Meet Our Executive Team

Bodhi Kraus is a seasoned Real Estate Agent, Mortgage Broker, investor, and entrepreneur based out of Sonoma County in Northern California. Born and raised in the small wooded hillsides of Forestville along Sonoma’s iconic Russian River, Bodhi only left the county to reside in Spain for 9 months and Davis California to attend the University of California Davis, but returned to his roots to run businesses in Sonoma County for his entire career.

That career has continued to grow and expand since 2001 into different businesses, all building a strong foundation through extraordinary service, accessibility and a wide range of experience. His commitment to extraordinary service is founded on the mindset that business is fundamentally about people, not deals.

Because of that he takes a customized personal approach; first to listen and understand client goals and then to educate clients with the best options so they can make the right decision for themselves and their family.

The degree to which Bodhi devotes himself to meeting each and every one of his clients needs shows in all aspects of his service. This service extends beyond the office doors as his resourcefulness and deep connection to the community allows Bodhi to direct clients to a vast network including legal, financial, advisors, contractors etc.

Service is nothing without communication and thus there is always the goal of immediate response for client calls, text, emails or in person meetings. That accessibility to clients and business partners is part of what sets the entire Empower Capital team apart. Calls, emails and texts are returned within 24 hours if not right away.

Bodhi believes in building and maintaining lifelong relationships which is why Empower thrives on repeat clients and referrals which currently makes up 90% of the business. Accessibility continues well after any given transaction ends, not days or months but years and decades.

His service and accessibility is backed up with a wide range of experience. The well-rounded candid and strategic approach has made a giant footprint in the Northern California residential and Commercial Real Estate markets with over 1000 Real Estate Transactions and 300 million in gross sales in the past 15 years in addition to funding thousands of loans.

Bodhi also has exclusive proprietary community bank relationships. After analyzing thousands of client’s personal and business tax returns and asset portfolios he will often meet with clients CPAs and Financial advisors resulting in a vast understanding of short term financial planning leading to long term financial security.

In the same regard, conferring with clients’ attorneys has led to extensive work in divorce, trusts, mitigation finance, bankruptcy, business disputes, foreclosure, eviction, and tax law and being qualified by California superior courts as an expert in real estate financing. In addition to banking he has also owned and managed a private escrow division and represented and managed multiple elderly care businesses and real estate.

While service, accessibility and experience is the foundation to his successful businesses, none of that is possible without being able to clear the mind and enjoy life. Vacation time is often spent with his wife and two children visiting family in other countries like Italy, Costa Rica and Mexico or a long weekend to the East Coast or Hawaii. Meditation time consists of pruning his fruit and olive orchard, maintaining a huge organic vegetable garden or thinning and rearranging the flower gardens. Leisure time usually is comprised of water sports, golf, fitness, hiking or enjoying one of the many great restaurants Wine Country has to offer.

Phone: (707) 280-1007
Email: bodhi@empowercapitalgroup.com

 

Jennifer is a licensed real estate broker, an experienced and successful professional, facilitating real property transactions for over 15 years in Sonoma County. Living here for over 30 years, she is knowledgeable, familiar with the local market and dedicated to protecting your interests. Working as your trustee and advocate, she will be there for you to lean on. Her goal is to build a relationship in order to best serve your needs. She loves meeting new people and helps her clients to quickly feel comfortable. An expert in the art of negotiation; she will skillfully represent you in residential real estate, vineyard & winery property and undeveloped land acquisition/sales. She has worked with hundreds of seniors, and truly understands how to patiently assist them, along with their families. She is an expert VA and FHA Buyers Agent.

With a pleasant personality and sweet disposition, Jennifer is your ideal consultant. Being sensitive to the differing business styles of each client, she communicates well and often in your preferred method: in person, by phone, via email and text messaging. She understands acquiring or disposing of real property can be stressful and she is there to counsel you through each step of the entire process. Many out-of-area Realtor’s know they can count on Jennifer to treat their Sonoma County bound client referrals with the utmost loyalty and care.

Phone: (707) 293-8009
Email: jpeschken@hsmartadvantage.com

 

With over 20 years of lending experience, I will hold your hand through the home buying process. My clients work with me for experience and expertise in the buying process. I consistently close loans that others say can’t be done!

Whether you are first time home buyer, purchasing your dream home, refinancing, or consolidating debt, our dedicated team can help you take that first step toward a financial solution.

I have an instilled appreciation for your personal and family time. This allows me to streamline the process for you. I handle all the loan details and let you enjoy your time.

Phone: (707) 303-1184 (habla espanol)
Email: marcy@empowercapitalgroup.com

 

After graduating from UC Santa Cruz, I began my career in lending with a local financial institution upon returning home to Sonoma County. Through the banking world, I found my passion in lending. With over 10 years of commercial and residential experience, plus vast knowledge in a variety of residential lending products,  I am prepared to guide you through the lending process from start to finish. I am your Residential Loan Specialist.

I serve my customers with compassion, integrity, and tenacity. My drive is to go above and beyond my regular duties to help my borrowers achieve financial success in every situation and circumstance. Helping my clients achieve the dream of home ownership is extremely gratifying, but educating them along the way is absolute satisfaction. Most importantly, I stick with my customers as long as it takes to get them a place to call home.

I would consider it an honor to help you obtain a mortgage when you purchase your next home! Hablo Español

Phone: (707) 522-1887
Email: elsa@empowercapitalgroup.com

 

Catrina started in the finance world over 20 years ago. She has helped and continues to help businesses make critical financial decisions by collecting, tracking, and correcting the company’s finances. She is responsible for financial audits, reconciling bank statements, and ensuring financial records are accurate throughout the year. Empower has been a great company to work for, they have become family. We have had many great gatherings and trips together. I’m a mother of two beautiful girls! We love staying active, hiking, going to the beach and being with friends and family.

Phone: (707) 303-1180
Email: catrina@empowercapitalgroup.com