Built from Grit: How Heather Konopka Transformed Hardship into Impact

Built from Grit: How Heather Konopka Transformed Hardship into Impact

Author: Veronica Malolos, CCIM June 27, 2025 Duration: 23:01

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Heather Konopka, CCIM, a commercial real estate leader whose journey from extreme hardship to professional success is nothing short of extraordinary. As a child, Heather grew up in poverty, unaware of just how difficult her circumstances were—scavenging for clothes, caring for her father with alcohol addiction issues, and becoming self-reliant at an early age. That upbringing sparked a fierce determination to break the cycle, leading her to become an entrepreneur by age 10 and later, the first in her family to attend college.

Heather shares how her path led her unexpectedly into real estate, starting in residential sales while working as a flight attendant. Eventually, she earned her CCIM designation and built a thriving commercial real estate firm, specializing in multifamily housing. When the Great Recession hit, she lost nearly everything—including her office building and marriage—but refused to let it define her. She rebuilt with grit, passion, and purpose.

One of Heather’s proudest moments came when she helped transform 82 acres of Texas land into a thriving residential community. Watching families thrive there today reminds her why she does the work. Heather’s story is a moving reminder that no matter where you start, you can build a life—and a legacy—of impact.

“Know your why.” - Heather Konopka, CCIM

Connect with Veronica:

https://www.capstackcommercial.com/veronica-malolos-ccim

https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/

Connect with Catherine:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-konopka-ccim/

https://www.sperrycga.com/people/?brokerId=heather.konopka%40sperrycga.com

#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM


Hosted by Veronica Malolos, CCIM-Founder and CEO of Capital Stack Real Estate Group-the Women Influencers podcast moves beyond surface-level success stories to explore the nuanced realities of leadership, ambition, and personal philosophy. Each conversation delves into the practical strategies and formative experiences of women who have shaped their fields, with a particular lens on business and commercial real estate. These are not just interviews; they are deep dives into the decisions, setbacks, and pivotal moments that define a career. Veronica’s background as an operator in the Greater Orlando market informs a grounded, insightful dialogue that resonates whether you’re building a company, navigating a corporate ladder, or redefining your own path. The discussions naturally span categories from concrete business tactics to broader cultural and societal themes, reflecting the multifaceted lives these influencers lead. This podcast serves as a resource for anyone seeking authentic perspective, emphasizing that influence is cultivated through resilience and insight as much as through achievement. Listen for candid reflections on balancing ambition with life’s other demands, the philosophical underpinnings of a leadership style, and the often-unspoken challenges of carving out space in competitive industries. It’s a series dedicated to amplifying voices that not only succeed but also thoughtfully pave the way for others.
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