SPARTANBURG, SC, January 13, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Kathleen K. Wright has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Wright has established a distinguished career in residential property management, currently serving as chief executive officer of Applewood Estates Inc. since 2012. In this capacity, she oversees the management of approximately 150 properties, with support from two full-time employees and one part-time employee. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to innovation and client service, as evidenced by her early adoption of online rent payments at a time when many larger firms continued to rely solely on traditional checks. Ms. Wright's expertise in residential property management is widely recognized, and she is praised for her ability to navigate complex challenges while maintaining a personal touch that clients value.

Prior to her appointment as chief executive officer, Ms. Wright began providing property management services through Applewood Estates Inc. in 2011. Her entry into this field was prompted by a request from two friends who were relocating abroad and needed someone trustworthy to manage their Spartanburg properties. This opportunity coincided with the aftermath of the real estate bubble in South Carolina, which presented unique challenges for industry professionals. Recognizing the state's requirement for separate licenses in real estate sales and property management, Ms. Wright chose to specialize exclusively in residential property management, ensuring compliance and focusing her expertise.

Before relocating to South Carolina, Ms. Wright worked at a real estate attorney's office in Georgia, where she managed closings in the Atlanta area. Her responsibilities included facilitating transactions and supporting clients through the legal complexities of real estate transfers. This role built upon her earlier experience as a real estate paralegal in South Florida, where non-attorneys are permitted to conduct closings. During her tenure there, she developed a comprehensive understanding of real estate law and transaction processes.

Ms. Wright's professional journey began in the hospitality industry in the 1980s in South Florida, where she worked in bars amid significant social change and economic activity. These formative years provided her with invaluable people skills and confidence, transforming her from a shy child into an adept communicator capable of handling diverse personalities and high-pressure situations.

Throughout her career, Ms. Wright has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, particularly during crises such as Hurricane Helene. When the storm struck, she managed 16 properties under challenging conditions, without electricity or Wi-Fi, and relied on her cell phone to keep out-of-state property owners informed amid widespread power outages and contractor delays. This experience led her to implement catastrophe charges in management agreements to better prepare for future emergencies.

Ms. Wright is actively involved in several industry organizations, including BNI Referral Powerhouse, the Boiling Springs Business Association, where she serves on the board, and the Better Business Bureau. Her commitment to professional development is further reflected in her academic achievements: she completed a property management course at Greenville Technical College in 2013. She earned a paralegal diploma from Jones College in Jacksonville, Florida, in 2000.

Her credentials include certification as a property manager from the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, awarded in 2013, and designation as a notary public by the South Carolina Secretary of State since 2004. These qualifications have been instrumental in supporting her success across multiple facets of real estate operations.

Ms. Wright attributes her accomplishments to perseverance and an unwavering commitment to staying current with industry advancements. She values technology that enhances efficiency but remains dedicated to providing personalized service, a quality consistently recognized by clients who commend her staff's helpfulness and attentiveness.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Ms. Wright has contributed significantly to civic life as a guardian ad litem for Spartanburg County from 2004 to 2015, advocating for children's welfare within the legal system. Her dedication has been acknowledged with a certificate of recognition from Governor Nikki Haley.

Born in Fort Lauderdale, Ms. Wright enjoys traveling with her husband, caring for their two Doodle dogs and networking within both professional and community circles. She is also the mother of Andrew Kennedy, who resides in Florida.

Looking ahead, Ms. Wright is focused on expanding Applewood Estates Inc., driven by her passion for property management and ongoing engagement with clients and colleagues alike. She is developing a podcast titled "The Real Estate Connector," which will share insights and stories from her extensive career, highlighting lessons learned from both property owners and tenants while offering humor and practical advice drawn from real-world experiences.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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