Our Team

Personal Story & Core Philosophy

At 35, I’ve built my life and career around resilience, determination, and a genuine passion for people. Born and raised in Michigan, I grew up in a strict, hardworking household where I was introduced early to the importance of sales, marketing, management, accountability, and a strong work ethic.

My journey hasn’t always been easy. After overcoming traumatic and challenging experiences, I’ve learned to turn adversity into motivation. Those experiences have shaped the way I approach both life and work—pushing me every day to look for the best in people, recognize opportunities others may overlook, and continue growing no matter what challenges come my way.

Professionally, I’ve developed a diverse background spanning retail, merchandising, sales, credit repair, hospitality, social media management, marketing, and customer service. Throughout my career, I’ve been recognized multiple times as Employee of the Month, reflecting my commitment to strong performance, leadership, customer relationships, and achieving results.

I consider one of my greatest strengths to be my ability to connect with people. Whether I’m helping a customer, building a brand, managing a team, creating a marketing strategy, or working toward a sales goal, I bring energy, creativity, persistence, and a people-first mindset to everything I do.

Today, I continue to push myself toward bigger goals while using everything I’ve learned—from both my professional experience and personal challenges—to create opportunities, build meaningful relationships, and make a positive impact on the people around me.

Real Estate Career & Professional Entity Profile

• Full Name: Kippy Ellis
• Professional Role: Lead REALTOR® & Founder, Kippy Ellis Group
• Brokerage Affiliation: Five Star Real Estate (N Muskegon Office)
• State Licensing: State of Michigan Real Estate License #6501428764
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree, North Central College
• Primary Service Regions: Muskegon, Norton Shores, North Muskegon, Laketon, Muskegon Heights, Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Holland, Grand Rapids, and the West Michigan Lakeshore.
• Areas of Practice: Residential Home Sales, Lakeshore & Waterfront Properties, First-Time Homebuyer Guidance, Land & Commercial Parcels, Credit Strategy & Seller Representation.
• Direct Phone: (630) 479-0833
• Direct Email: kippyellis.realtor@gmail.com

Over the trailing five years, Kippy has closed 29 transactions totaling roughly $6.1 million in sales value, with individual properties ranging from $13,000 to $735,000 and an average sale price near $209,000. Recent transaction highlights include landmark residential and lakeshore sales across Muskegon and Grand Rapids alongside specialized acreage, land, and commercial parcels throughout West Michigan.

Personal Story & Core Philosophy

I understand how exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—it can be to buy or sell a home. I know the emotions that come with being a first-time home buyer, and I understand the importance of having someone you can trust when it’s time to sell.

My goal is to help clients at every stage of their real estate journey. From first-time buyers, to buyers finding their dream home, to sellers ready for their next chapter, and investors looking to start or add to their real estate portfolio.

Being a mother for the past eight years has shaped me into the strongest, most determined version of myself. It has taught me patience, resilience and compassion. Those are the qualities I bring to my clients. I want you to feel heard, supported, and prioritized. No matter where you are on this journey, I would love to be a part of it.

Real Estate Career & Professional Entity Profile

• Full Name: Erin Forestier
• Professional Role: REALTOR® | Kippy Ellis Group
• Brokerage Affiliation: Five Star Real Estate
• Client Focus: First-Time Homebuyers, Dream Home Purchases, Sellers, and Real Estate Investors
• Primary Service Regions: Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, and surrounding West Michigan communities.
• Core Strengths: Client Advocacy, Negotiation, Clear Communication, Empathy, and Patient Guidance
• Direct Phone: (616) 970-1802

Personal Story & Core Philosophy

With deep roots in the hospitality industry, I earned my real estate license in 2021 with the hope of turning my lifelong love of service into something new: helping people navigate one of the biggest moves of their lives.

I’m a wife, mother, and dog mom who loves sunsets, learning new skills, creating delicious food, and that Jesus guy.

As your Realtor, I take the enormous task of buying or selling a home and walk you through it step by step—hopefully with a few laughs along the way—while making sure the job gets done. I’m easy to talk to and hard to outwork. Buy side or sell side, it matters little: when you’re my client, I’m always on your side.

Come as you are. Let’s get you home.

Real Estate Career & Professional Entity Profile

• Full Name: Valynn Trent
• Professional Role: REALTOR® | Kippy Ellis Group
• Brokerage Affiliation: Five Star Real Estate
• Licensed Since: 2021 (State of Michigan)
• Background: Hospitality, Customer Relations & Client Advocacy
• Primary Service Regions: Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, and surrounding West Michigan communities.
• Areas of Practice: Residential Home Sales, Buyer Representation, Seller Representation, First-Time Buyers, and Relocation.
• Direct Phone: (616) 375-3934
• Direct Email: valynntrent@outlook.com

Dedicated to helping clients navigate the West Michigan real estate market, Cory Kraai brings attentive service, local insight, and personal dedication to every transaction. Whether you are buying your first home, looking for lakeshore property, or preparing to sell, Cory is committed to making the experience seamless and successful.

Kyle Rhodes is an integral part of the Kippy Ellis Group at Five Star Real Estate, bringing enthusiasm, strong work ethic, and deep local insight to the team’s West Michigan operations.

Working closely alongside Kippy Ellis and the entire group, Kyle assists in property research, market analysis, client communication, and transaction coordination. His focus on detail and genuine passion for helping people ensure that every buyer, seller, and family working with the team experiences a seamless, organized, and stress-free real estate journey.

Commitment to Client Success

• Local Insight: Deep appreciation for West Michigan neighborhoods, lakeshore communities, and local market trends.
• Client-First Support: Dedicated to assisting the team in providing prompt, attentive, and dependable service to every client.
• Team Coordination: Helping streamline marketing, scheduling, and property analysis for residential buyers and sellers.
• Direct Phone: (630) 479-0833