In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, Ryan Glick is joined by Karie Kading Ramsey, the CEO of Kading Properties. Karie takes us through her journey of growing up in a family business focused on land development and workforce housing. From her early days picking up nails on job sites to leading the company as CEO, she offers an inspiring look into the intricacies of managing a family-owned enterprise.

Karie explains how Kading Properties, founded by her parents, has always been a part of her life. Despite initially pursuing a different career in insurance, curiosity drew her back to the family business. She emphasizes the importance of the "seven-year rule," which encourages family members to gain experience outside the company before joining full-time. This approach allows them to bring fresh perspectives and skills into the business.

Karie provides an overview of Kading Properties, highlighting its unique vertically integrated model. The company manages every aspect of development, from land acquisition and infrastructure to construction and property management. This approach allows them to deliver high-quality, affordable workforce housing while maintaining full control over their projects.

The conversation dives into the challenges Kading Properties faces, particularly in managing a large vendor network and expanding into new markets. Karie discusses the need for comprehensive planning and the delicate balance required to maintain growth.

Karie explains the critical role of workforce housing in supporting local economies. By providing affordable homes for essential workers like teachers, plumbers, and safety personnel, Kading Properties ensures these communities can thrive. Looking ahead to 2025, the company has ambitious plans, including new projects in Boone and Knoxville, and a continued focus on meeting Iowa's growing housing needs.

Karie’s leadership and commitment to community-focused development shine through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in real estate, land development, or family businesses.

Be sure to subscribe to The Land Development Podcast for more episodes with industry leaders, and leave us a review to let us know what you think!

Guest Details:
Name: Karie Kading Ramsey
Role: CEO @ Kading Properties

Links: 

• Kading Properties Website: https://www.kadingproperties.com/  
• Karie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karie-kading-ramsey/  

The show notes page for this episode can be found at https://letsgroov.com/podcast/leading-the-family-business-to-meet-affordable-housing-needs.