Kim Fox: The Greatest Success is Knowing Yourself

Successful, smart and attractive, Kim Fox learned early in life to follow her bliss. From her first job right out of college to running her own successful marketing business, Kim has been guided by her “what feels right” approach as well as a love for making a difference.

The day we chatted, Kim was at home in the house she shares with her life partner, Chris Thomas. The couple lives on Midway Creek in Pawleys Island, and never tire of its beauty. “We’ve been together for 13 years, but many people don’t know that we dated in 1986,” Kim began. “I was working for the Litus Corporation, and we hired an ad agency to do some design work. Chris was the art director.” Both were dating other people at the time, but, ironically, broke up with their respective partners around the holidays. “Chris asked if I’d be interested in going to each other’s holiday parties and I agreed. One thing led to another and we started dating.” The relationship only lasted a year, but the two remained friends. Years later, Chris moved to Pawleys Island. Again, one thing led to another and Kim and Chris found each other once more – this time for life.

Kim’s parents divorced when she was 10, and she spent most of her childhood in Florida with her mom, but her father lived in West Virginia, and had a vacation home in Myrtle Beach where Kim visited often. “I came here after my college graduation to spend time with my father,” Kim began. She decided to check the job listings in the newspaper, saw a few she liked and decided to apply while she was in the area. “The first couple of jobs I investigated were not what I wanted, but I saw that Litus Corporation had an ad, and I met with Randy Wallace.” Randy hired Kim on the spot to help promote his then-new development in North Myrtle Beach, Bay Tree Golf Resort. “Dad and I went for a walk on the beach, and he asked me how much I would make. He stopped dead in his tracks when I told him– asking me why he paid for a college education so I could make below poverty level.” Kim laughed, remembering this pivotal conversation. “I just knew Litus was the place I wanted to start my career.”

In 1987, Kim lost her job when new tax laws made investing in second homes less attractive. “I was hired by Briarcliffe Mall as the Marketing Director,” Kim remembered. After two years, Kim moved up the ladder of success again, and went to work for Davis Advertising. “They had just landed The Litchfield Company account, and I was asked to manage it.”

Eventually, Kim realized she wanted to expand her skills by working for a larger agency and moved to Clearwater, Florida, to work for FKQ Advertising. “I was the right hand person for the daughter of the owner,” Kim said. But, no matter where Kim went, she always ended up back in the Grand Strand area. “Before I left for Florida, I was handling The Litchfield Company account. This was during the time they declared bankruptcy after Hurricane Hugo.” When The Litchfield Company came out of bankruptcy, they called Kim in Florida to ask if she would come onboard as their Marketing Director. “I was hired to work for four years. This was extended until 2002 when we developed The Reserve, but at that time, my work with The Litchfield Company was pretty much done.”

It was suggested to Kim that she should start her own company. She was familiar with hiring experienced freelancers and building teams to solve a business’s marketing issues. “I started Fox Marketing in 2002.” Kim told me real estate resort amenity communities are her specialty.

“I don’t do what I do for the money – I do it because I love it – I can’t image doing anything else,” Kim told me. “My commerce is that I’m making some kind of impact – on a person’s life, business or on a non-profit.”

I asked Kim about her life and faith outside of the office and she shared another fascinating story. “I grew up in church; before my parents divorced they were very active. My mom became the president of the women’s circle, which was a big deal then.” Continuing, Kim said, “Down the street a Baptist church burned to the ground. My mom went to the minister and said she wanted to invite the women of that church to join her circle while the church was rebuilt. The minister said no – because that Baptist church was an African American church.” Kim’s mother left the church, never to return, and after her parent’s divorce, Kim stopped attending as well.

“My good friend, Troi Kaz, used to ask me to go to church with her at All Saints in Pawleys Island,” Kim said, remembering. “She finally convinced me to join a group studying Rick Warren’s book, A Purpose Driven Life. I agreed to go to church and the study group – and it changed my life.” Today, 12 years later, Kim is an active member of Christ the King Grace Waccamaw Church in Pawleys Island. “I have grown so much in my faith. I feel like I walk in church on Sunday carrying the dirt and soot and mess of the week, and I walk out clean again.”

Kim is also passionate about her volunteer work with many area non-profits. “Currently I’m chair of the board of directors for Teach My People,” Kim shared. “I’ve been involved for about 15 years. I have a passion for this ministry because I’ve witnessed life changing experiences with our students.” Kim shared a wonderful story that exemplifies Teach My People’s wonderful work. “Our first graduate from Teach My People went to Newbern College and got a job in Human Resources after he graduated. He soon realized this wasn’t his calling and wanted to go back to school. He came home and is now working for us as our 5th grade teacher!” Kim continued, saying this young man works for Teach My People while attending Wesley University where he is studying for his Master’s Degree in Counseling. “He is the representative of what Teach My People is all about,” Kim said proudly.

I asked Kim to share her advice for younger women starting out in their careers. “I think people should listen to themselves a little more. Let your friends and family weigh in, but ultimately it’s your decision – let your feelings and dreams drive where you go and what you do. Like the walk on the beach with my dad – I had this tickle in my tummy telling me that this was the right place for me to start my career – and I’ve trusted my heart and the tickle in my tummy throughout my life.”

“I love Pawleys Island,” Kim said as we finished our chat. “I’ve been blessed to be able to travel quite a bit and have never found anyplace I love more. Why should I retire? People work and save their entire lives to come here to live.”