Striving for Greatness

Brooke Kromer’s Guide to Balance, Beauty & New Beginnings

By Caitlyn Burrus | Photography courtesy of Kromer Collective and by Hannah Drew Photography

From the roar of NFL stadiums to the rhythm of waves rolling onto the white sands along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A, Brooke Kromer has learned that life, like football, is all about balance, discipline, and heart. Raised in the fast-paced world of professional sports and now thriving in the relaxed yet driven energy of the Emerald Coast, Kromer embodies what it means to evolve, finding purpose in each new chapter while staying rooted in wellness and authenticity.

FFor Brooke, growing up in a football family meant constant motion and a series of new beginnings. Her father, longtime NFL coach Aaron Kromer, and her brother Zak’s career in the league gave her a front-row seat to what it takes to build success from the inside out. “It was amazing—adventurous,” she says of being the daughter of an NFL coach. “We moved every few years, always meeting new people. Being around greatness your whole life tends to breed success. There’s no option when you grow up in a world like that. You’re always driven.”

Watching her father build teams left a lasting impression on her. “I learned how to build a team by watching him do it his whole life,” she says. “That’s something I’ve carried into real estate now. Health and wellness were also pillars for us. We were taught to eat well, work hard, and strive for greatness in every area of life.”

That competitive edge naturally carried Brooke into her first career, sports broadcasting, where she spent years reporting on the sidelines of the NFL, sharing the stories and “why” behind some of the game’s greatest athletes. “Growing up around the NFL, I didn’t know anything else,” she says. “But I always admired the strong women on the sidelines telling the players’ stories, sharing their why with the world. That became my passion.”

Breaking into a field often dominated by legacy and connections presented its own challenges. “A lot of people thought I was handed opportunities because of my dad,” she admits. “He may have opened the door, but I was the one keeping it open. I had to work twice as hard to prove myself.” Yet, the rewards outweighed the struggle. “The relationships I built were incredible. The NFL is a small community; the people become family. Everywhere I go, I have someone from that world who feels like home.”

Then came a turning point. Like many, Brooke’s perspective shifted during the pandemic. “I had been racing toward this dream of being on the NFL Network,” she says. “When the world slowed down, I had time to think. I came to 30A, and I realized peace could also be part of success. I didn’t have to give up every weekend, every holiday, every birthday to feel fulfilled.”

That clarity led her to pivot into real estate, a career that merged her love of people, storytelling, and strategy. “All those years building relationships and being a journalist prepared me for this,” Brooke says. “Now I help athletes and families make smart, joyful investments, whether it’s a second home or a beach getaway where they can truly unwind.”

Today, Brooke leads Kromer Collective, a growing real estate team on 30A that reflects her core values of collaboration, excellence, and authenticity. “I watched my dad build teams his whole life, and now I get to do that in my own way,” she says. “Everyone on my team has something special about them—maybe they’re better than me at something, or are still discovering their strengths. Helping them find that and realize their potential is what makes it so rewarding.”

Life on 30A has proven to be the perfect backdrop for her next act. “The wellness aspect of being here is huge,” she shares. “You can park your car and just be. Take long walks, enjoy the beach, and feel that peace. Everyone’s in such a positive mindset, it attracts people at the top of their game who are looking for balance.”

Balance has become Brooke’s mantra, and it’s reflected in every part of her routine. “I’ve started waking up earlier, reading my Bible, and beginning my day with gratitude,” she says. “Pilates has challenged me in the best way, and long walks on the beach are my therapy. It’s about feeding my body physically, mentally, and spiritually.”

Her approach to beauty and confidence is equally grounded. “Even if I’m not going anywhere, I take time to do my hair and makeup. It’s not about vanity, it’s about showing up for yourself,” she explains. “Confidence doesn’t come naturally; I had to work on it. Starting to speak on camera at sixteen taught me how to hype myself up, and now I love hyping up others. Whether it’s walking onto a sideline or into a client meeting, I remind myself that I deserve a seat at the table.”

Her definition of success has evolved, too. “In sports media, success was about me climbing the ladder,” Brooke reflects. “Now, it’s about us, my team, my clients, and our shared growth. That’s the best part.”

As for advice to anyone standing at a crossroads, Brooke’s answer is simple: “Say yes to opportunities. Even if you don’t know what’s next, walk through that open door. Moving to 30A and starting from the bottom was scary, but it’s brought me so much joy. You never want to look back and wonder, ‘what if?’”

For Brooke Kromer, life on 30A isn’t just a change of scenery from the hustle of the sports world; it’s where faith, purpose, and passion align. “This is my meant-to-be space,” she says, smiling. “I’ve been coming here since I was nine, and it feels like home. Finding what makes you special—that’s the real key to success. When you’re unapologetically yourself, abundance follows.”

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To get to know more about Brooke Kromer, follow @brookekromer on Instagram. To learn more about Kromer Collective, visit KromerCollective.com and follow @kromercollective on Instagram.