In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Kim Hamilton discuss:

• Kim's 32-year real estate career and love of helping people build their dreams

• Origin of the caramel apple fundraisers and early small-scale impact

• Partnership with Dominican Starfish Foundation to build homes in the Dominican Republic

• Faith, prayer, and "impossible math" enable multiple full homes to be funded

• Growth of the project to 11 homes, plus opportunities for others to donate or buy apples to support it

Key Takeaways:

• Kim's real estate career began unexpectedly after losing a low-paying job, which pushed her to attend real estate school and ultimately build a 32-year career.

• The caramel apple project started small—raising just $1,000 after Hurricane Maria, but it revealed how even modest efforts can create real change, like putting roofs on homes.

• Partnering with the Dominican Starfish Foundation allowed Kim to channel every dollar from her apples directly into 750-square-foot cement-block homes, complete with beds, appliances, and running water, and each house doesn't just shelter one family; it also provides work for local crews, multiplying the impact.

• Throughout the journey, Kim repeatedly hit emotional and financial "walls," quitting or doubting she could reach ambitious targets like $15,000 or $20,000 per home.

• Individual stories: a young mother who lost her hand in a machete attack, a bishop's family, a blind mother with a disabled child, and a family whose home collapsed show how specific and personal the need really is.

"Find what brings you joy, find what you're passionate about, and figure out how to use it to make a difference in this world."

-Kim Hamilton

About the guest, Kim Hamilton:

Kim Hamilton is a 32-year real estate professional whose love of people and service led her to create a unique mission-driven project: gourmet caramel apples that fund homes for families in extreme poverty in the Dominican Republic. Drawing on her faith, her experience as an LDS missionary there, and her skills as an entrepreneur and connector, Kim partners with the 100% donor-funded Dominican Starfish Foundation to turn every apple into tangible impact—safe, cinder-block homes with utilities, furnishings, and dignity for families who previously lived in makeshift shelters. Since 2022, through relentless work, community support, and what she calls God's "impossible math," Kim has raised funds for 11 homes.

Order Kim's Apples today! 100% of proceeds go to families in need in the Dominican Republic: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGjmG9zc2wMHIYcog3Rswb5mk7k0sgFLt9lQwkk301-CXrSw/viewform

Connect with Kim Hamilton:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caramel_apple_homes/?__d=1%252F

Charity Website: https://www.dominicanstarfish.org/

CONNECT WITH CHERYL:

Website: www.cherylknows.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/

Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.