Kim Salazar-Whitfield
Kim (Lindley) Salazar-Whitfield is a multifaceted professional from Springdale, Arkansas, whose career spans corporate aviation, real estate, and financial investing. Currently working as a self-employed corporate flight attendant, Kim brings a strong focus on passenger safety and hospitality, supported by certifications in CPR, culinary arts, and self-defense. Her dedication to excellence in service reflects her lifelong commitment to learning and community engagement, including volunteer work with youth and vulnerable populations.
Kim has over 25 years of experience in real estate, having earned her license in 2000. She began her career in Dallas, Texas, managing commercial leasing and property management for high-rise buildings exceeding 300,000 square feet. Kim has overseen tenant finish-outs, lease negotiations, and property renovations, demonstrating an exceptional ability to balance operational detail with strategic planning. She also developed and managed Fayetteville’s largest Airbnb property, hosting up to 16 guests for five years with consistently high ratings.
In addition to her aviation and real estate pursuits, Kim is an active day trader and investor, applying analytical skills to financial markets. Her entrepreneurial spirit is inspired by her grandfather, Shelby Ford, a pioneer in the poultry industry who helped establish Tyson’s Chicken. Whether in the skies, on the ground, or in the market, Kim combines discipline, vision, and community-minded leadership, embodying a philosophy that hard work, independence, and dedication can make ambitious goals achievable.
• Corporate Flight Attendant Certification
• Yoga Kids Instructor Certification
• Self-Defense Certified
• Real Estate License
• CPR Certification
• University of Arkansas - B.S.
• Children's Shelter Volunteer with Yoga Kids
• Boys and Girls Shelter Donations
• CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Donor
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my dad, who always wanted me to be a strong, independent woman. He was a lot of influence. But I would say the gift of my visionary leadership comes from my grandfather, Shelby Ford, who inspired me that all things are possible and to achieve your goals if you dedicate yourself and work hard. He was a pioneer to the poultry industry here who loaned Tyson's Chicken their first loan, and there's a statue of him in the park. He died and didn't really get to see all the success and contributions that he did, but his vision lives on in me. I also believe in surrounding yourself with people, because it takes a village and you need that strong support system along the way.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
For a woman going into real estate as an investor, location, location, location. You've got to have kind of a natural sense of the space and what it can become. I can kind of see through what a property can be. Make sure if it's got asbestos and stuff like that, you don't get yourself in a bind where you have to deal with removal of contaminants and hazardous materials, because that could just eat up your profit. Real estate's a good investment. A lot of times, if you can see an area's moving in that direction, you try to predict what the traffic flow's gonna be or what the purpose of your property is going to be used for. You've got to foresee the future and get ahead of the growth area.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I just want to keep going and live life every day and learn. I like to learn new things. I like people, and I'm a big people person. I enjoy people and like to meet new people and learn new things and just keep growing as a person. It's not even so much about the money, it's just accomplishing that goal. When people say you're great and they want me and pay me better, you've got to kind of earn your way. I'm not gonna push myself or be aggressive. I'm not gonna try to sell people on me or beg for the job. I'm gonna put my name out there and let it happen organically as it's supposed to. My calling is for kids that are neglected or abused. That's where my heart is, for children in need.
Locations
Private Company
Fayetteville, AR 72703