of the year, he had sold $3 million in properties. From there, his success only accelerated.
Building a Strong Foundation
Steve’s journey in real estate has been marked by a blend of hard work, persistence, and a commitment to building strong relationships with his clients. He credits much of his success to the support system around him, particularly his wife, Danielle.
“Having a supportive family is crucial in any sales role,” Steve shares. “Danielle has been a huge support for me. I couldn’t do it without her. We’re in this together, and her belief in me has been a big motivator.”
In addition to his wife, Steve is surrounded by a solid sphere of influence, with connections that span across his personal and professional life. His oldest son, Alec, works part-time with the business, while his younger son, Ashton, is carving out his own path in the world of film and acting at the University of Oklahoma.
With a strong family foundation and an unwavering work ethic, Steve has managed to thrive in a competitive industry. His real estate business, MK Partners, has been growing steadily, reaching over $10 million in sales volume since 2019. Twice, he has surpassed $12 million in sales, proving that his transition from the car business to real estate was the right move.
Despite his growing success, Steve remains focused on maintaining a personal touch with his clients. “I love to tell jokes and have fun with my clients,” he says with a smile. “I enjoy going to look at properties with them—whether they’re first-time homebuyers or seasoned investors. Watching them fall in love with a house never gets old.”
A Background in Negotiation
One of the key elements that set Steve apart from other real estate professionals is his extensive background in negotiation. Before becoming a REALTOR®, Steve worked as one of the corporate trainers in the automotive industry, honing his skills in negotiation and customer relations. He’s carried these skills with him into real estate, where he uses them to the advantage of his clients.
“Negotiation is one of the things I enjoy most about this business,” Steve explains. “I’ve been negotiating my whole life. In real estate, my clients get a great personal relationship with me, but when it comes time to negotiate, they know I’m in their corner and will fight for the best deal.”
His ability to balance a fun, approachable personality with sharp negotiation skills is part of what makes Steve successful in a competitive market. Clients appreciate his ability to guide them through the buying process with ease while also protecting their interests during negotiations.
Giving Back to the Community
Outside of real estate, Steve and his family are deeply involved in giving back to the community. During the holidays, they partner with Goodwill to help families in need, providing food, gifts, and support to make the season brighter for those who are struggling.
“I’ve always believed in helping others, and it’s something we try to instill in our kids as well,” Steve says. “It’s important to remember that life is about more than just work and success—it’s about making a positive impact on the community around you.”
Balancing Work and Play
Despite his busy schedule, Steve knows how to unwind and enjoy his free time. A big fan of football, Steve enjoys watching the OU games and spending time with his family. He especially treasures his time with Danielle, whether they’re at a football game or dancing together.
“I’m a big fan of spending time with Danielle,” Steve says. “We like to go dancing, and it’s a great way for us to connect and have fun together. Life’s all about balance, and finding time to relax and enjoy the little moments is important.”
Advice for New REALTORS®
With his experience and success, Steve has valuable advice for newcomers to the real estate industry. “The biggest thing I tell new agents is don’t give up,” he says. “A lot of people jump in and expect to sell a million dollars in their first year, and when they don’t hit that, they get discouraged. But if you don’t hit your goals, it just means you need to adjust your efforts.”
Steve also emphasizes the importance of having a short-term memory in sales. “You can’t carry the negative transactions with you. Every day is a new opportunity, and you have to look past the last one and focus on the next.”
With his strong work ethic, family support, and passion for helping others, Steve McKenzie is well on his way to continued success in the real estate industry. As his career evolves, he remains focused on building lasting relationships, helping his clients succeed, and setting an example for his children on the importance of perseverance and never giving up.
