President's Award Q4 2024: Kirstin Boatto

Kirstin joined CRI in 2017 as a part-time consultant - a role that allowed her to balance professional responsibilities with her graduate school coursework. With an academic background in Advertising and Journalism, and recent experience from a marketing position, she quickly found ways to apply her skills beyond her initial assignment. What began as a part-time opportunity on the operations side of the company soon evolved into the foundation for her current role as CRI’s Vice President, Marketing.

Today, Kirstin oversees all aspects of CRI’s marketing strategy, branding, content, and communications - continuing to strengthen the company’s voice, expand its reach, and drive its influence within the relocation industry.

When she’s not steering CRI’s marketing vision, Kirstin’s out exploring trails with her gentle giant of a dog, Gus; spending quality time with her family; and staying curious - rediscovering the magic in everyday moments through her young daughter’s wide-eyed questions and wonderfully unfiltered view of the world.

Q&A

What makes up a good team?

A good team starts with a shared passion for success - everyone needs to be aligned and working toward the same goals. It's also important that each person brings their own unique skill set to the table. Building a strong team is like putting together the right pieces of a puzzle; every role matters. Success is truly a collective effort, so having a diverse team - one with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives - ultimately drives success forward.

What are three critical traits a client should look for in a prospective relocation management company?

I would apply this not just to relocation companies, but really to any vendor that’s trusted with outsourced work. First, you want a partner who brings a clear vision - a combination of strong strategy and the ability to execute effectively. Second, you need someone with true expertise, someone who knows the industry inside and out. And third, especially in relocation, you want a company that’s solution-oriented: they should be able to anticipate challenges and bring you answers before you even realize there’s a problem.

Best Advice:

One of my college professors used to say this on repeat: "Bring me solutions, not just problems” For example, if I'm the CEO, I'm here to help you, I can work with you to refine a solution, but I can't fix a problem you haven't thought through." That really stuck with me.

In other words, we're never going to get the best answer until everyone has given some serious thought to the challenge and comes to the table with a solution for that challenge.

Worst Advice:

Any advice that tells you to ignore your gut instinct. Our initial reactions are often the most honest and raw, and I believe we need to put more trust in those reactions.

If you could relocate anywhere, where would it be?

The Pacific Northwest. I love the cozy, gloomy weather - it’s perfect for productivity and reflection.

What’s something you're excited about?

Our upcoming family vacation to Michigan! Just watching my daughter be excited for these little mundane things, like her first memory of traveling on an airplane…that excites me.