Kathi Obendorfer Shares Passion for Englewood through Real Estate, Giving Back

Real estate agent Kathi Obendorfer found her calling in Englewood, Florida, after years as a boat sales representative.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Kathi Obendorfer, a real estate agent in Englewood, Florida, discovered the coastal community in 2008 and immediately fell in love with its laid-back vibe and tight-knit local businesses. After a career as a boat sales representative, Obendorfer pivoted to real estate in 2013 and launched her own brokerage, Kathi O Group, which has found success by prioritizing personal connections and helping clients through major life transitions. Obendorfer is also deeply involved in the Englewood community, serving on local boards and associations.

Why it matters

Obendorfer's story highlights how a passion for a community can lead to a fulfilling career in real estate, as well as the importance of local businesses and community involvement in shaping the character of a place like Englewood. Her people-first approach to real estate also provides a model for how agents can build trust and loyalty with clients.

The details

After years traveling the U.S. and Canada as a boat sales representative, Obendorfer was introduced to Englewood in 2008 and immediately felt a connection to the coastal community. She bought a home on Manasota Key and began volunteering her time, joining local boards and associations. In 2013, Obendorfer pivoted to real estate, launching her own brokerage, Kathi O Group, after struggling to find employment during the Great Recession. Obendorfer's success has been driven by her commitment to Englewood and her people-first approach, helping clients through major life transitions like relocations, downsizing, and probate.

  • Obendorfer discovered Englewood in 2008.
  • Obendorfer launched Kathi O Group in September 2013.
  • Obendorfer has been active in the Englewood community for over a decade.

The players

Kathi Obendorfer

A real estate agent who found her calling in Englewood, Florida after a career as a boat sales representative. She launched her own brokerage, Kathi O Group, in 2013 and has been deeply involved in the local community.

Kathi O Group

The real estate brokerage founded by Kathi Obendorfer in 2013, which has found success by prioritizing personal connections and helping clients through major life transitions.

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What they’re saying

“No matter where I am, I like to give back and help make it the best place it can be.”

— Kathi Obendorfer (englewoodreview.com)

“It was hard. Even though I was very experienced in communication, negotiation and building relationships, no one would hire me. So I decided to start my own business.”

— Kathi Obendorfer (englewoodreview.com)

“Not everyone understands the real estate process. People need someone they can trust to lead them through it. Every transaction is different and every one of them matters.”

— Kathi Obendorfer (englewoodreview.com)

What’s next

Obendorfer plans to continue growing Kathi O Group and deepening her involvement in the Englewood community, serving on local boards and associations.

The takeaway

Kathi Obendorfer's story demonstrates how a passion for a community and a people-first approach can lead to a successful and fulfilling career in real estate, as well as the importance of local businesses and community involvement in shaping the character of a place like Englewood.