At Rabell Realty Group, we believe in the power of persistence, innovation, and creating spaces where women can thrive. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we want to highlight the inspiring journey of our founders, Kristen and Rebecca, who turned their vision into a reality, despite the challenges they faced.
Kristen and Rebecca’s Story: The Power of “No”
Before they started their own brokerage, Kristen and Rebecca were highly accomplished independent agents who recognized the power of collaboration early in their careers. By joining forces as a two-agent team, they amplified their success, setting the stage for an even greater impact in the real estate industry. They worked hard, developed creative marketing strategies, and built strong relationships with their clients. But despite their success, they often found themselves constrained by the limitations of the traditional brokerage model. They had big ideas, fresh approaches, and a passion for doing things differently — but were often told “no” when they tried to bring their ideas to life.
Rather than accepting the status quo, Kristen and Rebecca decided to create their own path. They understood that to truly serve their community and clients in the way they envisioned, they needed a space where creativity and innovation could flourish. And so, Rabell Realty Group was born.
Their story is a testament to the power of resilience and believing in yourself — a message that’s especially meaningful for women in any industry. Kristen and Rebecca didn’t wait for permission to pursue their dreams; they made them happen.
Kristen’s Journey: From Photojournalist to Real Estate Leader
Kristen Rabell’s story is one of deep roots, bold adventures, and unwavering determination. Born and raised in Gainesville, she is more than just a local—she’s a fourth-generation Broker with an innate passion for real estate and a lifelong devotion to her community. From an early age, she immersed herself in church, sports, and outdoor activities, forging a deep connection to the city and county that would shape both her life and career.
But Kristen’s journey to success has been anything but conventional. With a love for storytelling and a thirst for adventure, she traveled across Western Europe and Latin America as a photojournalist, capturing the essence of people, culture, and human connection. Her path later led her to Puerto Rico, where she taught English, writing, and reading—experiences that broadened her perspective on communication, relationships, and creativity. These invaluable skills now set her apart in the real estate world, allowing her to connect with clients on a profound level and craft compelling narratives around every home she represents.
Kristen’s resilience extends beyond her professional journey. As a marathoner and leukemia survivor, she knows firsthand the power of perseverance, preparation, and an unshakable belief that anything is possible. That same tenacity has been instrumental in the success of Rabell Realty Group, where she leads with passion, grit, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Her dedication to Gainesville extends far beyond real estate. Kristen has held influential leadership and board positions in numerous organizations, including serving as President of the Gainesville Jaycees – Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Women’s Council of Realtors. She has also played key roles in United Way of North Central Florida, Business Networking International (BNI), The Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, and the Gainesville-Alachua County Association of Realtors, among others. Her leadership is not just about titles—it’s about making an impact, strengthening the community, and paving the way for others.
One of Kristen’s greatest passions is mentorship. She is deeply committed to the success of her agents, taking an active role in their professional growth. Through hands-on mentorship, personalized coaching, and in-depth training programs, she ensures that both new and experienced agents stay ahead of industry changes. She personally creates and leads mastermind sessions, educational classes, and workshops covering a wide range of real estate topics—from the latest laws and market trends to innovative marketing strategies and industry insights. By fostering an environment of continuous learning, Kristen empowers her agents to stay competitive, confident, and prepared in an ever-evolving market.
Today, Kristen proudly calls Gainesville home, where she and her partner are raising their son, Mason—a dedicated swimmer with Gator Swim Club. Whether cheering poolside, mentoring future leaders, or helping clients find their perfect home, Kristen’s love for her community shines through in everything she does.
A visionary, a trailblazer, and an unwavering advocate for expanding her knowledge—Kristen Rabell is redefining what it means to be a leader in the industry. Her journey proves that success isn’t just about selling homes; it’s about building lasting connections, elevating those around her, overcoming challenges, and leaving a legacy that inspires others to dream bigger and reach higher.
Rebecca’s Journey: From Military Base to Community Leader
Rebecca Johnson’s story is one of resilience, drive, and an unmatched ability to turn challenges into opportunities. Born on a military base in New Jersey and raised in Florida, Rebecca grew up with a strong sense of discipline, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for hard work. From a young age, she stayed active in her community through church, sports, and volunteer work. But it was in Gainesville that she discovered her true calling—building a business, creating opportunities, and guiding people through one of the most important decisions of their lives: buying and selling real estate.
Her journey in the industry began as an independent agent, where she quickly gained a reputation for her persistence, strategic thinking, and ability to turn even the toughest situations into success stories. It wasn’t long before she and Kristen joined forces, forming a dynamic partnership built on trust, ambition, and a shared vision for excellence. Today, Rebecca plays an instrumental role in the company’s continued growth and success, seamlessly balancing multiple high-level responsibilities.
As well as being the co-owner of Rabell Realty Group, Rebecca is the driving force behind day-to-day operations of their shared ownership of the Property Management company, KNR Property Management. She not only supports the brokerage, runs KNR, but also facilitates the sales of her personal clients—demonstrating an extraordinary ability to prioritize, adapt, and execute tasks with efficiency and precision. Her productivity is unmatched, and her ability to manage complex challenges while maintaining a laser focus on results sets her apart as a true leader in the industry.
What makes Rebecca truly exceptional is her sharp intellect, problem-solving mindset, and relentless pursuit of success. She has a rare talent for turning negatives into positives, finding solutions where others see obstacles, and maintaining a forward-thinking approach that fuels growth for both herself and those around her. Her tenacity, coupled with her ability to streamline processes and enhance productivity, has been instrumental in elevating both companies to new heights.
Beyond her professional achievements, Rebecca is a devoted mother to her three children—Eva, Thomas, and Sebastian. She leads by example, showing that success and family are not mutually exclusive but can thrive together with the right mindset, discipline, and drive. And with that lifestyle, she can enjoy many weekends on the boat, swimming with manatees, and enjoying the life-giving Florida sun.
Rebecca Johnson isn’t just a leader—she’s a force of nature. With an unstoppable work ethic, a sharp business mind, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, she continues to redefine what it means to be a top-tier real estate professional. Whether she’s closing deals, helping the agents, or running multiple businesses, Rebecca does it all with purpose, passion, and an unshakable determination to succeed.
Building a Legacy for Women in Real Estate
At Rabell Realty Group, Kristen and Rebecca’s story serves as an inspiration to all women, especially those looking to break barriers and create their own success. They took the leap, defied the odds, and built a brokerage that’s not only successful but also rooted in values that empower women to lead, innovate, and thrive.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor Kristen and Rebecca’s journey — a journey that continues to inspire and impact the world of real estate, one step at a time. Their story is proof that when women support each other and follow their passions, they can create something truly special.
Moving this Legacy to the Top – UF Mover Guys & Storage
At UF Mover Guys & Storage, we are proud to celebrate our exclusive partnership with Rabell Realty. Kristen and Rebecca have carved the path for success and we feel honored to help them with as much heavy lifting as we can.
Whether it be dishes, boxes, furniture, weights, equipment, desks, grand pianos, or great customer service – we aim to support this message to celebrate Women’s History & the success that Kristen and Rebecca have carved for themselves and for the women that follow their journey.
