Corpus Christi Real Producers - March 2022

CORPUS CHRISTI

C O N N E C T I N G .

E L E VAT I N G .

I N S P I R I N G .

INFORM: COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS Walk the Stage Program

RP

AWARDS GALA Special Edition

Photography By TresPiña Photography Photography By Sarah Greaud Photography

MARCH 2022

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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 3

TAB LE OF

CONTENTS 14

15

16

Cover of the Year: Brianna Cortez

Cover of the Year: Cathy Geary Swartz

Male Real Producer of the Year: Gino Montalvo

20

24

27

Team of the Year: All Starrs Team

Industry Icon: Lori Garcia

RISING STAR

Rising Stars of 2021

AWARDS

28

30

33

REALTOR® Assistant of the Year: Jeanette Killian

Informing: Communities In Schools Walk The Stage

Servant’s Heart: Lori Lee Garcia

36

39

40

Female Real Producer & Real Estate Influencer: Melissa Hladyniuk

Broker of the Year: Kamran Zarghouni

Comminity Builder of the Year: Olivia Hill

If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at amanda.carmichael@realproducersmag.com.

DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a Real Producers but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Corpus Christi Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or recommended by The N2 Company or the publisher. Therefore, neither The N2 Company nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies.

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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 5

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FAMILIES | CHILDREN | BRANDING & HEADSHOTS | SENIORS | COUPLES | MATERNITY & MORE!

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MEET THE CORPUS CHRISTI REAL PRODUCERS TEAM

Amanda Carmichael Owner / Publisher

Copy Editor / Writer

Ruth Gnirk

Dr. Kasia Suarez

Rhona Piña

amanda.carmichael@ realproducersmag.com (361) 816-4495

ruth.gnirk @realproducersmag.com

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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 7

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HOW TO WIN AN

publisher’s note

AWARD We live in a world full of diverse people. A world where, no matter what you say or do, and no matter how kind and loving you are, there will always be those who have a problem with you.

There will always be some people that will have all kinds of colorful names and labels to place on you. But if you live your life from a place of truth, love, and integrity, you will know how not to take things personally.

Deep down in your heart, you will understand that when people judge and criticize you, their words and behaviors say little or nothing to you, but it says a lot about who they are themselves.

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson Playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. Nothing enlightened at all about hiding yourself just because some people can’t handle your presence or capabilities.

We are born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone including you. As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. You might be surprised at how a simple inspiration can be life-changing for someone.

Life isn’t about being who others want us to be. It’s about being who we were born to be. It’s about letting our own greatness shine, and hoping that by doing so, we inspire others to do the same. There will be those who are offended by our very existence. Remember: That’s their problem, not yours. You remind them of what they lack and cannot understand.

realproducersmag.com

A lot of people hide from themselves, pretending to be something they are not, behaving in ways that would make others happy. In this process, they lose touch with who they are and limit their potential. Our need to connect and feel that we are accepted by those around us can be costly.

You want people to love you for who you truly are, and not for something you pretend to be just to feel a sense of belonging. Each one of us has unique qualities to contribute to this world.

Trying to be like everyone else, we whittle ourselves away and provide a disservice.

Never allow this mad world to make you think that who you are is not enough and that you have to whittle yourself away just so that you can fit in. Always be a first-rate version of yourself, not a cheap version of everyone else. An original is worth a LOT more than a copy.

Every awardee and nominee holds the courage to be themselves, making them stand out in a crowded industry. I applaud their courageousness and leadership. It’s not easy but the moment you stop and look at the difference you have made in the lives of others you’ll realize that every ounce of sweat equity made it all worthwhile.

Congratulations to all RP awardees!

Amanda Carmichael Publisher-Corpus Christi Real Producers

Corpus Christi Real Producers • 11

12 • March 2022

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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 13

cover of the year Photography By Sarah Greaud Photography

BRIANNA CORTEZ Brianna Cortez Photography

How long have you been a photographer?

I’ve been a photographer for almost two years now.

I’ve always had a passion for taking photos...especially photos of people. Capturing the raw and fun emotions of people and their happiness makes me happy!

It was in May of 2020 that I decided to make photography more than just a hobby...a career. I quit a full-time job and it has been the best decision I’ve ever made for myself!

What are your favorite hobbies, and why?

Photography. Not only is it my business, but it is also my creative outlet. It’s a way for me to have fun using my imagination.

What is your favorite way to give back to our community?

I am not currently involved in any extra activities or charities. I am raising my four children, and we stay very busy!

What are some of your goals for 2022?

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My goal for 2022 is to be better than I was in 2021. To improve my photography, meet more clients and hopefully win cover of the year again!

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be?

Indoor studio work. I struggle with the thought of using non-artificial lighting; it’s something I would love to master and improve on.

What is your go-to song to help you get pumped up?

Anything Cardi B.

COVER OF THE YEAR AWARDS 14 • March 2022

What words of wisdom would you pass on to your childhood self?

Put your all into everything you do. You can do hard things.

You are capable of so much more than you think! @realproducers

cover of the year

CATHY GEARY SWARTZ

Photography By TresPiña Photography

Keller Williams Coastal Bend Realty/All Starr’s Team

16

in a basic cooking class at the Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio! I plan to enroll in numerous other classes throughout the year.

What are some things you appreciate about your brokerage and team?

Who are some people you admire, and what impact did they have on you?

The All Starr’s Team make me want to go to work! They are more than co-workers; they are my family. When they succeed, I succeed. It has been one of my greatest achievements to serve them as their team leader for the past five years. While I will remain on the team, I am proud to announce the passing of the torch to our new team leader, Lauren Pinkston!!

I admire my mother Marty Douglas. She was a REALTOR® for 33 years, and she didn’t just set the bar for ethics: she was and still is the bar. I admire my husband Calvin Swartz. He is a confident, intelligent, and truly genuine person, and he gives me solid and practical advice daily. I admire my best friend Norma Lang, who has more compassion for people and everything than anyone else I know.

I am grateful for Keller Williams’ commitment to our education. They provide a vast array of classes for continuing education. They also give us the freedom to be creative and promote ourselves individually.

Collen Powell. He led a life of public service with such grace and dignity. I had the opportunity to spend an evening with him once! I highly recommend reading his memoir, It Worked For Me: In Life and Leadership. I try to live by his thirteen rules!

How many years have you had your license?

If you could spend one day shadowing someone, who would it be?

What is your go-to song to help you get pumped up?

What are your favorite hobbies?

Anything from the ‘70s. I don’t listen to any other eras.

My husband and I enjoy riding our electric bikes all around Boerne, near our small weekend getaway home, when possible. It’s more like therapy than a hobby!

Everything Dolly! She is one of the happiest people on the planet and loved by all!

What is your favorite way to give back to our community?

What words of wisdom would you pass on to your childhood self?

The Ark in Calallen. It is a shelter for abused, neglected, and displaced children (ark4kids.com). And Homes for Heroes (Homesforheroes.com).

Slow down. Spend more time with the elders in your family.

What are some of your goals for 2022?

To try and balance my work and home life a little more. I accomplished number one on my bucket list in January of this year! I enrolled realproducersmag.com

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, with whom would it be, and why?

Sponsored By

COVER OF THE YEAR AWARDS Corpus Christi Real Producers • 15

GINO MONTALVO

male real producer of the year MALE REAL PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Mirabal Montalvo & Associates

What are your favorite hobbies?

Basketball, crypto, investing, tattoos, traveling, food, sneakers…and anything to help take my mind off the stress of work (ha!)

What is your favorite way to give back to our community?

I’ve been so lucky to be in a business where I come across organizations and outreach programs that help my community. Although we do different things to give back, I focus more on my time with Driscoll Children’s Hospital. As a father, my top worry is my family and their health. I can’t imagine the fear and worries that run through a parent when their child is in need of emergency services. I just want to make sure that I do my part in supporting the amazing people that work at Driscoll Children’s Hospital, along with the families, in any way that I can.

Photography By TresPiña Photography Sponsored By

AWARDS

guidance every day, but occasionally when they get sick of me, I branch out to people like Gary Vee. I admire his bullish attitude on pushing everyone forward, even if his idea sounds out of this world. He makes obtaining wealth and achieving a goal easy and does it in an innovative and effective way. I also admire Ryan Serhant who, for the real estate industry, has changed the way business is done.

If you could spend one day shadowing someone, who would it be? What would you want to learn?

Nine years

What are some of your goals for 2022?

That’s an easy one. My dad! Here’s the thing, though...My dad sadly passed away at the beginning of 2017. In the five years that have passed since, I feel so many things have happened in my life that I wish I could seek his advice on, and share my stories with.

The thing I would want to learn the most is how to balance it all: running a business, being a great husband and father, and figuring out how to have that healthy balance between it all.

What are some things you appreciate about your brokerage and team?

• More content!

• Teach as many as possible the benefits of investing in real estate.

What is your go-to song to help you get pumped up?

How many years have you had your license?

I am lucky to be a part of my family’s brokerage. We have built an atmosphere that has eliminated competition and allows us to have fun and grow together, not only as a family but as one of the top brokerages in town. We take pride in our family and all the families we get to help along the way. It also doesn’t hurt that I, unlike most, can beat my cousin in basketball and call it a “business meeting with my broker.”

“Good Life” by Kanye If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be?

Sticking to a diet

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, with whom would it be?

Who are some people you admire, and what impact did they have on you?

My wife...so I could fix all the things I do to annoy her.

I am surrounded by people I admire in my day-to-day life, from my wife, who keeps me honest and focused to my daughter who has more TikTok followers than me. I look to my inner circle for

What words of wisdom would you pass on to your childhood self?

Invest, invest, invest! Buy as much Bitcoin as possible in 2009.

I am lucky to be a part of my family’s brokerage.

16 • March 2022

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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 17

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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 19

team of the year Photography By TresPiña Photography

REALTOR TEAM OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Sponsored By

ALL STARR’S TEAM Keller Williams Coastal Bend

What are some things you appreciate about your brokerage and each other?

only our teammate, but Ken was also the assistant commander with the South Texas Specialized Crimes and Narcotics Task Force. Cathy Geary Swartz has been the All Starr’s team leader for the past five years, and in 2022 she passed the torch on to Lauren Pinkston.

We are an eclectic group made of 10 individuals that range from a new college graduate to a career REALTOR®, a newly retired nurse, and a border patrol agent. Our team was formed five years ago, and our name was chosen to honor our fellow REALTOR® Ken Starr, after he was killed in a tragic accident. He was not

Our different life experiences are an asset to our clients because we bring a wealth of knowledge to the table.

We all work together, support one another, and celebrate each other’s victories! This group of individuals is like a close-knit family, and we all cherish one another. We succeed as

How many years have you had your license?

The All Starr’s Team has a combined total of 86 years of experience!

20 • March 2022

a team, not just individually, and that is what sets up apart.

Donna Nell Weston was a beloved and well-respected REALTOR® in the Northwest who succumbed to breast cancer after a long battle. Donna is the reason we are all with KW. Being agents with KWCB gives us a huge advantage because we have so many opportunities to further ourselves in our careers. We have endless support provided by the media team, trainings, compliance office, technology team, and most importantly, the support we receive from the leadership team. @realproducers

Our KW Market Center Team Leader, Lori Garcia, is top-notch! There is also something powerful about being with KW because of the reach that they have from the local level to the international level. The All Starr’s focus specifically on the Northwest region of the Coastal Bend.

What is your favorite way to give back to our community?

The All Starr’s team serves our community with two “Little Library” locations in the Northwest area. The Little Libraries are in honor of our loved ones, and they provide free reading materials to the community.

In addition to the Little Libraries, the All Starr’s serve their community by donating their time at the Nueces County Livestock Show sale, which raises money for the children who have participated in projects that year.

What are some of your goals for 2022?

First and foremost, one of our team goals is to continue and expand our

market area so that our office and agents are the first people that consumers call. We all strive to continue to expand our knowledge, and sharpen our craft, in order to reach this goal.

Words of wisdom the team would pass on to their younger selves:

• Don’t confuse your worth with achievement. It’s about the journey and seeing the bigger picture. Take credit for the progress you are making rather than obsessing over being perfect! (Jennifer Goode) • You will learn more from your failures than you will from your wins.

(Marcos Garcia) • Continue working hard; it does pay off...but save more money. And buy that townhome you wanted in Boerne… (Jennifer Butler) • Give serious thought to choosing your soulmate! They will affect the rest of your life and future generations to come. (Cece Ward) • Just slow down. Take your time. The world is such a big place with many opportunities, but you don’t have to

grow up so fast. (Kristi Rodgers) • Pay more attention to the choices you are making. (Cathy Geary Swartz) • Don’t sweat the small stuff, always be yourself, and be kind to everyone! (Allie Murphy) • Have no fear, and start real estate earlier! (Norma Lang) • Do not overthink; just try, starting today. You have the rest of your life to figure out the details! God’s plan is better than mine, and I see His hand in the details throughout my life. Have faith, have fun, and jump into your destiny with both feet.

Whatever you do, never sell yourself short. You have more in you than you realize. (Lauren Pinkston) • Always be a good person and work hard; the rest will come!

(Taylor Garcia)

One of our team goals is to continue and expand our market area so that our office and agents are the first people that consumers call.

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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 23

industry icon Photography By TresPiña Photography

Keller Williams Coastal Bend

LORI GARCIA How many years have you had your license?

17 years What are some things you appreciate about your brokerage and team?

Our amazing diversity and culture and our love of our community.

What are your favorite hobbies?

What are some of your goals for 2022?

To continue to raise the standard in our industry.

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be?

Time management!

Who do you admire, and what impact did this person have on you?

Betty White. She had a true, loving heart for all people and animals.

Most outdoor activities because it helps to reset and reconnect with oneself. I also used to teach a women’s boxing and self-defense class.

I love to empower others!

If you could spend one day shadowing someone, who would it be, and what would you want to learn?

Jerry Jones. I want to learn how his mind works when it comes to marketing and business.

What is your favorite way to give back to our community?

We donate to various charities, mostly children’s organizations, veterans’ organizations, and of course animal shelters/rescues. It’s our responsibility to help defend those that are defenseless.

Our veterans are some of the most special, brave, and selfless individuals in our country and they should always be taken care of.

What is your go-to song to help you get pumped up?

“Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. If you could trade places with any other person for a week, with whom would it be and why?

Betty White. She lived a full life on all levels.

What words of wisdom would you pass on to your childhood self?

Relax; success is who you are.

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24 • March 2022

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RISING STARS OF 2021

A Real Producer Rising Star is a REALTOR® who had defied the odds of being a successful agent.

These are agents who stand out among the crowd, launching their way to the top in three years or less. These are the future industry leaders, paving the way with inspiration for others to follow.

Nami Stone, Keller Williams Coastal Bend

Mylin Anandula, Coldwell Banker Pacesetter Steele

Donnie Garcia, Spears and Company

Stephanie White, KM Premier Real Estate

Carol Graves, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Real Estate Center

Shylo Ochoa, Keller Williams Coastal Bend

Bryce Shirley, Coldwell Banker Pacesetter Steele

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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 27

REALTOR® assistant of the year Photography By Sarah Greaud Photography

JEANETTE KILLIAN

Keller Williams Coastal Bend

How many years have you had your license?

I have held my license for three, but I have been serving KW as the AMCA for five years. I got my license so I could assist with our compliance department, teach classes, and serve as a broker assistant when needed.

What are some things you appreciate about your brokerage and team?

The community. We all come together and highlight each other’s strengths.

Agents teach, mentor, and coach one another in areas in which they excel. The amount of education and support my brokerage brings is phenomenal, and I’m proud to be a part of it!

I was formerly an energy broker and teacher before I came to KW. My mom heard that I was going to interview at a brokerage for a position in their property management sector and invited me to consider KW. It’s been a blast working with my mom and having her

28 • March 2022

encouragement to keep seeing new ways to help my agents.

What are your favorite hobbies?

I’m a bookworm. I have a Bachelor of Arts in English, and literature means a great deal in my home. I love traveling, axe throwing, and board games.

What is your favorite way to give back to our community?

My husband and I are currently licensed through CPS as a foster home and have been providing respite care (interim care while children are seeking placement). The closing of our first case was a bittersweet experience, but we are honored and humbled to be a safe place for children while their family heals.

What are some of your goals for 2022?

I don’t know what my adventure will be this year, but I’m excited to find it.

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be?

I would love to be multilingual so I could converse with everyone!

Who are some people you admire, and what impact did they have on you?

Lori Garcia, my team leader, has taught me how to be tenacious yet compassionate. No one will fight harder for their agents than Lori, and in the same stroke, she’ll turn from a fighter to a therapist as she lends her heart and ear to any agent needing it. I hope to be as fierce and kind as she is.

My aunt Annabelle has been (and is) CFO of several Fortune 500 companies. She has taught me to never

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Love yourself and the right people will find you.

It gets better every day. run away from an opportunity; to face them all head-on as an adventure. She has built so many companies, then searched for the next one to build. I hope to have her courage to leap without hesitation.

What is your go-to song to help you get pumped up?

My mom. She has taught me to see a need and fill it.

Don’t seek recognition or praise and let your actions always speak for you. She has a servant’s heart and will help anyone anytime with whatever they may need. She finds joy in every day, whether it be little or big, and sees everything as a blessing and guidance from God. I hope to have her steadfastness and faith someday.

Marianne, from Sense and Sensibility (because of Colonel Brandon!)

If you could spend one day shadowing someone, who would it be, and what would you want to learn?

Elon Musk. I’d like to learn how to never be afraid of failure and to see it as new opportunities to improve. His creativity and the innovation that he brings to all aspects of his businesses are inspiring, and I’d love to learn more about how he implements that.

“Giants Fall” by Francesca Battistelli If you could trade places with any other person for a week, with whom would it be, and why?

What words of wisdom would you pass on to your childhood self?

Love yourself and the right people will find you. It gets better every day.

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FAMILY | CHILDREN | COUPLES | MATERNITY | GRADUATES | HEADSHOTS | LIFESTYLE

Creating Memories That Last A Lifetime...

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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 29

informing

by Ruth Gnirk

Communities In Schools

WALK THE STAGE Think of your most difficult real estate transaction. Picture the circumstances in your mind and feel them in your heart. Perhaps you or your clients were going through a health crisis, or there were some unforeseen and costly repairs that almost broke the deal. Imagine what it would be like if you were ready to go to the closing table and your clients admitted they were $50 short, but you knew of a trusted local resource

that could cover the required cost.

When your transaction was complete, you and your clients would feel the same joy, relief, and gratitude that hundreds of students in the Coastal Bend will feel this May, thanks to the Communities In Schools Walk the Stage program.

Every year, despite family or health struggles and other odds stacked against them, hundreds of high school

students in the Coastal Bend show up for class, work hard, and complete their high school requirements. However, these students are unable to participate in their graduation ceremony unless they purchase the required cap, gown, and tassel. Gloria Taylor, executive director of Communities in Schools of the Coastal Bend shared that their graduation fundraising program was created so that students who cannot afford the $50 fee can still participate in this important rite of passage.

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Graduating from high school is an important milestone in life, which is why it’s so important to document this moment.

“Graduating from high school is an important milestone in life, which is why it’s so important to document this moment,” shared Yvonne Perez, a Communities in Schools of the Coastal Bend site coordinator. In her recent letter of recommendation for one senior, she shared, “The nominated student is a talented and bright young person who is determined to succeed in life and is not afraid of working hard in order to achieve goals. This student has also demonstrated our school motto of excellence, honor, and service, as well as the values of public education, despite personal challenges.”

That senior is one of over 500 students in Coastal Bend’s 17 school districts who are enrolled in Walk The Stage 2022, and there are hundreds more on a waiting list. A $50 donation will provide the required cap, gown, and tassel for one of the students who would love to walk the stage but cannot afford to. Because Communities in Schools is a non-profit organization, the purchases made for the graduates are tax-free, and a tax write-off can be provided to donors.

Communities in Schools of the Coastal Bend is providing long-term case management for 3300 students this school year, and serving hundreds more on a short-term basis. All participating school buildings have their own Communities In Schools site coordinator and an office that includes a clothing closet for students in need. The site coordinators work hand-in-hand with school counselors, teachers, students, and families to help students achieve their greatest successes possible. Their goal is not only for all students to graduate, but to also be prepared for life.

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If you are stirred to action, you can donate online (ciscoastalbend.org/ walk-the-stage). Alumni can earmark their funds to go to students at their alma mater! How many seniors will you and your team help?

Communities in Schools has been serving students in the Coastal Bend since 1986. They work one-on-one with students, providing academic support, college and career readiness, parental and family engagement, health and human services, and supportive guidance and counseling. Their resource programs include Stuff the Bus (providing school supplies), ChildSpree (pairing

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up students and mentors to shop for back-to-school clothes), Kicks for Class (a new program, created in conjunction with the local Heil Law Firm, providing sports shoes for middle school students), and Walk the Stage (purchasing cap, gown, and tassel for nominated seniors).

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32 • March 2022

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servant’s heart

LORI LEE GARCIA

Photography By TresPiña Photography

RE/MAX Elite

How many years have you had your license?

1 year and 8 months What are some things you appreciate about your brokerage and team?

They are out in the community doing great things for other individuals.

What are your favorite hobbies?

Dancing and lifting weights.

They are both great ways to relieve stress!

What is your favorite way to give back to your community?

Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas Corpus Christi (www. bigmentor.org). My team and I support them because it gives us an opportunity to help kids that may not have a positive role model in their lives.

What are some of your goals for 2022?

To make a positive impact helping as many as I can throughout the year. Get more involved in our community. Spend more quality time with my husband and kids.

Who is a person that you admire?

Jennifer Lopez. She is an example of what a determined mind, hard work, and dedication can do for you. She started from the bottom and rose to the top. After all of the heartache, she still hasn’t given up on love. On top of that, she is bilingual.

She gives back to others and empowers others to do the same!

If you could spend one day shadowing someone, who would it be?

Gloria Estefan. I would want to learn how to run as many companies as she does and how to be successful at it.

What is your go-to song to help you get pumped up?

“Bichota” by Karol G If you could trade places with any other person for a week, with whom would it be, and why?

Frida Kahlo. She represents a symbol of hope, power, and empowerment. She set her own standards. She celebrated characteristics that society labeled unfeminine and ugly. To be able to learn how to have a mindset to just be me, and not worry about what anyone else says or thinks.

What words of wisdom would you pass on to your childhood self?

Many will try to knock you, but never give up!

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be?

Cooking, haha!

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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 33

IDENTIFY

What is the current stress, frustration, problem or challenge I want to deal with?

ASSESS

Why am I experiencing this issue?

REVIEW

What have I already tried to do to address it?

IMPROVE

Am I already addressing the problem the right way and just need to improve the solution?

CHANGE

If I need to do something different, what is it that needs to change?

DEVELOP

If I apply a new solution, what does the new solution look like?

COMMIT

Having determined the solution, have I made a personal commitment to carry the solution out?

ANTICIPATE

What problems am I going to face as I implement the proposed solution?

ELIMINATE

Are there any areas of my process that are wasting my time or resources?

34 • March 2022

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Fill me out and email to info@ellisonhelmsman .com for free feedback!

Solutions are easy to find. Knowing how to find them is the part that requires training. realproducersmag.com

Corpus Christi Real Producers • 35

female real producer of the year and real estate influencer of the year Photography By TresPiña Photography

MELISSA HLADYNIUK Mustang Island Realty

How many years have you had your license?

Three years What are some things you appreciate about your brokerage and team?

As a small real estate agency, we have a large presence in terms of sales volume, community involvement, and pride. The support and mentorship from my brokers Keith McMullin, Suzette Freeman, and Becky Corder is the reason why Mustang Island Realty has made such an impact.

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Prior to holding my real estate license, I offered my expertise to the brokerage helping with their social media and marketing while learning such a lucrative business. Our brokerage is a fierce group, and we all have the same goal in mind: helping clients achieve their dreams of living in paradise.

What are your favorite hobbies?

In typical island fashion, I love spending time at the beach. Whether it be for a walk with my dog, a run, or hanging out with friends for an afternoon of fun in the sun, I love every minute.

REAL ESTATE INFLUENCER

What is your favorite way to give back to our community?

Supporting my children’s schools. The Island Foundation on North Padre Island owns and operates Seashore Early

AWARDS 36 • March 2022

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Childhood Academy (SECA), Seashore Learning Center (SLC), and Seashore Middle Academy (SMA). SLC and SMA are public charter schools that serve more than 400 children from the North Padre Island, Mustang Island, Flour Bluff, and Naval Air Station Corpus Christi communities.

My son currently attends first grade at Seashore, and throughout the year, we support the charter schools through fundraisers. I attend the Barefoot Mardi Gras events and help organize the annual “Whoop It Up” event.

Last year, I had the pleasure of helping organize the “Bubbles and Bags’’ event to support Project Graduation for Port Aransas High School. It was a fun ladies’ night out that included designer handbag raffles. With the support of the community, we were able to raise over $35,000 for Project Graduation!

My daughter was a junior last year and was tasked with the job of fundraising for the seniors so they could have a safe all-night event including games, prizes, food, and fun.

What are some of your goals for 2022?

• To continue reaching as many clients as possible via social platforms! I am honored to have won the real estate influencer award, and I owe many thanks to my followers.

• I am shifting my focus from a sales volume goal to a listing goal in 2022.

I plan to at least double the number of listings I had last year while still meeting and exceeding my clients’ real estate needs.

• I have started to implement a business system to onboard a team of eager new agents. I want to be able to offer a solid business model, which I believe to be an asset when starting out in the real estate industry.

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If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be?

What is your go-to song to help you get pumped up?

The art of time-blocking and sticking to it! I feel as though it would make me more organized as well as maximize my time. I’m working on this but have a long way to go!

“This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman Soundtrack

Who are some people you admire, and what impact did they have on you?

Serena Williams. I would love to live a week in the life of a strong, powerful female athlete like Serena. I look forward to evolving more in my industry, and I would like to experience the level of passion, commitment, and drive that it takes to be successful at something I love.

Jamie Kerr Lima, CEO of IT Cosmetics and author of “Believe IT.” She continues to instill a “non-victim” mentality in me. Life doesn’t always grant us the perfect hand; you can either play it or reshuffle the deck! Bad things will happen in life, and people will say “no” to you, but you cannot live out of that, or you will never succeed with your dreams. Continue to pursue and don’t take “no” for an answer.

If you could spend one day shadowing someone, who would it be?

Dolly Parton. I love how she quietly “maneuvered” her success in a male-dominated industry without the label of “feminist.” She was advocating women’s rights through her art of song without anyone even realizing. She cares about her presence and what she gives back, without allowing opinions to stand in her way. She had a focus, and she kept a strong hold on it. Her appearance was the way she wanted, without caring what other people thought of her. She is always her true, authentic self.

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, with whom would it be and why?

What words of wisdom would you pass on to your childhood self?

Start planning your future younger.

Save for that investment!

“Life is all about choices, and every choice you make has a consequence.

Sometimes those consequences will be good, and sometimes those consequences will be bad. But the only person that has to deal with those consequences is you. So choose wisely.” This is my own personal quote that my children have had to endure hearing for their entire lives! I’m sure it sounds like a broken record at times, but one day they will look back and thank me for it.

I look forward to evolving more in my industry, and I would like to experience the level of passion, commitment, and drive that it takes to be successful at something I love.

Corpus Christi Real Producers • 37

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broker of the year Photography By Sarah Greaud Photography

KM Premier Real Estate How many years have you had your license?

18 What are some things you appreciate about your brokerage/team?

We have a family culture, and we respect each other. Through KM Cares, we support our local community. The team is always willing to help each other. We celebrate each other’s successes, and we want the best for each other.

What are your favorite hobbies?

Reading is one of my favorite hobbies. I believe we all need to continue to learn and be better every day in what we do and why we do it. I try to educate myself every day so I can be a better leader for my KM family.

What are your favorite ways to give back to our community?

We support different charities: The Purple Door, Ark, Hope House, and The Boys and Girls Club. At KM, we believe in giving back to our community. It is one of our main missions and values.

What are some of your goals for 2022?

To continue to impact our community, and help others achieve their goals.

We want to be the real estate agency of choice for our clients.

Who are some people you admire, and what impact did they have on you?

I love my family! My mom and dad are the best, and they are the reason I am who I am today. My wife supports me all the time. My brother is my number one fan. My kids are my world. I love every single KM family member. They are amazing and help me be the best version of myself!

If you could spend one day shadowing someone, who would it be?

I learn every day from my dad! He is truly my role model, and he amazes me every day with his work ethic and commitment.

What is your go-to song to help you get pumped up?

“I’m sexy and I know it.” Just kidding! I don’t have any preference.

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, with whom would it be, and why?

I believe you always have to be thankful for what you have in life, and grateful for the situations you are in. I really try not to wish for something I don’t have, and I try to be thankful for the life I have, and all the amazing people I know that believe in me.

What words of wisdom would you pass on to your childhood self?

Never give up in life. Always have big dreams and don’t settle for less. Your dream is only what you make it. Everything in life is possible! Always believe in yourself for others to believe in you.

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be?

I believe you always have to learn!

Knowledge is power. The more you know, the better you become.

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BROKER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 39

community builder of the year How many years have you had your license?

Photography

By TresPiña Photography

Two years What are some things you appreciate about your brokerage and team?

Key Realty Group

OLIVIA HILL

I appreciate the push for generational wealth and personal growth. Green is an amazing broker who encourages you to achieve whatever your personal real estate goal is. He loves teaching about wealth and encouraging his agents to use their industry knowledge for more than high production numbers. He wants everyone on the team to truly obtain wealth and have something to share with their families for generations to come.

It is such an asset to have a broker who has personally done every form of real estate from residential, new construction, commercial, multi-family, and mixed-use development.

What are your favorite hobbies?

Traveling. I love to explore new places, but more importantly, other cultures. It helps me to better understand people and opens my mind to other views and ideas. It is so important to me to continue learning and appreciating the beauty of diversity. I feel it helps me grow as a person and opens a new door to creativity, communication, and collaboration for the future.

My second favorite hobby is cooking. It is a peace that takes me back to my country roots and the simplicity of my childhood.

What is your favorite way to build up our community?

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COMMUNITY BUILDER

The American Cancer Society is very near and dear to my heart. My mom was diagnosed with an aggressive form of ovarian cancer when I was 4 years old.

AWARDS 40 • March 2022

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The American Cancer Society is very near and dear to my heart.

I have volunteered with the American Cancer Society ever since! They were a fantastic resource to our family and had an impact on so many lives. I am very thankful that my mom is a survivor, and I am grateful for the work of this organization. (www.cancer.org) What are some of your goals for 2022?

1) To finish a mixed-use development in downtown Aransas Pass 2) To 10x my stock portfolio 3) To utilize my technology and engineering background to launch a startup If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be?

I would love to be fluent in Spanish.

Who are some people you admire?

Michelle Obama, Beyonce, and my moms. Michelle Obama was the most decorated first lady in our history and was still constantly ridiculed and

belittled. She chose grace, and as a young black woman, I respect that.

Beyonce because she embodies a confidence that is envied. I also love that she always knows her worth and adds tax.

everything with a customer satisfaction mentality. He has used these skills to build one of the most lucrative companies of our time. Peeking inside his daily habits and thought processes could be life-changing.

And all the women that I call mom, from my biological mother, my grandmother, my mother-in-law, and my bonus mom who embraced me as a child: Mary, Evelena, Marvella, and Sherry. I admire each of their spirits.

They are all so classy, strong, and nurturing and have no fear in letting their personalities fill a room. They do not shrink themselves to make others comfortable, and they have inspired me to be the same way. Without them, I would not be the woman I am today.

What is your go-to song to help you get pumped up?

If you could spend one day shadowing someone, who would it be?

What words of wisdom would you pass on to your childhood self?

I would shadow Jeff Bezos. I would want to learn more about his tactics for efficiency and approaching

Dream even bigger. There really are no limits to what you can do.

“Savage Remix” by Megan Thee Stallion ft. Beyonce If you could trade places with any other person for a week, with whom would it be, and why?

Tracee Ellis Ross because I feel like her personality is so big and her spirit is infectious. She seems to live life so confidently and unapologetically. I love that.

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