Joni first visited the Bitterroot Valley in 1980.  She felt it was the closest place to Alaska, her home State.  After moving here, she quickly realized there was not much need for a sign language interpreter due to the low deaf population.  She quickly jumped into a new experience-retail.  She bought Simply Elegant Bridal & Formal Wear and operated it for 13 years.  Joni became very active in the Downtown Merchant's Association and Chamber of Commerce.
After opening two more retail stores, she chose to stay home with her two small boys.  Now that they are in elementary school, Joni has become a real estate agent.  Her first 9 months in business were very productive and in 2005 she was one of the top producers for her agency.  Real estate has been a passion since buying her first home at age 19.  Now she is sharing that passion with sellers and buyers.  Knowing the importance of word of mouth referrals through her business experience, Joni appreciates the referrals from past customers and clients. 
Joni is married to Kent Kearns of Kearns & Sons Building Contractors.  Having been a part of the building industry for the past 25 years has given Joni the opportunity to learn about real estate from an investor, a builder and a developer's point of view.