Left to right: Abby Barratt, Kristen Abell, Sarah Frohnapfel, Beth Wheeler
When Kristen Abell, principal agent of the Abell Team at Compass in Denver, made the decision to move abroad to Buenos Aires to work remotely for six to 12 months, she wasn’t sure what impact it might have on her team and the team’s business.
After 16 years in the industry, as a top 5 Compass team, a 40 Under 40 recipient and ranking in the top 1 percent nationally, she had plenty of proof that the Abell to Sell team and its systems, expertise and collaborative culture not only worked, but were strengthened and fortified. Still, stepping away — even temporarily — was uncharted territory.
What followed was an unexpected test of trust, teamwork and resilience that resulted in one of the best quarters in the team’s history.
Building a culture that feels like family
For Abell and her all-women team of five, success has always been rooted in connection. “What makes our team truly special is the bond we share — not just as colleagues, but as a family,” she says. “We support and watch out for one another the same way we would for our own families.”
That sense of unity is baked into their structure. Weekly meetings follow a clear agenda, moving from updates on listings and buyers to accountability, marketing strategies and team-building efforts. The predictability provides focus, but it’s the collaboration that brings results.
DaeLynne Urban, operations lead, says that structure makes all the difference. “We send out an agenda ahead of time so everyone comes prepared, and one ops person spearheads the meeting to keep us on track. Without that, meetings could easily stretch for hours. The agenda gives us clarity, and the in-person time once a week lets the team bounce ideas and share advice in real-time.”
According to Abell, “What works best about our team meetings is the power of collaboration. Our clients don’t just get one agent — they get the collective insight, creativity and experience of a full-service team. We listen, brainstorm and problem-solve until we find the right solution.”
Systems and spirit keep them moving forward
Outside of meetings, the team stays connected through Slack, group texts and ongoing check-ins. Abell says their communication style is key to keeping motivation high. “We believe in working hard and having fun while doing it. From team lunches and content days to team-building events and everyday laughs, we’ve built a culture that keeps energy high and spirits even higher.”
That energy is now being directed toward one of their biggest priorities: sharpening marketing strategies for listings. With market conditions shifting, they’re experimenting with fresh content, new distribution channels and data-driven insights to ensure properties stand out.
The challenge: Leading from afar
Abell’s temporary move to Argentina pushed the team into new territory. With a three-hour time difference, she adapted her schedule and leaned on technology to stay aligned with both clients and her team. “We transitioned to virtual client meetings and maintained close communication through Slack, video calls and our existing systems,” she explains.
For 3.5 months, the model worked — until a family health emergency forced her to return sooner than planned. What could have been a destabilizing moment instead became proof of the team’s strength.
“Something incredible happened: The team came together and thrived,” Abell recalls. “Everyone leaned into their unique strengths and stepped outside their comfort zones. It was like ripping the band-aid off — suddenly they had the space to let their wings fly. Each person proved just how capable and resilient they already were. We didn’t just maintain — we excelled. Q2 turned out to be our strongest in years.”
Urban agrees, noting that the experience revealed just how much untapped potential was already there. “Each of us really stepped up and used the skills we had been honing for years. Kristen’s confidence in us gave space to stretch, but the success came from the work and talent already within the team. It showed us that we’re even more capable than we thought.”
Lessons learned
- Build a foundation of trust. A team that feels like family will rise to the occasion when challenges hit.
- Structure + flexibility = resilience. Clear systems and agendas create stability, but adaptability is what allows growth during disruption.
- Collaboration multiplies value. Seven minds working together will outthink any one person alone — and clients notice the difference.
- Culture matters. High energy, fun and genuine care aren’t just morale boosters; they are fuel for long-term success.
Abell’s experience is a reminder that real leadership is about more than presence. When leaders empower their people, teams don’t just survive in the face of challenge — they thrive.
Melanie C. Klein, M.A., is an empowerment and mindset coach.
