In the sun-soaked enclave of Orange County, life is anything but ordinary. For Gina Kirschenheiter, star of “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” and her partner, Travis Mullen, each day is a blend of glamour, determination, and a whole lot of heart. Together, they juggle a lively household that includes their blended family of six kids and two Australian Mountain Doodles. Now, they’ve added another exciting chapter to their story: launching The Gated Group powered by eXp Realty. (Read the press release here.)
“Orange County is known for its gates – symbols of exclusivity, style, and ambition. But for us, they’re more than that,” Gina explains. “We believe every gate is an invitation to be opened – an opportunity to find your dream home, sell with style, or build your future.”
Reflecting on their bustling lives, Gina adds with a smile, “We’ve been incredibly fortunate – our lives are full. With six kids ranging from 9 to 14, two dogs, and two full-time careers, life is a lot, but it’s also full of love.”
From Reality TV to Realty
Gina’s journey to real estate started unexpectedly. After moving from Long Island to Southern California for her former husband’s career, she found herself cast in “The Real Housewives of Orange County” – a leap that brought her fame. Gina sees real estate as the perfect segue to fulfill her passion for homes and a practical next step in her career.
“Being on the show has been a great platform,” she admits. “But it’s not forever. Real estate feels like something I can grow into and build for myself. Helping someone find their home – where their family will create memories – that’s incredibly fulfilling.”
Her partner, Travis, shares that sense of purpose. A senior financial analyst at Natera, a genetic testing company, Travis holds a master’s in accounting and boasts an extensive financial background. While balancing his day job and co-parenting responsibilities, he encouraged Gina to get her real estate license. “She’s so personable, and I knew she’d excel at it,” he says.
A New Chapter with eXp Realty
Gina and Travis were drawn to eXp by its innovative business model and collaborative culture. For the couple, the decision was both strategic and deeply personal.
“We were with a local team initially, which served its purpose,” Gina explains. “But we wanted to branch out, do things our way, and build a brand that feels authentic to us.”
Travis, ever the numbers guy, dug into the details. “eXp’s cloud-based model just made sense for us. We weren’t utilizing office space, and the cap on commission splits is a huge plus,” he notes. “But what really sealed the deal were the people. Agents like Michele Roderick and Courtney Twiss reached out at just the right time, offering guidance and making us feel supported.”
Gina agrees. “I thrive on connection. With eXp, I feel a sense of community that’s rare in real estate. It’s not hyper-competitive – it’s collaborative. That’s how I like to work.”
Blending Family, Fame, and Ambition
Despite their demanding schedules, Gina and Travis have already closed $8.5 million in sales this year. Their success is a testament to their complementary skills. Gina shines in client-facing roles, from staging homes to hosting open houses. Travis handles the behind-the-scenes work, including paperwork, budgeting, and negotiations.
“It’s a true partnership,” Gina says. “Travis is meticulous and kind, while I love the creative side – house hunting, staging, connecting with clients. We play to our strengths.”
They plan to join eXp Luxury, leveraging Gina’s visibility on “Housewives” to tap into high-end markets and international networks via their Gated Group brand.
Gina’s Mantra Is Authenticity
For Gina, authenticity is non-negotiable. “Whether it’s on the show or in real estate, the biggest compliment I get is that I’m real. You can’t fake your way through this,” she says.
That authenticity resonates with her growing network of working moms and young professionals, many of whom look to her for inspiration.
“I love hearing from women who say, ‘You inspired me to get my real estate license,’” Gina shares. “Now, with eXp, I can offer them more than encouragement – I can offer them opportunities.”
Looking Ahead
As they juggle a bustling family life, a reality TV career, and a burgeoning real estate business, Gina and Travis are proof that life’s most rewarding paths often come with twists and turns. “We’ve been through challenges, but it’s made us stronger,” Gina reflects. “eXp Realty feels like the right move for us – a chance to build something lasting, together.”
With their characteristic blend of determination, charm, and teamwork, Gina and Travis are redefining what it means to “live the dream” in Orange County – and beyond.
