NORTH DFW
I N F O R M I N G
A N D
I N S P I R I N G
R E A L
E S TAT E
A G E N T S
RISING STAR OSHAE CAUSEY INSPIRATIONAL REALTOR JAMES SHARP SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT AMERICAN FINANCIAL NETWORK
TRANSFORMATIONAL GROWTH Photography by Photography By Spross
NOVEMBER 2018
10 SECOND RETIREMENT TEST
Has your advisor ever had a 33% return? or 24%? Perhaps an 18%? Do you have a REAL RETIREMENT PLAN on paper (or is it just a stack of Statements)?
214-220-8884
2 • November 2018
YES
NO
www.realproducersmag.com • 3
TA BLE OF
CONTENTS 06
09 08
10
Index of Trusted Partners
Publisher’s Note
Inspirational Tips From the Realtor Top James Sharp
15
18
21
Launch Party
Sponsor Spotlight American Financial Network
Question of the Month
22 16
20 26
24 28
Rising Sponsor Star Spotlight Oshae Photography Causey By Spross
Rising Notable Star Neighbor- Sakina Ismaelbay hood
Cover FAQ About Story Christie This Magazine Cannon
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Call for a FREE inspection for home owners and homes under contract: 214-307-4060 4 • November 2018
MEET THE NORTH DFW REAL PRODUCERS TEAM
Jordan Espeseth
Missy Kremer
Zach Cohen
Dawn Pepper-Lenci
Publisher
Editor/Writer
Writer
Writer
If you are interested in contributing or nominating realtors for certain stories, please email us at northdfw@realproducersmag.com DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 Publishing but remain solely those of the author(s). The publication contains paid advertisements by local companies. These companies are not endorsed or specifically recommended by N2 Publishing or the publisher. Therefore, neither N2 Publishing nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies. NOTE: When community events take place, photographers may be present to take photos for that event and they may be used in this publication.
Gary Petty
Zach Spross
Scott Peek
Photographer/Writer
Videographer/ Photographer
Photographer
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(877)359-0008 www.realproducersmag.com • 5
PREFERRED PARTNERS
This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community!
BUILDER PulteGroup (972) 304-2842 pulte.com ENGRAVED CLOSING GIFTS VinoSay Engraving Ray Southwell (469) 396-6529 vinosay.com FINANCIAL PLANNER Lincoln Wealth Advisors (214) 220-8884 lincolnwealth.com FLOORING Magnum Flooring Doug Trumbull (972) 877-1839 magnumflooring.net FOUNDATION REPAIR Digg Foundation Repair Scott Winn (214) 307-4060 diggfoundationrepair.com
Perma Pier (214) 637-1444 perma-pier.com HOME INSPECTION Elite Inspection Group (469) 818-5500 eigdallas.com The Inspection House (512) 686-0097 theinspectionhouse.com INSURANCE DFW Insurance Services Adrienne Baker (972) 781-1115 insurewithdfw.com MORTGAGE LENDER American Financial Network, Inc. Daniel Munoz (214) 473-5984 afncorp.com / danielmunoz
The Tuttle Group Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (469) 319-0660 thetuttlegroup.com
ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION Recover Roofing (844) 343-7663 recoverroofing.com
PHOTOGRAPHY Scott Peek Photography Scott Peek (469) 587-2300 scottpeekphotography.com
TITLE COMPANY Kensington Vanguard National Title of TX (214) 529-3840 kv-lonestar.com
PHOTOGRAPHY / VIDEO PRODUCTION Photography by Spross Zach Spross (469) 307-1295 photographybyspross.com
UTILITY CONCIERGE Utility Concierge (800) 587-3160 utilityconcierge.com
PROFESSIONAL PICTURE HANGING SERVICE Perfect Frames (877) 359-0008 pframes.us
VIDEOGRAPHY / PHOTOGRAPHY Petty Films Gary Petty (817) 271-1256 pettyfilms.com
Magnum Flooring has been in business for 15+ years
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FAQ
About This Magazine
We realize that Real Producers is a new concept here in North DFW, and some of you may be wondering what it is all about. That is why we have created a “FAQ’s About This Magazine” page. Here we will answer the most commonly asked questions around the country regarding our program. My door is always open to discuss anything regarding this community – this publication is 100 percent designed to be your voice! Q: WHO RECEIVES THIS MAGAZINE?
A: The top 500 agents in North Dallas/Fort Worth. We pulled the MLS numbers (by volume) from June 2017 – May 2018 in the North DFW area: Collin County, Denton County, Rockwall County along with a few other locations in Dallas County that are North of I-635. We cut the list off at #500, and the distribution was born. For this year’s list, the minimum production level for our group is $8.3 million. The list will reset at the end of 2018 for next year and continue to update annually.
About This Magazine
azine is a part of this community. They will have an ad in every issue of the magazine, attend our quarterly events, and be a part of our online community. We don’t just find these businesses off the street, nor do we work with all businesses that approach us. One or many of you have recommended every single preferred partner you see in this publication. We won’t even meet with a business that has not been vetted by one of you and “stamped for approval,” in a sense. Our goal is to create a powerhouse network, not only for the best realtors in the area, but the best affiliates, as well, so we can grow stronger together. Q: HOW CAN I RECOMMEND A PREFERRED PARTNER?
A: If you know and want to recommend a local business that works with top realtors, please email us at to let us know at: northdfw@realproducersmag.com.
Q: WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR BEING FEATURED IN THIS MAGAZINE?
A: It’s really simple – every feature you see has first been nominated. You can nominate other realtors, affiliates, brokers, owners, or even yourself! Office leaders can also nominate realtors. We will consider anyone brought to our attention, because we don’t know everyone’s story, so we need your help to learn about them. A nomination currently looks like this: you email us at northdfw@realproducersmag.com with the subject line, “Nomination: (Name of Nominee).” Please explain why you are nominating them to be featured. It could be they have an amazing story that needs to be told – perhaps they overcame extreme obstacles, they are an exceptional leader, have the best customer service, or they give back to the community in a big way, etc. The next step is an interview with us to ensure it’s a good fit. If it all works out, then we put the wheels in motion for our writer to conduct an interview to write the article and for our photographers to schedule a photo shoot. Q: WHAT DOES IT COST A REALTOR/TEAM TO BE FEATURED?
A: Zero, zilch, zippo, nada, nil. It costs nothing, my friends, so nominate away! We are not a pay-to-play model. We share real stories of real producers. Q: WHO ARE THE PREFERRED PARTNERS?
A: Anyone listed as a “preferred partner” in the front of the mag-
Photography By Spross P R O F E S S I O N A L R E A L E S TAT E P H O T O G R A P H Y P H OTO G R A P H Y BYS P R O S S . CO M 469.307.1295 Z AC H @ P H OTO G R A P H Y BYS P R O S S . CO M
www.realproducersmag.com • 7
publisher’s note
Re-energize and Re-set As I write this issue’s Publisher’s Note, I am sitting in the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. I am flying into Fargo, North Dakota where two of my best friends will be picking me up, likely with a beer in hand, to bring me to what I consider the most beautiful place on Earth: Big Sugarbush Lake, right in the heart of Minnesota, for my brother’s bachelor party. Wish me luck! I think it is obvious I love what I do. Since I moved here in February, I have met some of the most incredible and inspiring people who have impacted me in such positive ways. I have had endless meetings, gone to numerous events, been on podcasts, and even on a TV show. These are all amazing and new things I have not experienced before and that I am so grateful for. I must say, however, I am not only excited, but very much in need of this time away with my friends and family at a place I know and love. I need a healthy dose of familiarity to re-set and re-energize. It is so easy for us to get caught up in our work, to put the blinders on, and to get stuck in our own little world. Sometimes we need to step away for a bit, so we can get our life and priorities back in order. As we move into November, I want to encourage all of you to take a moment to do the same. You are all successful in your careers, but let us not forget what we are working so hard for. In Mark 8:36 it says, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” Nothing, nothing at all. Well, I better get going. It looks like my plane is about to board. But before I go, be sure to put our first ever Launch Party event details into your calendar right now! You will not want to miss it. When: November 13th, 5-7pm Where: Concrete Cowboy in Frisco at The Star See you at the Launch Party!
A Loon on Big Sugarbush Lake in Minnesota. Photo by: Kyle Kremer
8 • November 2018
Jordan Espeseth Publisher of North DFW Real Producers jordan.espeseth@realproducersmag.com
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Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation | NMLS# 2289 www.realproducersmag.com • 9
inspirational realtor Written by: Gary Petty Photography by: Petty Films
JAMES SHARP
A SETBACK IS A SETUP FOR A COMEBACK!
10 • November 2018
when one of his sons drew attention to his physical condition - by poking him in the stomach and exclaiming, “Dad! Really?!” - that James responded by launching himself on a healthy lifestyle journey. In the process, he lost 50 pounds, experienced new energy and self-confidence that catapulted his sales to new heights, and inspired colleagues, friends and clients. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
The full-time, single father of three says he previously focused almost solely on his kids and clients’ welfare: “Bit by bit - and it’s a common thing that happens in our industry- you can get really out of whack if you’re not taking care of you.”
Anyone searching for a self-improvement role model, who has overcome adversity, should consider James Sharp. He has suffered through three house fires during his life, the first of which was a nighttime blaze when he was only five years old. More recently, the now-prolific JP and Associates Realtors agent attempted to extinguish flames caused by a candle accident in an upstairs bedroom, suffering second and third-degree burns to his hands. Though no one was injured, James’ family suffered a devastating loss of virtually everything they owned at that time. James also remembers another low-point that impacted his life, one that drove him
to drive harder: “I had somebody tell me early on that I’ll never amount to anything-- that ‘You’re white trash... trailer park.’” This fired James up, sparking him to prove them wrong. He conquered these traumatic challenges with the same type of grit, determination, and even good humor, that have propelled him to such accomplishments as Real Estate Magazine’sTop 30 Under 30 Agents On The Rise, as well as Triple Star, President’s Club,Circle of Excellence, and numerous D Magazine Top Realtors in Dallas awards.
Two years ago, James said, he had gained weight “to the heaviest I had ever been -- 240 pounds. I’m ashamed to say that, as I have always been a tall, skinny guy.” But the progression of life from a divorce, the house fire, and raising three children full time, in addition to working so hard, finally impacted his health. “We had gone on a vacation to the beach, and there’s a picture of this big old belly and my son was poking it; it was this jelly roll of fat. When I got to 240 pounds, I knew I was in bad shape,” he says. “I felt it. I was winded. I couldn’t walk up a flight of stairs. I tried to go out with the kids; they would be running off and I couldn’t keep up. I’d be exhausted by 3 o’clock, and I’d get a Twix or Snickers to build me up again. Grabbing that, Starbucks, or running to Taco Bell for a quick lunch on the go…I was just doing all the bad stuff.” He experienced a litany of other negative side-effects: mild depression, inability to concentrate, insomnia, lack of confidence with customers and associates, and brain fog, attributed to his consumption of inflammatory foods from a poor diet. “There’s this moment of truth where your decisions change forever your future. And I’m like, I’m never, ever, ever again going back there.” His “red hot why” serves as a strong motivator: “I want to be there to see my three kids graduate, get married-see my grandkids.” James has also been recently impacted by the deaths of industry colleagues, including an influential mentor “who died way too young.” Additionally, he has a family history of relatives who have suffered heart attacks and who have died way too early. “So, I made a point: I’m going to start working out,” James remembers. “I’m going to get fit.”
No one should be surprised, therefore, that almost two years ago, www.realproducersmag.com • 11
What followed was a period of sincere, strenuous effort, which yielded initial improvement, followed by a plateau, where he struggled to lose more weight, even with personal trainers. “I was working really hard, but I found I was doing it wrong. I was doing hard impact workouts that were breaking my body down faster than I could fully recover, and I was very frustrated,” he says. “I was hurting... every single day.” Like most Top 500 agents, he observes, “I’m a hard-charging, A-Type personality, and we often don’t take time to recharge the batteries.”
James wearing one of his old suit coats.
James has learned that, “We are a factor of what we put into our bodies and how we express that” with activity. The optimal exercise for James has been yoga, which he discovered on a date with a yoga studio owner who shared with him a near-death experience. She expressed how yoga had transformed and changed her life. From her influence, he also learned proper breathing techniques for energy, recovery, and calmness. And he learned the importance of hydration and a diet more Ketogenic based, with a focus on reducing the inflammatory foods he had been consuming.
GET BUSY LIVING
James also works on his mind and attitude, begins and ends each day with a gratitude exercise and meditation, along with some powerful affirmations. A relentless student who is “always learning, always growing,” he now reads up to 100+ books every year with greater comprehension. He attends at least two to three seminars or conferences every quarter, and sets aside time to think, to plan, and to write out goals for himself, as well as his business. One of his favorite sayings is: “Either you get busy living or you get busy dying, and I chose to get busy living!” Feeling his best ever at age 47, the additional rewards of James’ lifestyle changes have been profound. He recently traveled to Europe on a month-long family trip, which involved walking an average of seven to eight miles a day and thousands of steps. He was at the Acropolis in Greece and the Colosseum in Rome.”I’m now showing up totally energized. I’ve got full vigor. 12 • November 2018
I’m enjoying my family and am enjoying the time I spend with them.” Someone even told James that his face and skin glows now and friends and clients who haven’t seen him in a while always comment on the weight loss. Another noteworthy benefit, “I’ve had 10-plus years worth of business success in a single year. You are your company’s biggest asset,” he concludes. “I have learned that, first and foremost. I personally take care of myself relentlessly every single day, because where I go with my health and fitness, so goes my business and company!” ENJOYING THE GOOD LIFE
His son recently poked his stomach and reacted, “Dude! Dad! There’s nothing there!” James Sharp’s dramatic turnaround hasn’t been without some unplanned costs, as he had to go buy a new wardrobe. He, however, took the opportunity to purchase a new wardrobe full of color, style, and boldness that truly makes a fashion statement, a vast departure from the tired guy his sphere used to know. James loves to remind his friends and clients that “Every day is a gift; that is why they call it the present. Thus it is my duty, my obligation, to live each and every day to the fullest, and to make each day count!” His transformation is proof you can live and enjoy the good life and also have a tremendously successful business, too!
For upcoming events, and more information, check us out at:
www.masterminddfw.com
WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND: Mastermind DFW is an exclusive event for the Top 1% of Producers in the DFW area. When you attend a Mastermind DFW event, you are in the company of a prestigious group of local, high-performing DFW real estate professionals. This is the place to cultivate your network with the most notable names in DFW real estate.
“Keeping a strong foundation while pivoting for the future is the chess game we play today. So, it’s rare to be in a room with great business owners with big vision and focus. An opportunity to share ideas and build long lasting relationships is a must in today’s fast moving world.” - Denton Aguam, Keller Williams “Todd and I love to be a part of the Mastermind DFW group. It is an honor to be in the presence of other top producing agents and to get great tips and tricks on how to leverage our business. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this exclusive group.” - Colleen Frost, Colleen Frost Realtors www.realproducersmag.com • 13
WITH US, YOUR HOME IS COVERED.
JUSTIN WHITSETT 214-529-0913 justinw@recoverroofing.com 14 • November 2018
RECOVERROOFING.COM
NORTH DFW
REAL PRODUCERS
LAUNCH PARTY! We have officially set the date and location of the North DFW Real Producers Launch Party! This event is going to be an absolute blast. We are going to have the best real estate professionals in our market at this event, and you will not want to miss it! Of course, we will have free drinks and appetizers.
Put the event details in your calendar right now, and clear your schedule for this event. No, I mean it. Stop, and do it now...seriously. I’ll wait. Did you do it? Okay, great! We look forward to seeing you there! Date/Time: November 13, 5-7pm Where: Concrete Cowboy at The Star NORTH DFW
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YOUR PARTNER FOR GROWTH Is your Title Company just a vendor or are they a growth partner? KV National Title of TX has 2 locations in D/FW, our firm closes and insures real estate all across the metroplex, state and in all 50 states across the country. Commercial Office 5005 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy, Suite 200 Dallas, Texas 75244 Residential Office 7950 Legacy Dr. Suite 375 Plano, TX 75025
To learn more about our company visit our websites at www.kv-lonestar.com and www.kvnational.com 16 • November 2018
With a combined 30+ years of lending experience in Dallas/Fort Worth, Daniel & Jacob have mastered the closing process. With an average closing time frame of 12 days, they have proven to be
“THE BEST OF THE BEST”! Contact the Plano Branch of American Financial Network, Inc. Daniel Muñoz Jacob Emmel and watch your business grow with the piece of mind that Branch Manager Branch Manager YOU WILL CLOSE ON TIME EVERY TIME! D: 469.952.4343 D: 817.680.7521 F: 866-531-0402 F: 866-991-5844 dmunoz@afncorp.com | NMLS 216101 jemmel@afncorp.com | NMLS 716383 CORP NMLS #237341 | Branch NMLS# 1470568 | 2400 Dallas Parkway, #200, Plano, TX 75093 American Financial Network, Inc. is licensed by the Texas - SML Mortgage Banker Branch Registration under Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS), unique identifier of 1470568. Florida Mortgage Lender Servicer Branch License (MLDB5623). Oklahoma Mortgage Lender Branch License (MLB11145). South Carolina- BFI Branch Mortgage Lender/Servicer (MLB—1470568). Refer to www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org and input NMLS #237341 to see where American Financial Network, Inc. is a licensed lender. In all states, the principal licensed office of American Financial Network, Inc. is 10 Pointe Drive, Suite 330, Brea, CA 92821; Phone: (714) 831-4000 (NMLS ID#237341). This information is intended to assist Real Estate Brokers, Agents, and other Industry Professionals, and is not an advertisement for consumer credit as defined in 12 CFR 1026.2(a)(2). This information is not intended for consumers and may not be duplicated or disseminated to the public.
www.realproducersmag.com • 17
sponsor spotlight Written by: Missy Kremer • Photography by: Scott Peek Photography
AMERICAN FINANCIAL NETWORK NO EXCUSES THE DUO
Some people thrive in life by remaining solo, manning their own ship, if you will. But, for American Financial Network’s, Jacob Emmel, Co-Branch Manager for the Plano area, he attributes the success of his partnership with other Co-Branch Manager, Daniel Munoz, and their flourishing business, to this philosophy: “Relationships that last, relationships that are successful in any facet of life, are mutually beneficial, mutually respected, and are 50/50. Period.” 18 • November 2018
THERE’S A LOT OF VALUE IN BEING 100% ACCURATE. THERE’S A LOT OF VALUE IN BEING 100% ON TIME. THERE’S A LOT OF VALUE IN BEING AHEAD OF THE GAME.
Emmel arrived at this philosophy about relationships by grinding through the difficult times, and joining with others to bring him success along the way. Growing up in Grapevine, Jacob was noticed for his ability to connect to people; his ability to build relationships with others meant he, time and time again, obtained other people’s jobs at various companies by simply doing it better, letting customers and companies know he was there for them. “If you’re going to do something in life, be great at it,” Jacob says. “Partnering with Jacob elevated my game,” chuckled Emmel’s counterpart, Daniel Munoz. Daniel, born in Carlsbad, New Mexico, but raised in Lubbock, is the spunky character in this leading duo. He played his hand at various jobs upon graduating from, The University of Texas, Austin but simply wasn’t fulfilled. At the end of the day, Munoz knew his calling was to help people in a more impactful way. This full-time dad, part-time girls’ soccer coach says, “It’s a great feeling, at the end of the day, when you see what you’ve done for people.” He channels this daily into his career and partnership at American Financial Network and in life. Simply put, he
recognizes the importance of their jobs, and ultimately, that they are better together. “We Get Stuff Done Fast; We Get Stuff Done Right” After the 2008 market crash, many financial companies were refinance-based, not service-based. Emmel and Munoz stress, for longevity in this line of work, you need to consistently remain servicebased, always putting the needs and goals of the customer first. Joining forces in 2010, but opening their current branch location in February of 2016, the pair’s clients are 100% from referrals, truly demonstrating how their experience and professionalism are second-to-none. When talking about what sets them apart, Daniel pauses for a moment and says, “There’s a lot of value in being 100% accurate. There’s a lot of value in being 100% on time. There’s a lot of value in being ahead of the game. And, as one of Jacob’s big sayings goes ‘It’s better to be proactive rather than reactive.’” The two went on to explain how there are a lot of options, and competition, in the DFW area, many of which whose names you’ll stumble upon as major producers doing a high amount of volume, but that doesn’t always mean they’re doing the best work to honor those they’re serving. Surprisingly, about 20-25% of American Financial Network’s business every month is fixing errors and
www.realproducersmag.com • 19
conundrums from some of these socalled ‘high flyers’. Emmel explains, “There’s a lot of people doing a lot of business. But, the buck stops with us. Customers only talk to us. There’s not a million people working here. [We’re] service based-- bottom line.” Helping others eventually comes back to them, because as a result of vying for alternative solutions, they’re able to grow their relationships with customers and agents alike. Educating others in the industry when hiccups ensue is also a main component of their mission. “We don’t just fix others issues, but contact them to explain why and what’s right for the client. It’s their business, but ultimately it comes back to us ten-fold,” states Munoz, frankly. This educating goes further with each individual customer they work with. Some people reach out for their services and are well-prepared, meaning 20 • November 2018
they have a plan and have done their research. For others, when they seek out American Financial Network, they are ill-prepared and hesitant, believing homeownership is a far-fetched dream. Emmel and Munoz pride themselves on educating their clients, and helping them to come up with a plan, so they avoid financial crisis, while still laying out a path for them to achieve their dreams, whether it’s in the near, or distant, future. At the end of the day, the two enjoy every aspect of the home buying process, and they pride themselves in the quality of their work. On the side, they are active in buying and selling investment properties, with their latest flip setting the highest price per square foot sold in its Plano subdivision. In conjunction, they have amassed over 3 million in real estate holdings in and around the DFW area. In the month of June alone, while still managing all branch operations, the two personally funded over 7 million of their own production. Since their branch opened in 2016, they have been in the top 5-7% of producers for American Financial Network every month. This means the branch
always ranks in the top 4 nationally, being the top 1% in their company. The average closing on a property takes around 15-17 days, but Munoz and Emmel work hard for their clients, eliminating gaps and avoiding loop holes, with an impressive 8-12 days closing time. “Above all else, you have to close on time. No excuses,” states Munoz. Emmel finishes, “Nobody cares about excuses; they care about results.”
American Financial Network, Plano, is a full-service, residential mortgage lender primarily specializing in FHA and conventional loans. With 12 loan officers, 3 processors, and 2 processor assistants, Jacob Emmel and Daniel Munoz lead the branch. When the two aren’t diligently working to serve their customers, they both enjoy vacationing and spending time with their families.
question of the month
What is your favorite piece of technology that you use in your business and why? “I love Waze. It is able to find the best routes and is handy with new construction sites as well.” JOHN PAPADOPOLOUS, JONES-PAPADOPOLOUS & CO.
“Watermark Studio X! This app is great for candid shots when you’re out and about, and you want to add your logo for brand recognition!” SUNNY DARDEN, KELLER WILLIAMS
“The app that I use every day is MILE IQ. You swipe right for business and left for personal, and it supplies a map to see exact destinations. It tracks all of my business miles vs. personal miles. It provides a monthly report that I can give to my CPA.” VALERIE VAN PELT, COLDWELL BANKER
“My favorite technology piece is my Personalized App from CardTapp. I am able to share contact info, allow clients to search properties, calculate mortgages, and access my list of preferred contractors. I’m also able to track, real-time, who is using the app and which part of it. Clients are also able to share it easily from the app.”
“Zoho One is an amazing, all-encompassing business suite. It requires customization, and a large time commitment to learn, but it is powerful to the max. It breaks down our data silos and puts our email, calendar, crm, docs, internal communications, website, and accounting all in one system via desktop and mobile apps. Our business future is bright thanks to www.one.zoho.com. Call me with any questions-- I am happy to meet and discuss with other great agents.” SHANA ACQUISTO, ACQUISTO REAL ESTATE
“I love Instagram! The stories have been able to generate more leads and showing up in local locations stories has increased my following. People want to see us as relatable. I show them my everyday life even if it invokes falling in mud at a new build. It’s all about being authentic.” CHRISSY MALLOUF, KELLER WILLIAMS
MATT WANDERSEE, REMAX
www.realproducersmag.com • 21
rising star Written by: Dawn Pepper-Lenci Photography by: Scott Peek Photography
Oshae Causey SHINING BRIGHTLY
OSHAE: A NAME WHICH MEANS PATIENT AND STRONG WITH PERSEVERANCE. Causey is a bright light in the land of the real estate advisory community. A light which only recently began to beam in the Dallas real estate industry. Prior to becoming a realtor, Oshae dedicated her entire young-adult life to post-secondary education. Having graduated high school very early, she began an eight-year pursuit to discover her career passion. Oshae studied behavioral and social sciences, psychology, and completed her designation to become a paralegal. Upon completion, Oshae soon discovered the lion’s share of her day was to be devoted to behind-the-scenes administration. “I quickly learned that my days would be spent completing paperwork and documenting case files,” Oshae shares with a beautiful smile. “I realized that I was missing my day-to-day encounters with people!” I easily observed that, indeed, Oshae Causey was born to work directly with people; her energy is contagious, and her manner of communication strong and fiery. And so began her path to pursue a new career. Oshae met her husband Lyle (Casey) when she was a teenager. At the age of twenty-one, the two married, spending the first day of their honeymoon crossing the country to move to California, as Lyle served the United States of America in the navy.
22 • November 2018
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Lyle was deployed overseas to Africa shortly after their beautiful little girl, Presley, was born. While Lyle remained passionate about his service to the country, he missed his family, and it was in this season Oshae decided to make a change to support her family financially and emotionally, giving Lyle a chance to spend time with Miss Presley and catch his breath. HARD WORK AND DEDICATION
Oshae comes from a highly-motivated family. Her mother, Pam Gardner, and dad, Shane, have always stressed the importance of hard work and dedication. In this same vein, her Uncle Jeff Jannasch, with TownSquare Mortgage, had always been impressed with her incredible personality and work acumen. He stated, “It’s not easy, but with plenty of hard work, I can see you succeeding!” Within the first six months of her career, Oshae was bestowed the honor of being named Rookie of the Year for 2017! When she was with Philips Realty Group, she had already succeeded in working through several transactions with a total of over $3 million dollars in business--an impressive amount in a few, short months. What distinguishes Oshae from other individuals in the industry is her pas-
sion for people and ability to instantly put them at ease. “My mom always says that I could make friends with a pole!” Oshae says with a full laugh. “And she is right! I enjoy getting to know all about my clients before we ever talk business!” It is imperative that clients feel comfortable with Oshae, and they know of her driving passion which is to help them find their perfect family home. Her business model is working for 2018-- Oshae is on track for a $10 million dollar year. “This success hasn’t been easy,” Oshae shares with quiet reflection. “My mom really helped to guide things from the very beginning; she is my life’s inspiration and greatest cheerleader!” Oshae is reflecting on her own mother’s personal sacrifice, having been a single parent to Oshae and her brother, Cody, for the early part of Oshae’s life. “She never gave up-working so hard for us and teaching us the importance of hard work and family, in equal measure!” It is that example that sets the tone for Oshae’s own life in mentoring her own daughter, Presley. When Oshae went to work full-time, there were many tears as she said goodbye to her daughter. “I wanted my husband to have time to make his career change and to show my daughter that women truly can do anything! I work hard and devote one day per week to a mother-daughter day”. Oshae and Presley dress similarly on those date days: “We call it our Twinning Tuesdays!” Recently Oshae made a change from Philips Realty to Monument Realty, located at The Star. She has been delighted with each unique offering the companies afforded her. She has learned how to mine for leads, create and manage a plethora of documentation, developed incredible relationships with
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clients, and had an opportunity to use her gifts of personality to share her passion with others. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Oshae has a philanthropic side, rescuing three cats and three dogs, each with unique health challenges. Two of the Causey family dogs have only three legs and one only a single eye. I really feel a strong bond between myself and needy animals. My dream, in years to come, is to have the finances to rescue as many animals as I possibly can. “Who knows what may happen if we have the resources or enough land-rescuing animals is our passion. The possibilities are endless!” Oshae and her family are very excited by all life is offering them right now. Lyle has completed his education in home inspection training and looking ahead at a very successful business career. There is a possibility they may grow their family in time, with future children, through natural means or the adoption route: “We don’t know what the future holds; we just know we want to be positive, grateful, and teach our daughter, Presley, the importance of confidence and self-worth!” There is no doubt that Presley witnesses exactly that through her disciplined, passionate mom each day! Keep shining brightly, Oshae Causey. We glow in your wake!
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notable neighborhood
Del Webb at
UNION PARK Unparalleled Sense of Community
26 • November 2018
The legendary Del Webb® lifestyle for active adults 55 and better is coming soon to Union Park™ in Little Elm. Set within a unique masterplanned community created by one of the nation’s most respected and visionary real estate developers, Hillwood Communities, Del Webb will continue to foster the life-enhancing sense of community already thriving in Union Park. Surrounded by pastoral scenery and shady woodlands along the 380 corridor in Little Elm, Del Webb at Union Park offers a quiet respite from city life, yet is just minutes from shopping and entertainment in Frisco, boating and fishing on Lake Lewisville, or exploring historic downtown Denton. Within Union Park you’ll find a 35-acre wooded park, a unique open-air pavilion called The Porch, playground, ponds, parks, and more. A greenbelt runs through the entire community, connecting each neighborhood and park with miles of trails for a uniquely walkable community experience. Within Del Webb at Union Park will be exclusive amenities such as a resort-style pool, spa, pickleball, tennis, and bocce ball courts, indoor fitness center with exercise equipment and locker room, and miles of walking trails connecting homeowners to the overall community. A full-time Lifestyle Director, the signature of a Del Webb community, will organize social events, club activities, and classes throughout the years to come. Floor plans within Del Webb at Union Park are thoughtfully designed for what active adults want in their new home. Open spaces for gathering with friends and family, sunrooms with abundant windows to add light and space, plentiful storage, spa-like owner’s baths, and covered patios are just a few of the Inspired Designs in Del Webb homes. Connecting with neighbors is at the heart of the active adult lifestyle, and Del Webb at Union Park offers an unparalleled sense of community. Enjoy a pick-up game of pickleball with new neighbors, perfect your pose at yoga class, or relax at an impromptu cocktail party with friends. Del Webb communities are an extension of the homeowners who live there – a collection of passions and activities enjoyed with others. Come see for yourself at the Del Webb at Union Park Grand Opening on Saturday, November 10th. Tour six fully furnished, professionally decorated model homes, and see what it means to live your best life.
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TRANSFORMATIONAL GROWTH cover story Written by Zach Cohen Photography by Photography By Spross
28 • November 2018
Christie Cannon had done reasonably well in her first year in real estate, but during her second year, her business hit a lull. “I was still figuring this out,” Christie recalls. “Real estate is a roller coaster. I realized we didn’t have enough transactions coming in to support [my assistant].”
Early on in her career, business was inconsistent, and Christie found herself at a crossroads. Looking at her incoming clients, she saw that in only 60 short days she wouldn’t be able to pay her assistant. She immediately sat her assistant down and explained the situation, tears in her eyes. Christie wanted to give her assistant an opportunity to find other work. “This was one of those pivotal moments in life. She was probably one of the biggest factors in my success and getting where I am,” Christie says. “She looked at me and smiled, and said, ‘I’m not going anywhere. I see who you are, and I see where you’re going, and I’m not leaving. I’m going to help you through this.’” Fifteen years later, Christie’s business is flourishing. While her assistant has moved on, she remains grateful for her confidence and her friendship.
From the Start Christie Cannon has a natural entrepreneurial spirit. Before getting her start in real estate, she managed a showroom at Dallas Market, among other business endeavors. “I remember that it was a hodgepodge of stuff, and I couldn’t find where I clicked. I was lost.” Her mother, Mary, worked in marketing for a title business. When Christie shared her plans to get a real estate license with her mom, the plan wasn’t exactly met with confidence. “My mom said, ‘Absolutely not. That is just a business you are guaranteed to fail in,’” Christie recalls. Rather than stopping there, Christie was up for the challenge. In 1997, Christie began her real estate career with Keller Williams. “When you go to real estate school, they teach you all this stuff, but they don’t teach you real estate. It’s not about real estate; it’s a business.” After only small successes in the residential market, she entered the commercial side of the business, beta testing a program for land development. “I ended up mastering it, and that led me to my start in Land Development.” It would be another five years before Christie returned to the residential side of the business. After a challenging first year and a half, she was named the 2004-2005 Rookie of The Year. Christie found success through a grinding effort. “My initial success was forced,” She explains. “[My husband] Kevin was going to Texas A&M, getting his master’s degree. As I got out of land development, it was a leap of faith. At that point, it was do or die. Money was very tight. It was a matter of ‘I have to make this work. I will make this work.’ It was pure grit.”
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Continued Growth As in all aspects of life, the challenges that Christie has overcome are what shape who she is today. In 2016, her dad passed away after a battle with cancer. Only a month later, Kevin, her husband, was diagnosed with breast cancer. By then, Kevin had joined Christie’s team in real estate. The diagnosis was devastating to both their personal and business lives.
Christie and Kevin have plans to expand their real estate business but want to ensure they have a robust business infrastructure to build upon. “You have to have a very firm, solid foundation before you can expand,” Christie says. “We are making sure that our foundation is rock solid and that there are no holes in it. As soon as we are confident that we have every hole plugged, we’ll be expanding out.”
“We didn’t know if he was going to make it through the year,” Christie recalls. “The emotional strain was something I would not wish on anyone, ever. But everyone on the team pulled together. This team is such a family.” Rather than regressing during Christie and Kevin’s time of need, their team rallied and grew business by 17% in 2016.
While Christie’s initial joy in real estate was helping families, she’s slowly shifting to a more team-focused approach. Watching her team grow, develop, and assist those very same families gives her the most genuine satisfaction. “My reward and satisfaction come from a whole different perspective now. I feel like I’ve grown into a whole different role of leadership and creating opportunity and success for our team. That is incredibly rewarding for me.”
Kevin overcame his battle with cancer and is now as healthy as ever. The diagnosis, battle, and ensuing defeat of Kevin’s cancer has reshaped life for the couple in positive ways. It has reminded them of the beauty and preciousness present in all things. It has reminded them of what is important. “It has created a momentum in us,” Christie explains. “It was a whole new passion and a whole new respect. We need to take some time to smell the roses, because life is so short. It created a whole new fire in us. We’ve traveled more in the last two years than in the previous 17 years we were married. That was a huge wake-up call.” Growing Forward Today, Christie and Kevin take the time to appreciate the varying circumstances they guide their clients through on a daily basis. “You see folks when the circumstance is either the very best… or it can be the opposite. It’s almost never in the middle,” Kevin reflects. Remembering his own circumstances two short years ago, he can have compassion for his clients’ challenges and share in their joys. 30 • November 2018
Christie and Kevin both want to be remembered for taking care of their clients and positively impacting the lives of the people that surround them. “It gives us the ability to touch people’s lives,” Kevin explains. “These aren’t leads. These are families. And they are going through good and bad. We want to leave things better than we found them.” The Cannon Team was voted by consumers and industry leaders as D Magazine’s “Best Real Estate Agents from 2010 - 2018”, by Texas Monthly Magazine as a “5-Star Professional in 2012 - 2017”, and has remained a “Top Producer” with Keller Williams, winning their prestigious quadruple gold and platinum medals. In addition, the team thrives in teaching and speaking at national conferences, and is ranked in Keller Williams’ top percent internationally. They remain Keller Williams, Frisco’s, number one agent. Christie Cannon has created the systems, trainings, and skills that are passed on from the team to the clients. The team’s production was 125 million dollars in 2017.
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