Healer Catherine Kaufer, a real estate agent, developer, and founder of Mini and Me Ministries, a non-profit pet therapy organization, embodies the rising phoenix. After suffering from the tragic loss of her husband, the philanthropist at heart rose from the ashes. Now, her business ventures aim to transform anyone longing to begin a new chapter in this awakening journey we call life.
Life happens. The unexpected. The uncalled for. And when damage occurs emotionally, mentally, and spiritually to you or your business– it always leaves a mark. Success stories always have a humble beginning, but for one powerhouse individual, the heart-felt feelings of loss, trauma, and stress changed everything.
At first, it was pain. Then an explosion of flames before the ash finally gave way to a renewed version of Catherine Kaufer. Like the phoenix rising, it was at this moment that the real estate agent waved goodbye to her former self and stepped into a renewed and rejuvenated version of a leader, a healer, and an influential philanthropist.
“Getting your life back on track after a traumatic event is difficult. You feel like nobody understands you or that it is impossible to rebuild the business,” says Kaufer, “you just have to be patient and surround yourself with the right people.”
The ability to transform and expand into your true purpose can be an accelerated triumph. But getting there isn’t always easy. When Kaufer left her job at IBM, she joined her husband in the construction industry, rehabbing and reselling houses. But only after five years did she decide to do real estate full-time.
When facing a significant loss in her family’s life in 2015, Kaufer needed to figure out her next move in the real estate industry without her husband and business partner by her side. When the news broke out that her teenage sweetheart was tragically killed in a bicycling accident, not only did she lose half of her clients due to uncertainty, but other competitors and brokers ‘poached’ multiple consumers from her.
At that point, the real estate advisor and mother of two knew she needed to make a change. “I asked God to help me to grieve well so I could be brave and find my true purpose and independence,” shares Kaufer. And thanks to her expert knowledge and construction experience gained from her late husband’s company, it was time to rebuild her real estate business for good.
After joining another brokerage firm for support and fellowship in 2017, being around others allowed Kaufer to “regain her passion and love for real estate again.” And now Catherine Kaufer can proudly say that she works as a California real estate broker and a licensed realtor in Reno, Nevada.
The rise to find herself once more stemmed from being able to receive help and support from others. And so, besides getting her business back on track, there was something more that the philanthropist at heart wanted to do to give back to those suffering from similar emotions.
When the start of the pandemic hit, it revealed an agonizingly powerful epiphany of loneliness for all. But besides support from Kaufer’s two daughters, her two extraordinary furry friends were also there by her side. During her grieving process, Catherine Kaufer discovered the tremendous value of healing with Animal Assisted Therapy thanks to Theo, her miniature Australian Shepherd, and Zebedee, her miniature horse.
Both brought enormous aid and comfort to the family like never before. The love, endless smiles, and feelings of hope felt by her beloved pets sparked the idea to launch her non-profit organization, Mini and Me Ministries.
Mini and Me Ministries aims to help people through difficult times. “Together, we are committed to providing emotional support and mental healthcare through Animal-Assisted Intervention aided by my counseling experience,” explains Kaufer. With education and awareness at the spearhead, these practices include recovering patients, people with intellectual disabilities, foster kids trying to adjust to their new family, or those struggling with past trauma trying to open up and create a better life for themselves.
“I have always had a servant’s heart and wanted to improve things for those around me. I feel that my love for real estate and pet therapy are a winning combination,” says Kaufer proudly.
Since regaining her passion and love for real estate again, it’s no surprise that the passionate realtor has numerous achievements under her belt. She has been a five-star realtor since 2012, a GRI and BOLD graduate, a part of CAR- California Association of Realtors, and a NAR-Nevada Association of Realtors member.
In addition to being a top luxury broker since 2000, Kaufer is a real estate mentor with over $500 million in closed sales, among many other titles and accomplishments. Not to mention, Kaufer has gained a life coaching certification to help her clients deal with the stress of moving and utilize it during her pet therapy intervention sessions.
So how did the East Bay-born phenomenon step into bravery? By taking the step. From this moment on, her business ventures aim to transform anyone longing to begin a new chapter in this awakening journey we call life.
From saying goodbye to an old family home to buying a new solid foundation, letting go of a past traumatic experience, to finding your passion and purpose in life, Kaufer is the advisor, mentor, and healer you need to start your transition.
It’s not what you go through that determines where you end up; it’s who you listen to. Kaufer rose to her purpose by starting a new life chapter– now it’s your turn.
For more information, visit Catherine Kaufer’s website, or for those longing to start a new chapter in their lives, visit her real estate website. Step onto Kaufer’s pet therapy website or follow her on Instagram to begin your healing journey.
