Mika Kleinschmidt has become a household name for fans of HGTV, thanks to her charisma, creativity, and deep knowledge of real estate and design. Alongside her husband, Brian Kleinschmidt, she stars in the hit series 100 Day Dream Home, helping families build custom houses in record time. But behind her public success lies a private story rooted in family, resilience, and cultural awareness.
To truly understand Mika’s rise to fame and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life, we have to take a step back and look at her foundation. Her parents—Thomas McGee and Yolanda Pozzi—were the first major influences in her life, helping shape the woman who now helps others build their dream homes.
Who Is Mika Kleinschmidt?
Born on March 30 in Tampa, Florida, Mika is a proud Florida native who’s turned her talents in real estate and interior design into a thriving business and TV presence. She’s warm, confident, and always seems to know exactly how to turn a client’s vision into a reality. While 100 Day Dream Home put her in the national spotlight, her appearance on Rock the Block further solidified her reputation as a savvy, bold, and innovative competitor.
But Mika didn’t just wake up one day with this energy and determination. Much of it was nurtured during her early years growing up in a military household—moving frequently, adapting quickly, and learning the value of hard work from her parents.
Meet Her Father: Thomas McGee
Thomas McGee, Mika’s father, is a proud military man. He served with dedication and discipline, and though he prefers to stay out of the public eye, his impact on Mika’s life is hard to miss. Growing up with a father in the military meant a life filled with change. The family moved often, packing up and starting over in new cities and sometimes new countries.
For many, that level of change might feel overwhelming. But for Mika, it became a blessing in disguise. Thomas’s structured approach to life helped build in her a sense of order and accountability. Whether it was showing up on time, finishing what she started, or being respectful of different cultures and environments, those values stuck.
And it wasn’t just about structure. Thomas also modeled resilience. Moving across borders, settling into unfamiliar neighborhoods, and starting fresh became the norm. Mika learned how to find comfort in uncertainty and confidence in being the “new kid.” Those lessons show up today in how she handles unexpected challenges on job sites or helps clients stay calm under pressure.
Growing Up in a Military Family: Lessons That Last
Mika often speaks about how her childhood shaped her ability to adapt. While some kids grow up with the same neighbors and teachers for years, Mika was constantly on the move. That lifestyle may have meant saying goodbye often, but it also meant saying hello to new experiences—and building a toolset for life that few people ever acquire.
One of the most significant periods of her youth was spent in Germany. Being immersed in a foreign culture at a young age expanded her understanding of the world and gave her a deep appreciation for diversity. This global awareness now shows up in how she designs homes, communicates with clients, and builds inclusive teams.
Military life also demanded flexibility. No two homes were the same, no two schools were alike. Mika had to learn how to make friends quickly, how to read the room, and how to find stability within her own family even when everything outside was unfamiliar. Today, that same flexibility is a secret weapon in the fast-paced world of real estate and design.
Meet Her Mother: Yolanda Pozzi
On the other side of Mika’s upbringing was her mother, Yolanda Pozzi—a woman known for grace, strength, and wisdom. Yolanda played a critical role in keeping the family grounded, especially during those constant moves. She created a home wherever they landed and taught Mika the importance of culture, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
Though Yolanda has kept a relatively low public profile, her influence on Mika is undeniable. She brought a rich cultural background into the home, exposing Mika to traditions, foods, and values that expanded her worldview. More than that, Yolanda helped Mika develop a deep appreciation for different perspectives—a trait that continues to serve her well when working with clients of all backgrounds and styles.
While Thomas modeled structure and discipline, Yolanda offered emotional support and connection. She encouraged curiosity, celebrated milestones, and provided comfort through each relocation. It’s clear that Yolanda’s love and warmth helped Mika feel secure, no matter where they were living.
How Her Parents’ Influence Shows Up Today
If you’ve ever watched Mika on 100 Day Dream Home, you’ve probably noticed how she blends structure with empathy, confidence with kindness. That balance is no accident—it’s a direct reflection of her upbringing.
From her dad, she inherited the ability to plan, organize, and see a project through from start to finish. From her mom, she developed emotional awareness, creativity, and a passion for connecting with others. Together, these influences created a powerhouse professional who can handle construction chaos one minute and calm a stressed client the next.
When Mika walks onto a property, she’s not just seeing walls and windows. She’s imagining how a family will live, laugh, and grow there. She’s listening not just to what a client says but to what they mean. That emotional intelligence, combined with a strong sense of design, is what makes her such a trusted partner in home building.
A Family Legacy That Lives On
Today, Mika is married to Brian Kleinschmidt, her high school sweetheart and business partner. Together, they’ve built more than homes—they’ve built a brand. Known as “Tampa Bay’s Dream Couple,” the two are beloved for their genuine chemistry, work ethic, and the way they balance each other professionally and personally.
But behind this modern-day power couple are the quieter forces that helped shape them—people like Thomas McGee and Yolanda Pozzi. While they might not appear on TV or attend premieres, their impact is woven into every house Mika helps design and every show she stars in.
Their values—hard work, empathy, discipline, and love—are still guiding lights in her journey.
Final Thoughts
Mika Kleinschmidt’s story is not just one of talent and television fame. It’s a story rooted in family, forged through change, and shaped by two incredible parents who helped her become the woman she is today.
Her father, Thomas, gave her the tools to face life’s challenges head-on, while her mother, Yolanda, taught her to navigate life with heart and humility. These lessons are more than just childhood memories—they’re the foundation for her success as a designer, entrepreneur, and role model.
So the next time you watch 100 Day Dream Home or see Mika transforming someone’s living space, remember: behind that calm, confident smile is a lifetime of wisdom passed down through love, travel, culture, and unwavering parental support.