For 15 years, Bonnie Michalek worked as an educator, teaching high school English to students in underserved areas. “My primary focus was working with lower-income communities, and I found great joy in helping students overcome their challenges to graduate,” shared Bonnie. “Seeing them achieve this milestone, despite the odds, was incredibly rewarding.”

 

While working in education, Bonnie made the daily commute from Morgan Hill to Mountain View — a drive that often would take two to three hours per day, depending on traffic.

 

Becoming a mother first sparked Bonnie’s desire for a career change, as she strongly desired to spend less time in her car and more time with her family. She found herself missing out on school events and special moments with her children — things she felt called to be present for as their mother.

 

“My then kindergartener was getting upset because I wasn’t volunteering in his classroom like ‘all the other moms’ and that broke my heart,” she admitted. “I knew I needed to make a shift into a career that would allow me to be more active in my kids’ lives while still contributing to our family.”

 

The defining moment came in 2020, when the onset of COVID and subsequent lockdowns gave Bonnie a taste of what it was like to have that extra time at home. She began exploring career paths that would let her lean into her love for building relationships and allow her to (mostly) set her own schedule, while still allowing her to make a meaningful impact.

 

After a conversation with her now-broker, Lauren, Bonnie landed on real estate as her next career move. “At first, I hadn’t considered real estate as a ‘helping’ profession,” Bonnie explained, “but I soon realized how much impact REALTORS® can have on people’s lives.” Bonnie now approaches real estate the same way she approached education — with clear communication and a focus on relationships.

 

Bonnie began working full-time in real estate in August 2024 with the Lauren Ronan Group at Coldwell Banker. In a short time, she has already proven herself a trailblazer, redefining what exceptional client service should look like.

 

An educator by nature, Bonnie walks her clients through their entire real estate process from start to finish, providing them with clarity and peace of mind. Time is not the only thing she invests in her clients — she also personally covers some of their upfront costs. “Moving can be expensive, so I try to ease that by investing in their homes, such as paying for their staging,” Bonnie detailed.

 

Having grown up in a tight-knit family, Bonnie has learned to truly value relationships — a concept that now defines her real estate career. “I live my life with the philosophy that we’re here to create community and thrive within the relationships that we have. It’s important to me to serve and be a positive light to those I encounter,” she stated.

 

“Relationships are far more important to me than closing transactions. I know that by prioritizing the relationships I have now (and will have in the future), the business will come in time,” she elaborated. “I am such a cheerleader when it comes to ‘my’ people! Whether that means they stay put or they buy/upgrade their home, I’m happy to guide and educate them so they can make the best choice for them and their families."

 

She strives to pass this philosophy onto her clients as well, by way of her motto, ‘finding a house to make into a home.’ Bonnie believes that each home creates memories and moments for families to be shaped, molded, and strengthened, as well as creating generational wealth for their families.

 

Bonnie once measured success by her career achievements — but over time, she has redefined her priorities, placing relationships above that former value. By that definition, she is successful in the ways that truly matter. As Bonnie sees it, “Success is making an impact in the world and helping others.”

In addition to blazing trails in real estate, Bonnie also owns and operates a successful charcuterie business, Boards by Bonnie. “It’s signature that I host a twilight open house with wine and charcuterie on the listings that I have. It allows me to go live with a bang on listings, meet neighbors, and promote my other business,” she said. “I’ve also done grazing tables for luxury listings and for other agents.”

 

Bonnie always does her best to be present in each moment and savor every accomplishment. When asked about her favorite way to spend her time, she responded, “Whatever it is to create memories with my boys,” referring to her husband and two sons. The years go by too quickly. I simply want to relish in these years and soak in every little moment.” Whether involved in a sporting event, visiting her favorite childhood cabin, or just enjoying nature, she and her family have mastered being ‘present’ in the present.

 

Her greatest achievement so far has been finding the courage to leave the reliable income of her teaching career and risk it all in real estate. She credits her husband for making the transition so seamless — something she is incredibly proud of and grateful for. “I’ll continue to work towards my personal and professional goals as best I know how, while rolling with the punches as they come,” Bonnie said proudly.

 

She has traded school desks for serving boards and signing tables, but one thing remains constant: Bonnie leaves a lasting impression wherever she goes.