Paul and his son at Ruby's grand opening
Looking back at Paul Kott’s activities as an Anaheim High student, it comes as no surprise that this life-long Anaheim resident would become a community leader and active volunteer in many philanthropic organizations.
A prominent businessman and owner of Paul Kott Realtors, he was a member of the varsity basketball team, elected the squad’s most inspirational player. A member of the AHS Ski Club, Paul also served on the Associate Student Body as Safety & Welfare Secretary, responsible for keeping the Colony’s campus clean and attractive. Along with those duties, Paul’s and his Colonist committee undertook an annual clothing drive and canned food drive, rallying the entire student body to support the city’s needy citizens.
Paul, along with his family and company of realtors, is still actively involved in local volunteer efforts. He served as chairman of the Anaheim YMCA in 2002/03 and has been a board member of the organization for more than 15 years.
He’s also lent his time and energy to Paint Your Heart Out Anaheim, The Boys and Girls Club, the Anaheim Historical Society, the local Little League and, of course, the Anaheim High School Alumni Association, as a Founding Member and Colonist Club donor.
In addition, Paul has served on the City of Anaheim Redevelopment Commission and as a hearing officer for the Orange County Tax Assessment Appeals Board for 10 years.
In recognition of his community service, Paul has been recognized as the 1998 and 2002 Anaheim’s Man of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce. Cypress College voted him Citizen of the Year in 1999.
Paul earned a language degree from USC and speaks fluent Spanish, which he says has been an asset in his business and life as a community volunteer.
Along with all his hard work, Paul makes time for fun.
At one point in his life, Paul traveled across the country as a professional magician and street performer. For a time, he had a regular show a Miami nightclub and also made appearances along the East Coast and the Bahamas. Paul said working the entertainment circuit was a non-traditional lifestyle that he loved.
When a friend’s father, a commercial real estate broker, caught Paul’s magic act he became a fan and encouraged Paul to put his talents and charisma to work in the world of real estate. Paul recalls that his father’s friend “took me under his wing, showed me the ropes and convinced me to earn my real estate license.”
After paying his dues working for other companies in commercial and residential real estate, Paul decided to open his own company with the backing and blessing of his wife, Lisa (Robinson) Kott, also an AHS graduate.
On his mother’s birthday, April 12, 1982, Paul opened Paul Kott Realtors. When Paul started his company, it was his mother who worked as his secretary. From this family twosome, Paul expanded his staff to 30 members within two years.
When not working, Paul can be found enjoying the beach, Angel’s baseball, Trojan football, Duck’s hockey, numerous cultural events or practicing his magic. A lifetime member of the Hollywood Magic Castle, Paul often is an audience to other talent magicians when he’s not performing himself.
