Katrina Hosea has multiple layers. Katrina is the founder of BeeTree Homes, respected by her peers in a male-dominated industry. She is a devoted wife and mother of four active children. She is dedicated to the business but not to the exclusion of her faith, family and home. Minutes into any conversation, she reveals strength of character and passion rarely seen in a competitive business environment. Her story is one of challenges, perseverance, success and Divine provision.
“I was called stubborn as a child,” Katrina admitted, “but I prefer to say ‘tenacious’. If someone tells me I can’t do something, I’ll do everything to prove there is a way. Bringing something old, outdated and unattractive back to life in a grand and beautiful way is what inspires me.”
A profound desire to revive the tired, worn out, discarded house, room or design concept began early in her life. Katrina grew up near the abandoned St. Louis mansion of Eugene Nims, founder of Southwestern Bell. The fenced property with no-trespass warnings was completely overgrown.
“That didn’t stop me,” she said. “I would stand inside that house and imagine the home in its glory—not unlike what I do now. I’m a big-picture person, and I can see potential in even the most distressed structures.”
Her tenacity defined her life in other ways as well.
She and her husband Chuck moved to Tallahassee for Chuck’s job and decided to build a house. Katrina knew what she wanted. The builder had other ideas.
“Everything I wanted, he dismissed,” she said. “After one showdown, he gave me an ultimatum. He told me if I could do a better job than he was doing, I could come to work for him.”
So she did.
“He taught me construction, and I taught him there’s more than one way to do just about anything and the importance of listening to the buyer,” she said. “What started as a contentious relationship was a pivotal point in my life. I have never looked back.”
After building a home and then remodeling and selling successive family homes, Katrina realized there was a calling on her life. She started her own business in 2003. With young children at home, it was a few years before she could devote herself to her business full time. Her success has been phenomenal. Even during the recession years, Katrina’s company was enjoying a 20 percent growth rate.
Inspirational Kitchens by Design is Katrina’s newest endeavor, and it fulfills another dream, a kitchen showroom.
“IKD allows me to combine my kitchen and bath remodeler experience with my enjoyment of cooking as a hobby,” Katrina said. “It also gives me the opportunity to use my expertise to help others grow their business. I truly believe a rising tide lifts all boats. With that goal in mind, IKD was born.”
Katrina first joined NEFBA because she wanted a NEFBA bumper sticker for her truck. She stayed because of the rich benefits.
“Being a NEFBA member separated us from the pack,” she said. “Early on, I partnered with strong, enthusiastic members like Ken Kuester (Lumber Unlimited), Gene Rover (B&G Plumbing), Harlan Bost (Florida Custom Marble), and many others. When I was approached about becoming a Pinnacle Builder, NEFBA builders whose subcontractors make up at least 90 percent of their business partners, I was already there. I’m a firm believer in surrounding yourself with like-minded people. Iron sharpens iron.”
Katrina became involved with the Remodelers Council and now serves as chair of that council.
At the encouragement of Daniel Davis, NEFBA’s former executive director, Katrina increased her level of involvement.
“That deeper level of participation made all the difference,” she said. “I grew as a person as I became more involved and got to know more about the association. NEFBA gave me so much support, urging me to enter the Parade of Homes. I won a Gold Award the first time I entered, and that was such a thrill. My next goal is to win a national award. I’m truly indebted to NEFBA for the encouragement and for giving me the confidence to keep reaching for new goals.”
Katrina takes little credit for her success. She attributes it to God’s hand in her life, to NEFBA and to her husband Chuck, who after 20 highly successful years in his own career, joined Katrina in her business.
The little girl who stood in a dilapidated old mansion and dreamed is now a successful, savvy business owner, mother of four and working alongside her husband doing what she loves to do. That old mansion was eventually restored and the grounds opened up to the public as a park – BeeTree Park. BeeTree represents a thread that is woven into the fabric of Katrina’s life. A dream to restore, revive and reveal the true beauty in a room, in a home and in life itself.
NEFBA takes great pride in the accomplishments of Katrina Hosea and BeeTree Homes.
“Katrina is a wonderful role model for anyone who wants to succeed in this business,” said Greg Matovina, NEFBA’s interim executive director. “She bridges the gender gap, and she has shown us all that you can be true to yourself and your faith and succeed. Her determination is balanced by a gentle side, making her both a business force to be reckoned with and a person you can relate to on many levels. We salute Katrina, Chuck and BeeTree Homes for their significant contribution to the community and our association.”