Katherine (Kate) Makely spent her early years in Sausalito and Lake Tahoe, California, where she learned to sail on the San Francisco Bay and cruised in a vintage Chris-Craft on Tahoe’s blue waters. Her family later moved to Geneva, Switzerland, where she attended the International School of Geneva. They eventually returned stateside to a ranch her mother purchased in Napa Valley. There, they grew grapes and became well-regarded for their Cabernet Sauvignon, thanks to the region’s famed “Rutherford Dust” soil, ultimately earning a contract with Beaulieu Vineyards.

Kate went on to boarding school, excelling in theater—even interviewing with George Lucas for a role in the classic film American Graffiti (no, she is not the girl in the T-bird!). Her mother, Mary Tilden, was a professional sculptor with a passion for building. As her own contractor, Mary designed and constructed the prestigious Rancho Caymus Inn, the Beaulieu Winery tasting room in Rutherford, and an outdoor concert arena called Dancing Under the Stars, which featured performers such as Tommy Dorsey and Maria Muldaur. She also designed and operated a restaurant, The Cottage, together with Kate. These experiences nurtured Kate’s love for people, the arts, and real estate.

Kate later moved to Los Angeles to attend UCLA and entered the film and television industry, specializing in screenwriting and production. Her ability to interpret a director’s vision, collaborate with large film crews, and truly listen to others’ creative processes gave her a natural talent for helping people bring their ideas to life.

All of this laid the foundation for her future career in real estate when she moved to St. Pete Beach in 1998 to care for her ailing father.  Little did she know that her move to Florida would lead her to meet John—and the rest is history!