They say once you find your passion and what makes you truly happy in life, stick with it. From a young girl I have always loved communicating, connecting and problem solving. It is to no surprise that I chose to work in roles that are full of interacting with people in every area in life. With a Masters in Business Administration and over 25 years in customer service, I now serve my community in Lemon Grove in philanthropic ways paired with helping people buy and sell homes all over San Diego County. I have always loved networking and growing together with people. It’s an honor and privilege to have acquired the knowledge and experience I have over my lifetime and give back to others wherever they may be in their life journey.
About Stephanie Klein
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband Joshua is a retired Navy SEAL. We have two six year old multi-poo’s named Leilani and Bruno whom are our children. I have a large family that resides all over San Diego. Some cousins that have painted the murals under the bridge at Chicano Park. Literal family history documented in Barrio Logan.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been working since a child. My first business was a babysitting business on base. I used to charge .75 cents an hour per child. That turned into several types of jobs as I grew older from puppy sitting, moving rocks, cleaning houses/offices, walking horses, etc. I have also worked in the credit reporting, inventory, repossession and the medical laboratory industries. Currently I am a Realtor working for Roots Real Estate Brokerage. What I love most about what I do is the people I spend time with. From my Broker to my clients to the very large network of professionals I interact with, I deeply enjoy getting to know them one on one and really establishing a connection to grow on.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Do new things. Always be searching for new experiences to expand your mind, body and soul. My husband and I learned how to surf a few years ago and it continues to give back to us as individuals and as a couple over and over. We also learn a new good habit every season or so. This season we are learning Ashtanga Yoga. I highly recommend it!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Living happily somewhere in San Diego or Hawaii giving back to the community in special philanthropic ways. It has always been a dream of mine to have enough money to give back to others. I am finally in that position and I pray that God continues to bless others through my actions as I have been blessed by God.
Stephanie Klein & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
El Pollo Grill, Giardino’s, Zest, Hinata Sushi, Lemon Grove Thai Food, Lido’s
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Lemon Grove 5 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
David Eckler. He is a lifetime resident and knows everyone in town. He is a painter and loves to cover graffiti and keep the city clean. He volunteers with the Lemon Grove Lions Club and Lemon Grove Forward Club, both philanthropic groups that serve the community. He has a laminated newspaper article of UFO sightings in Lemon Grove. He is a Helix High Alumni and can tell you anything you’d like to know about how to pole vault.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I don’t understand this question however if it about nostalgic businesses I’d say El Pollo Grill. You can tell by the family that owns it passed down by their father and mother, that the heart of this restaurant is anchored here in Lemon Grove. They literally feed our community and if you don’t believe me try ordering any day of the week. They hands down have the best Mexican food in East County.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Our community is so diverse. We have unhoused community members that are welcomed in all our events and typically do show up at our plant swaps. We have community members that put together a Farmers Market, Pickleball, Plant Swap, Open Mic, Painting Classes, Basketball Tournaments… even the first “Lemon Grove Citrus Festival” brought to you 100% by the community in 2022.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
This is a tough question as anyone alive I have gone to lunch with. Not alive, I would say my husbands father Barry. I never got to meet him. I would invite him to Grove Grinder for a delicious sandwich and choice of root beer.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Friends
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I play the flute. I played in elementary and middle school. I have a very fond love of all music.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Riding the perfect wave and being with my surf ohana.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband. We sharpen each other by just being around one another. We have an incredible bond and I’m honored to have him in my life.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Full of joy
