By: Maddie Weiland
Photos by Matt Johnson
Judy Watson Gordon is the unofficial “mama duck” on the real estate block.
Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Gordon grew up jumping into Kentucky’s lakes and rivers alongside her dad. “It has been a goal of mine to swim in all 54! I have been to 45, and I’m still counting!” says Gordon.
It was the pride she felt exploring her home state that sparked her appreciation for Kentucky. “I always knew I would work in real estate,” says Gordon. “My father and grandfather built homes and apartment buildings together, and, growing up, I went to their construction sites a lot. I got to see my dad do deals, so I have a deep appreciation for the real estate industry as I know the importance of the home building process,” says Gordon.
It wasn’t until November of 2004 when Gordon decided to officially dive head-first into the real estate business and get her license — that same year she became an agent with Kentucky Select Properties.
“I always try to have something going on,” says Gordon, often taking on projects to support her clients as fully as she can, deeply involved in preparing and staging homes — even though this isn’t explicitly part of her job description. Yet, she puts a high value on listening to her client’s needs, prioritizing selling the house quickly and for market value, but also knowing their well-being is just as key. “I always try to leave the house, neighborhood, and people, better than I found it, and I respect all items without judgement,” says Gordon. This is evident in how she takes the time to understand what is important to her clients and honors that. “If I have a client express that they don’t want anything to go into a landfill,” says Gordon, “then I’ll host estate sales and clothing donations to make sure their wishes are met.”
Like a duck, it is her constant motion below the water, but her positive, go-with-the-flow approach above that has carved her success as a Realtor®, and it is this same level of motherly care Gordon extends to her community as well.
Gordon was exposed to different kinds of living exploring Kentucky and knew she wanted to help those in need. “I never knew there was childhood hunger in my hometown, and when I found out, I was intent on making a difference in that part of the community,” says Gordon.
“I got involved with Blessings in a Backpack in 2010 with the support of the Kentucky Select owners, John Stough, Sandy Gulick, and Jay Gulick,” says Gordon, an organization that works diligently to pack meals for kids to have on the weekends. Gordon is involved in the Louisville chapter serving Jefferson County and has worked with Kentucky Select to utilize office space and volunteers to pack meals and organize food drives.
In 2017, Gordon and her siblings created a 501c3 non-profit (Carole’s Kitchen) in honor of her late sister. “My real estate success has been closely tied to Blessings in a Backpack and Carole’s Kitchen and the connections I have made,” says Gordon. “I am so grateful. Kentucky Select holds me up, so I can be there for others.”
Gordon’s honest approach to real estate, genuine connections, and commitment to community is her trinity of care, and her willingness to keep moving herself and others forward is honorable. She is the mama duck you want on your block!
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