Kate Merrill

Challenging times call for changes, says Kate Merrill, co-owner of Merrill-Jennings Galleries on South Main Street in Davidson. The longtime art gallery owner has taken up a second career in real estate, with Allen Tate Realtors in Mooresville.

Ms. Merrill says she will remain “vitally involved” with the gallery, many of the day to day activities will be overseen by her partner, Susan Jennings.
“I have always enjoyed following trends in the housing market, and in many ways, real estate drives the art business. The fine art of real estate is like choosing a painting—it is both an emotional and a financial decision.” Ms. Merrill said.

As many Americans reinvent themselves by pursuing new careers, Merrill says returning to school, passing the NC Brokers’ Exam, and graduating from the Allen Tate Winners’ Edge Program have all been extremely rewarding. “It was invigorating to exercise my brain cells, and now I enjoy putting my sales and marketing experience to work in an exciting new field.”

Although some folks have warned her that adding a real estate career to her art venture is like “jumping from the frying pan into the fire,” Merrill disagrees. “In the few months I have been with Allen Tate in Mooresville, I see the market picking up. We are busier at the gallery, too. I would advise everyone to be positive about our economic future, to be open to change, and never be afraid to reach out to a challenge.”

Kate Merrill can be reached at 704-280-0266 and seen at her websites: www.KateAtTate.com or www.merrilljennings.com.