North Dallas Real Producers - April 2023

NANCY GARCIA: THE HELPER

TODD ENGELS: A DIFFERENT TAKE

JASON BELL: LIVING TO LEAD

MICHAEL CHIODO OF PREMIER MORTGAGE ASSOCIATES: MAKING DALLAS HOME

TANNER NEWTON & TOTAL ROOF

PROTECTION: A REPUTATION FOR PROTECTION

EVENT PHOTOS INSIDE!

APRIL 2023

Photo by: Scott Peek Photography LLC

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!

BANK

Peoples Bank (806) 776-2034

PeoplesBankTexas.com

BLINDS & DRAPERIES

Best Shutters (214) 538-2400

bestshuttersdirect.com

BRANDED MARKETING MATERIALS

Lovehandle (281) 778-2051

www.lovehandle promo.com

BUILDER

Shaddock Homes

(972) 526-7700

ShaddockHomes.com

BUSINESS COACHING

Hero Nation Coaching (469) 500-3642

theheronation.com

CLIENT AND REFERRAL GIFTS

Gifts of Graze

Eileen Torres (214) 814-1216

www.giftsofgraze.com

CLIENT ENGAGEMENT

LEADS by Mandi Jackson (801) 598-5767

LEADSbyMandi.com

COFFEE COMPANY

Poo Brew Coffee

(469) 430-3443

PooBrewCoffee.com

CREDIT REPAIR

MSI Credit Solutions (866) 217-9841

www.msicredit.com

EASY OWNER

FINANCING

TL Global (281) 818-5471

easyrealtormoney.com

FLOORING

The Design Group Flooring (682) 234-6930

tdgflooring.com

FOUNDATION REPAIR

DIGG Foundation Repair (214) 307-4060

diggfoundationrepair.com

Elite Foundation Repairs (214) 856-9634

EliteFoundation Repairs.com

FOUNDATION, CONCRETE & DRAINAGE SERVICES

FCS Foundation and Concrete Services (877) 554-8284

FoundationAnd Concrete.com

HEALTH

Restore Hyperwellness & Cryotherapy

(817) 912-1550

Restore.com

HOME FUTURES

SellWhenever

Megan Snellgrove (914) 469-1841

SellWhenever.com

HOME INSPECTION

Element Inspection

(214) 535-7971

element inspection.com

First Choice Home Inspection (325) 260-8311

www.firstchoice

homesinspection.com

Inspect360 (817) 754-0360

inspect360.com

Semper Fi Home Inspections, Inc. (682) 351-2267

SemperFiHome Inspections.com

HOME REPAIR & RENOVATIONS

Punchlist USA, Inc.

Lora Helt (404) 993-8622

Lora@punchlistusa.com

HOME WARRANTY

Fidelity National Home Warranty

Mike Csanad (469) 590-5733

www.homewarranty.com

Super Home, Inc.

Sallie Griffith

(628) 888-3759

HelloSuper.com

INSURANCE AGENCY

Paine Insurance Group (972) 387-9217

paineinsurancegroup.com

JUNK REMOVAL

Junkluggers of Collin County

Mark Schneider (469) 344-6659

junkluggersof collincounty.com

MORTGAGE LENDING

First Rate Financial (214) 872-4442

iamfirstrate.com

Homeowners Financial Group (619) 378-3795

MichaelChiodo.com

Movement Mortgage (469) 202-4195

LoanOfficerMark.com

OriginPoint

Dan Carson (512) 878-3047

PBJ Mortgage, LLC (469) 766-4811

pbjteam.com

The Tuttle Group

Cross Country Mortgage (469) 319-0660

thetuttlegroup.com

Wesley Mortgage Team (817) 494-1726

wesleymortgage.homes

MOVING SERVICES

All My Sons

Moving & Storage (561) 578-3800

allmysons.com

Black Tie Moving North Dallas JC Caldwell (615) 900-2641

Finesse Movers (469) 657-5975 finessemovers.com

Stonebriar Moving Services (469) 734-9000 stonebriarmoving.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Ilona Jade Photography (253) 632-5155 ilonajade.com

Scott Peek Photography (469) 587-2300

ScottPeekPhotography.com

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

American Real PM (469) 620-0114 americanrealpm.com

Real Property Management Focus (469) 820-0088

realpmfocus.com

REAL ESTATE SCHOOL

Champions School of Real Estate®

Rita Santamaria

(281) 893-4484

www.ChampionsSchool.com

REMODELER

Renovation Sells (214) 888-4376

RenovationSells.com/

North-Dallas

ROOFING

Tarrant Roofing

(972) 470-9999 TarrantRoofing.com

Texas Direct Roofing

Nathan Lemons

(972) 951-3748

nathan@txdroofing.com

Town & Country Roofing

(972) 377-8188

townandcountry roofingdfw.com

ROOFING & ROOF WARRANTY

Total Roof Protection

(817) 210-6338

totalroofprotection.com

ROOFING / STORM RESTORATION

100% Construction (469) 999-6091

100percent constructiontx.com

Cook DFW Roofing and Restoration (214) 236-2832 cookdfw.com

Swordsmen Roofing and Construction LLC (972) 979-6197

swordsmenroofing.com

SHORT TERM RENTAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

iTrip Vacations North Dallas (972) 649-0454 northdallas.itrip.co/

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT

WAY Social

Jessica Nelson (919) 645-8960

TITLE COMPANY

Alamo Title Company

Ashley Polito (214) 727-7034

Chicago Title DFW (972) 931-1522

ChicagoTitleDFW.com

Fair Texas Title

fairtexastitle.com

Lawyers Title (469) 247-8281

dfw.ltic.com

Republic Title

Ken Callahan (214) 793-5979

RepublicTitle.com

Texas Excel Title LLC (817) 980-1018

TexasExcelTitle.com

VIDEOGRAPHY/ PHOTOGRAPHY

StudioUSA (469) 955-5833

studiousa.live

WEALTH ADVISOR/ FINANCIAL PLANNING

Eighteen Financial Group

Elijah Cross (361) 236-8957

WINDOWS FoggyWindowRepair.Com (972) 693-6449

FoggyWindowRepair.com

Town & Country Roofing (972) 377-8188

townandcountry roofingdfw.com

If you are interested in contributing or nominating realtors for certain stories,

Lanie Schaber Ad Strategist

Cruz Acevedo Photographer

Jessica Nelson Social Media Director

Ilona Gorokhovskiy Photographer

Scott Peek Photographer

Lance Dunahoe Co-owner

HOW DO THE DFW REAL PRODUCERS EVENTS WORK?

Over the years, our DFW Real Producers event structure has changed. A few things, however, have and will always remain the same. For example, who gets invited and has access to our events. Our events are only for the Top 500 Producing Agents and our Real Producers Vetted Business Partners. Top 500 Agents can invite the agents on their team to join them at these events, if they want to. The businesses that partner with us have been vetted by the top agents, and the Real Producers Team, to ensure they are of the highest quality; these businesses are the ones that invest in our community and truly make this platform possible. For those reasons, we do not give access to outside businesses to our events. Keeping the integrity of what this community is remains very important to us, which is a community of the best-of-the-best that honors and respects one another.

When Real Producers started, we did four events a year per magazine. These events were always high-level

social events, and they were awesome. After a couple of years, I felt that, in my opinion, they were a little too rinse and repeat, and I wanted to add some variety to the mix. As we expanded from one publication to four, it has allowed us to create an exciting event structure that you won’t find in any other Real Producers community around the country. Now we increased the number of events that we do each year, and we have five different types of events:

1) Social Events

2) Magazine Celebration

Events (only for those featured in the magazines and select businesses) 3)

invite the Top 500 Agents in all four publications and the businesses that partner in any of the four publications.

RP Vetted Business Socials (only for our partners)

4) Masterclass Events

(Educational events with networking)

5) The ESPE Awards (our Black-Tie Awards Gala in November).

Some events are specific to each publication (ex: North Dallas Real Producers

Top 500 Agents and RP Vetted Businesses only) and some of them are shared events where we

We, and everyone we have talked to, are very excited about these new event structures. Being in these rooms is so special. The agents who registered for our Masterclass event that we had in February had collectively produced over $2 billion and 6,000 units in 2022 alone. It truly is rare and an honor for us to be able to host these events for you all. From everyone on our DFW Real Producers Team, we thank you for your continued support and for making Real Producers the number one real estate community in DFW. Keep an eye out for your invitation to the next event!

See you soon,

Jordan Espeseth DFW Real Producers Owner

jordan.espeseth@n2co.com

WHICH REAL PRODUCERS TERRITORY ARE YOU A PART OF?

WHICH

REAL

PRODUCERS

REAL PRODUCERS IN THE DFW METROPLEX

TERRITORY ARE YOU A PART OF?

A Quick Look at the Different DFW Real Producers Markets

Real Producers in the DFW Metroplex

Real Producers has 100+ franchises nationwide and there are four in DFW alone. In each of these markets, we pull the top 500 agents based off annual residential MLS sales volume. Where your broker address is located will determine which publication is for you. This map shows the territories for each of the four DFW franchises. If you are a top-500 agent in any of these markets, you will be receiving a publication every month and have the possibility of being featured at no cost to you!

A Quick Look at the Different DFW Real Producers Markets

Real Producers has 100+ franchises nationwide and there are four in DFW alone. In each of these markets, we pull the top 500 agents based off annual residential MLS sales volume. Where your broker address is located will determine which publication is for you. This map shows the territories for each of the four DFW franchises. If you are a top-500 agent in any of these markets, you will be receiving a publication every month and have the possibility of being featured at no cost to you!

North Dallas Real Producers

North Fort Worth Real Producers

Fort Worth Real Producers

Dallas Real Producers

YOUR NORTH DALLAS REAL PRODUCERS

BADGES

BADGES

Congrats for being one of the Top 500 real estate agents in North Dallas!

You now have your own badge to use however you’d like to show that you’ve made it a part of this exclusive community of the top 1-2% in real estate!

Missing your badge? Email jordan.espeseth@n2co.com.

Using your badge? We’d love to see how! Show us how you are using your badge, and you may just find a picture of what you shared in the magazine! Social media, email signatures, web listings, marketing material ... nothing’s off limits!

Our RP-vetted businesses have been carefully selected to be a part of this community and have their own badge as well! They have been recommended by your peers in the top 500 and are some of North Dallas’ most elite businesses. Look for this badge to know that you are working with one of the best, recommended by the best!

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE FAQ

Real Producers magazine started in Indianapolis in 2015 and is now in over 100 markets across the nation and continues to spread rapidly. Real Producers first launched in DFW in August 2018 with North DFW Real Producers (now called “North Dallas”). In May 2019, Dallas Real Producers launched, and then Tarrant Real Producers in March 2021.

In 2022, Tarrant Real Producers split into two publications, North Fort Worth and Fort Worth Real Producers Fort Worth Real Producers launched in August 2022!

Q: WHO RECEIVES REAL PRODUCERS MAGAZINE?

A: The top 500 real estate agents in each of the four markets in DFW, based on their annual residential sales production for the previous year, as recorded on the MLS. Refer to the map in this publication for the exact territories. If your broker address is within that given territory, and you are in the top 500, you will receive that publication for the year. There are approximately 60,000 licensed real estate agents in DFW. The list will reset at the end of every year and continue to update annually.

Q: WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THIS MAGAZINE?

A: We believe that we are better together. When we surround ourselves with other successful, like-minded people, we grow to new heights. Real Producers is a platform that brings together the most elite individuals in DFW real estate.

We take the top 500 real estate agents and RP Vetted Businesses in every market, and we build an exclusive community around that group. We share their stories, successes, market trends, and upcoming events

— really, anything that will connect, inform, and inspire, we put in our monthly publication.

It is important to note that Real Producers is not a brag book. To be in the top 1-2% in your field takes a lot of grit, passion, hard work, trials, tribulations, and a strong “why” to keep pushing on. Real Producers is about sharing and honoring those stories and humanizing you and your peers to create a culture of honor and collaboration that propels us all to the next level.

Q: DOES REAL PRODUCERS HAVE EVENTS?

A: Yes! Each year we have several events. Some are specific to each territory, and some are shared events for all four DFW Real Producers markets. We have several different types of events, such as magazine celebration events, partners-only events, social events, mastermind/ educational style events, and of course, the annual black-tie awards gala called The ESPE Awards. For these events, we invite the top 500 real estate agents and our RP-vetted businesses. Top 500 agents are allowed to invite members of their team, as well. These events are an incredible opportunity to connect with the best of the best in DFW real estate. It is amazing to see the power in the connections made at these events. Be on the lookout for your exclusive invites!

Q: WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR BEING FEATURED IN THIS MAGAZINE?

A: It’s really simple. You have to be on the top 500 list, and we take nominations seriously. You can nominate other real estate agents, businesses, brokers, owners, or even yourself! Office leaders can also nominate real estate agents. We will consider anyone brought to our attention who is in the top 500 because we don’t know everyone’s story, so we need your help to learn about them. We cannot guarantee a feature, but we encourage you to meet with one of our team members, support Real Producers and attend our private events to increase your chances.

You can email your nominations to jordan.espeseth@n2co.com.

Q: WHAT DOES IT

COST A REAL ESTATE AGENT/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 RPVETTED BUSINESSES?

A: They are one of the best businesses in DFW in their category, and you can find them listed in our index! We don’t just find these businesses off the street, nor do we work with all businesses that approach us. One of many of the top real estate agents has recommended every single business 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 team will further vet every business to make sure they are a good fit and bring value to our community. Our goal is to create a powerhouse network, not only for the best real estate agents in the area but for the best businesses, as well, so we can grow stronger together. When you meet one of them, be sure to thank them for their continued support and for investing in you and your growth.

Q: HOW CAN I RECOMMEND A BUSINESS?

A: If you know and want to recommend a business that works with top real estate agents, please email us to let us know at jordan.espeseth@n2co.com.

NANCY THE HELPER

rising star

Written by: Zachary Cohen

Photos by: Cruz Acevedo, StudioUSA

Just three years into her real estate career, Nancy Garcia has risen to the top of the local real estate rankings. Her ascent has been impressive, but she remains as humble as anyone you’ll meet.

Nancy is, first and foremost, a mother, a friend, and a helper to everyone she meets. Her devotion to serving others is undeniable, and that, perhaps more than anything else, has been the driver behind the impressive growth of her real estate business.

Capitalizing on a

immigrating to the US. While Texas was familiar to Nancy from her family’s yearly vacations to Dallas, she arrived speaking barely a word of English.

Nancy remembers just how difficult it was to adjust to a new culture and language. Thankfully, she had plenty of family in the area, offering her love and support during the transition. Her sevenyear-old mind was a sponge for the language, and within a year, she was fluent in English. Soon enough, Texas became home.

Nancy’s first career was as an accountant for a local landscaping company. She spent twelve years with that company, earning a good living, supporting her family, and setting down roots in her community.

One day, her boss presented her with an opportunity that would forever redirect her professional path.

“My boss decided to start a building company to build homes. When that happened, they said, ‘Nancy, we want you to get your license, so you can help us sell these homes.’ They offered to pay for real estate school. So even though I had no idea how real estate worked, I went for it,” Nancy recalls.

Upon getting her license, Nancy was tasked with selling the listings for her boss’ new construction projects. Her first listing was a $1 million custom home, and she was off and running.

Building a Team

Nancy spent six months balancing her new role in real estate with her full-time accounting schedule before it became apparent she couldn’t manage both. With the real estate business buzzing, she decided to go all-in on her sales business.

Nancy started a team, Cyty Real Estate Group, right off the bat, and in three short years, she’s grown that team to 30 agents. Nancy credits her early success to her commitment, communication skills, and desire to be of service.

“I give it my 100% all the time,” she says. “If you call me, I will answer my phone, and that’s the reason I get a lot of referrals. I’m huge on communication. Social media has been big for me, too. Eighty percent of my clients and teammates come from social media. That’s helped me a lot.”

In 2022, Nancy closed 95 homes for $28.2 million. Her team closed an impressive 375 homes for $103.1 million.

Reflections on Success

When asked what she’s most grateful for, Nancy offers a telling reply. It’s not her business, her team, or the income she’s earned that she’s most thankful for; it’s her family, clients, and friends.

Nancy has two sons, Giovanni (17) and Dorian (5), and lives with her partner, Dorian. Her

Fun fact

Nancy loves event planning, and before becoming an accountant, she worked as a makeup artist. In July 2022, she exercised her love for throwing parties by hosting a Coachella-themed birthday party on a 500-acre ranch. “I had over 300 people at the party, and I started realizing how grateful I am that so many people showed up for me — clients, friends, family members. It’s so crazy how I grew this business this big and had so many people support me. A lot of people shared that I motivate them to do better with my success and how I still have time for my kids. They shared how much I impacted them. That makes me feel really proud of myself.”

rp vetted business spotlight

Written by: Zachary Cohen

Photos by: Cruz Acevedo, StudioUSA

TANNER NEWTON & TOTAL ROOF PROTECTION

A Reputation for Protection

“We are all about honesty, integrity, and concern for others. We’re all about relationships. Maybe it’s cliche, but it’s true.”

—Tanner Newton, Owner, Total Roof Protection

After six years in the commercial roofing industry, Tanner Newton joined Total Roof Protection in 2021. Founded by his twin brother Cole, Total Roof Protection had already solidified its standing as one of Dallas’s top roofing companies. Now with Tanner at the helm, Total Roof Protection is continuing to expand its reach and build upon its strong reputation.

It’s a Twin Thing Tanner was born and raised in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex, and his first career was in the oil and gas industry, just like his twin brother Cole. The irony is that the brothers didn’t plan to enter the same industry.

“We both inadvertently went into the oil field about 15 years ago at the same time,” Tanner reflects with a laugh. “He went into offshore and me on land. It just happened that way.”

After years in oil and gas, Tanner and Cole were called to the roofing industry in a similarly serendipitous fashion. Through different opportunities, they both transitioned into the roofing industry around the same time. Cole went into residential roofing and founded Total Roof Protection in 2017. Tanner spent the first six years of his roofing career working for a large commercial roofing contractor.

“There’s a little mystery of being a twin,” Tanner continues. “We can’t read each other’s thoughts, but somehow we ended up in the same place.”

Tanner joined his brother at Total Roof Protection after a series of hailstorms in the spring of 2021. A year and a half later, he took over sole ownership of the company.

Brothers Cole Newton (l) and Tanner Newton (r)

“The move has been great for me,” he says.

Finding His Place

Tanner feels at home in residential roofing. While there were many things he loved about commercial roofing, the opportunity to assist homeowners directly is what gets him most excited about his role with Total Roof Protection.

“In commercial roofing, I got to meet a lot of big wigs at companies and see amazing buildings. I’ve been to almost every skyscraper in downtown Dallas and Fort Worth. I got to walk the Cowboys’ stadium and worked the Rangers’ stadium. It was really cool,” Tanner explains. “But I like the residential side because it’s more hands-on with the customers. We partner mostly with real estate agents and insurance agents, and it puts me in the spotlight with

the homeowner, not some faceless entity paying us. It allows me to really help people. It’s a more giving profession.”

Tanner leads Total Roof Protection with the same values as his brother Cole did; honesty, integrity, and relationship-building top the list. Tanner values relationships more than any transaction and is always willing to do what it takes to come through for a client or partner.

“We’re not going to disappear after the job. We focus more on the relationship than anything else,” Tanner says.

A Long-Standing Reputation

Now that he’s leading Total Roof Protection, Tanner plans to build a lasting legacy in the

Dallas area. His role has allowed him to focus on his social side and be a part of his local community.

Outside work, Tanner is a family man; he and his wife, Jessica, have two children, Lincoln (5) and Ethan (almost 1). He enjoys hunting and fishing when he gets the chance.

“I don’t want for much, and I have a great family,” Tanner smiles.

Tanner’s goal is to stay on track in a down market. He believes that his reliability, respectful approach, and relationship focus will continue to be pillars of his success.

“I got in right at the tail end of COVID’s meanest time, and we’ve seen a lot of roofing companies that are gone now, that couldn’t stay afloat. But we’re thriving because of our reputation and accountability.”

For more information, contact Tanner Newton at tanner@totalroofprotection.com.

FUN FACT TANNER IS A SIXTH-GENERATION TEXAN.

GET MORE QUALIFIED LEADS by work ing w it h cred it-cha l lenged buyers

✓

✓

✓ 30 -Yea r A mor t ization

✓ No Pay ment Pena lt y or Ba l loon Pay ment

✓ A ny Sing le-Fa mi ly Home in Texas

✓ Oppor tunit y to Bui ld Wea lt h

✓

✓ Fi xed Mont h ly Pay ment * Interest

✓ Deed in Homebuyer’s Na me Upon Closing

✓ More Leads & Faster List ing Sa les

✓ 10 0% Rea ltor Protect ion

✓ Rubber Sta mp Process

✓ Fu l l Commission for Each Referra l

print me more!

Were you, your broker, or the team

featured in an issue of

Real

Producers?

Want a copy of your article or full magazines that you were featured in?

REPRINTS!

What the heck is a reprint? A reprint is a four-page, magazine-quality grade paper with your full article and photos and you on the COVER of the publication.

WHY DO I NEED THOSE?

• These reprints are a professional marketing tool that can help brand you, your team and/ or your business.

• Use on listing appointments

• Send out to friends and family

• Sent to clients with your holiday greetings

• Brokers, use as recruiting tools for capturing new talent

• Use when farming your favorite neighborhood

WHAT IF I CHANGED COMPANIES OR NEED SOMETHING CORRECTED ON MY ARTICLE?

No worries! We can make any changes needed. We send you a proof, you approve and they are sent to you via FedEx.

WHO CAN BUY THESE?

The REALTOR® that was featured, the Broker or family. Anyone that wants to promote you.

HOW DO I ORDER?

Email Katherine Fondren at katherine.fondren@n2co.com or call 985-518-1991.

MAGAZINE RELEASE PARTY

January/February/March 2023

Starting in 2021, Real Producers started doing mini-magazine release parties! In attendance for these events, we will have those real estate agents and businesses that were featured in that issue, along with a few

These events are such a fun way to debut the magazine and connect with a smaller group of incredible people.

Congratulations again to Shannon Patterson, Robyn Heathcock, Bret Bauer, Tom Robertson, Andy Tuttle and the Tuttle Group, Lance Dunahoe and Inspect360, Ginger Weeks, Shelley Wang, Brooke Finnigan, Kyle Karker with American RealPM, David Bentinck, Semper Fi

Home Inspections, Cindy and Mark Baglietto, Alicia Purser, Kayti Gage, Terri Fox, Town & Country Roofing, and Fair Texas Title.

Our team feels very grateful to have had the chance to share your stories and celebrate with you.

We look forward to continuing these smaller celebrations in the months and years ahead!

Photos by: Scott Peek Photography LLC

rp vetted business spotlight

Written by: Zachary Cohen

Photos by: Scott Peek, Scott Peek Photography, LLC

Making Dallas Home OF PREMIER MORTGAGE ASSOCIATES CHIODO

“It’s not about just a loan. It’s about helping our borrowers get to financial independence. We’ve chosen to dig in with people and educate them on the big picture and help them grow their wealth.”

Michael Chiodo graduated high school amid the 20082012 financial and housing crisis. While many agents and lenders were leaving the business, Michael jumped into the industry with the largest REO brokerage in the nation. At the time Michael didn’t yet understand the bigger picture of what was happening in the real estate industry. All he knew was that he felt connected to the business. He continued working in real estate and lending throughout his time at University of San Diego.

“I was hustling loans between classes, going to school, and trying to keep a social life at 20 years old,” Michael says with a telling laugh. “It was a great experience, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”

After graduating with a finance and supply chain

management degree in 2014, Michael decided to make mortgage lending his full-time career. He continued building a business in his hometown of San Diego, making a name for himself as one of the area’s most creative, up-andcoming lenders.

Coming to Dallas

Michael’s business was thriving in San Diego, but he had always wanted to branch out and engage in a new city and culture. In 2016, he began purchasing investment properties in Dallas.

“I loved that Dallas was in the center of the country. Texas always enamored me. I always saw California and Texas as the power players in the US. I was drawn to it — the attitude, the lifestyle, the hospitality. That’s what drew me here and what has kept me here,” Michael reflects.

There were connections between the San Diego and Dallas real estate markets, too. Some of Michael’s REALTOR® partners had relocated to Dallas, allowing him to begin building a lending business in Texas. The more time he spent in Dallas, the more he felt at home.

Six years later, Dallas has become Michael’s primary home and place of business, although he continues to run a successful team in San Diego.

“I slowly started to build a business in Dallas, going back and forth between Dallas and San Diego. Anytime there was an excuse to be in Dallas, I’d jump on it and stay a few days,” Michael explains. “Now, I’ve spent the last two years, really since COVID, mainly living in Dallas [and] loving every minute of it. It’s been great to watch our team here grow… Making new friends and business partners along the way has been extremely rewarding. For me, it’s a new frontier, a new challenge, and I love the growth here. There are tons of opportunities to keep growing my business in Dallas. There is never a dull moment.”

More Than Mortgage Lending

Michael describes his business as “sticky.” Once an agent or client works with him, they tend to become partners or clients for life.

Taking Flight

Outside work, Michael enjoys working out, spending time outdoors, and flying. He has his pilot’s license, allowing him the unique opportunity to explore the world on his own terms.

“I’m obsessed with flying,” he says with a smile. “I can fly down to Austin and check it out, or just get up and go and clear my mind. In real estate, we’re always running a million miles a minute, and when I’m up flying, there’s a sense of peace and calm. It’s a nice break.”

Michael’s focus on wealth management is one of the primary reasons for the business’ sticky nature. He understands that most lenders offer similar programs and rates, so he differentiates himself by becoming a wealth advisor, not just a lender.

“We’ve shifted our focus to being somebody’s wealth team captain,” Michael explains. “When we meet with a client, we talk about saving for retirement, managing credit cards well, and looking ahead to what their home payment does down the road. We take a bigger, broader approach rather than just doing a loan and moving on. That’s been our biggest advantage, and [it’s] also very rewarding to watch over time as our clients learn more and build their wealth. Right now, rates are high and business is down, but that approach has kept us busy and excited about where we and our clients are going.”

Michael’s business is about much more than closing loans. He’s focused on helping his borrowers achieve financial independence — whatever that means to them. He digs in with clients, educates them, and helps them achieve their long-term financial goals.

Michael is an optimist at heart. Above all else, he’s laser-focused on growth — and helping others grow. His positive mindset allows him to be an uplifting voice of reason, a quality that has served him well in business and life.

As Michael looks ahead, he intends to focus on developing meaningful relationships, allowing him to make a positive impact in the lives of countless more clients, partners, and friends.

“I’m working toward building more meaningful relationships with REALTORS® and business partners, going deeper with those relationships, and growing our businesses together. Over the last few years, we got so busy and were drinking from a fire hose. Now, the market has returned to a more normal state. It’s cooled off a bit, and it’s nice to reconnect with REALTOR® partners, sit down and map out a plan, and be a part of the team.”

For more information, visit MichaelChiodo.com.

cover story

Written by: Zachary Cohen

Photos by: Scott Peek Photography LLC

Curtis

ANSWERING THE PRAYER Petersen

Growing up in Aubrey, Curtis Petersen’s life revolved around two things: ranch life and baseball. His father oversaw a ranch of around 4,000 acres, and much of Curtis’ childhood was spent learning the value of hard work alongside his parents.

“As a young child, I learned how to work hard by watching my mom and dad. I was homeschooled, and it was school in the morning… riding horses and working cows in the afternoon,” Curtis reflects.

When Curtis hit his teenage years, his attention shifted toward baseball. Throughout his time at Ryan High School in Denton, his focus was God, school, and his dreams of playing pro ball.

“I fell in love with baseball. I started a little later than most, and I wasn’t very talented, but I knew how to work hard. Everything I did was work, work, work,” Curtis explains. “I was helping on the ranch some, but at that point, my dad saw bigger things for me and wanted me to pursue baseball.”

Curtis’ hard work paid off. After graduating high school, Curtis was drafted by the Miami Marlins with the 118th pick of the 2008 MLB draft.

Leaning into Faith Curtis played for six years in the Marlins’ minor league system. He had some success, but after years of grueling work with low pay, he began considering another path forward.

“One year, I was in spring training, and I was in the outfield shagging fly balls. The thing about spring training is nobody gets paid in spring training, whether you’re a minor leaguer or a $300 million player. I was thinking about how hard I was working, and I wasn’t collecting a paycheck. I went back

to my hotel, sat on the floor, and prayed about it. I asked the Lord, ‘What can I do to make a paycheck today, to help my financial future?’ I went to bed, and the first thing when I woke up in the morning — the answer was real estate.”

Curtis decided to pursue real estate investing while continuing his baseball career. Although he had a large signing bonus, his regular pay was poor, and he struggled to secure a loan.

“I walked into two, three, four banks, and they all denied my situation, being 21, right in the middle of the recession,” Curtis remembers.

Despite being denied time and time again, Curtis couldn’t let go of the idea of investing in real estate.

“I thought about it all during the season. I just kept thinking that I needed to get into real estate. It never left my mind. The thing about me is I’m really good at picking one thing and being good at it, and real estate became that one thing. I started to fall out of love with baseball and into love with real estate.”

Curtis eventually found a bank that would loan him the funds for his first rental home, a $53,000 house in Sanger, Texas. One rental turned into two, then three. After two years, he owned ten investment properties.

Becoming a REALTOR®

Curtis met his wife, Megan, in 2009. Initially, she was a leasing agent, and she got her real estate license in 2013. By then, Curtis was out of baseball and had returned to live in Texas full-time. He’d been working for his dad at the ranch to reset, but when Megan began to see success, he decided to join her. In 2019, Curtis was licensed, starting the next stage of his real estate journey.

Curtis has risen to the top of the real estate rankings in just three years. He closed $47 million in 2021 and followed that up with another $47 million in 2022 — just his second and third full years in the business. He also leads a team, Petersen Property Group Powered by Fathom Realty, which currently has eight agents, including Curtis and Megan.

Leaning into Strengths

Curtis believes that focusing on and maximizing strengths is the key to success. As a leader, his work is to help his agents discover their strengths and build a business centered on those qualities.

“Let’s do what you’re good at. It doesn’t matter what you do in life. If you are the best at it, you’ll be successful,” he says.

Curtis is also big on emotional intelligence — mainly learning to read people and express empathy. He enjoys complicated deals, putting out fires, and working hard for his clients.

“That comes from my work ethic as a kid,” he explains. “Nothing was easy on the ranch. I just learned to appreciate hard things and difficult situations and how to grow through them.”

In 2023, Curtis is excited to continue growing his team and expanding his reach. His dream is to create a group of agents who, one day, become leaders themselves.

“We are growing,” he smiles. “Come grow with us.”

FAMILY SPOTLIGHT

Curtis and his wife, Megan, live in Aubrey with their four children, Aubree (8), Jackson (6), Luka (3), and Blakely (1).

Photo by: Brenda Turrubiarte Photography

SINCE 2016, N2 HAS DONATED

TO HELP END MODERN-DAY SLAVERY.

Did you know there are more victims held against their will tod than ever before? That’s why The N2 Company behind this publication and hundreds like it ― committed to end human trafficking.

FOR EVERY AD SOLD, N2 DONATES ENOUGH MONEY TO FREE TWO SLAVES FROM CAPTIVITY.

The average Fortune 500 company donates about 1% of its profits The N2 Company donates more than 2% of their gross revenue

Thanks to the businesses within these pages, our local publishers, and readers like YOU, we’re able to break the chains of this horrible reality.

A CALL TO ACTION FROM CCAR PRESIDENT SHANA ACQUISTO

ccar: in the know

Written by: Bri Westbury, Collin County Association of REALTORS® Director of Communications

Personally, Shana Acquisto is a wife, boy-mom x3, yoga enthusiast, and proud Texan with splash of Montana on the side. Professionally, Acquisto is a high-producing real estate broker who sees challenges as opportunities for growth, a leader in the industry, and the Collin County Association of Realtor’s 2023 President.

Acquisto began her year as CCAR President urging real estate professionals across the industry to build for their future.

“I choose ‘Building for Our Future’ as the theme of my year as CCAR President because if we don’t build for our future, no one else is going to do it for us. If we want to be able to continue to serve our clients, we must build for our future today.”

-CCAR President Shana Acquisto

Ensure You Have a Solid Foundation

Step one of building for our future is to return to the basics. The success and longevity of any structure depend on the foundation which it is built upon, and an individual’s success in this profession is no different. Acquisto identifies three non-negotiable basics: ethics, professionalism, and knowledge.

Acquisto explains, “Ethics, Professionalism, and Knowledge. Those are the basics that will get you far in this industry. The most exciting thing about this profession is that YOU control a lot of your success. No one wakes up with all the knowledge already in their brain. We all have equal access to it. Everything in real estate can be learned: contracts, communication, prospecting, and systems.”

Acquisto refuses to stop learning, “You must keep learning. No two transactions are the same. No two people, property, or finances are the same. Not to mention changing regulations.”

Frame Your House Day Correctly

From a young age, the Three Little Pigs taught us all the importance of quality building material. As adults, we know that if your home is not framed right, it won’t stand long. Likewise, you need to frame your day correctly and include aspects that will keep you standing for a long time.

That is why you will find Acquisto up at 4:50 a.m. and starting her day with exercise. By 8 a.m. Acquisto is in the office and dressed for the day. “No matter what portion of my day is in person or virtual, I dress for the day all the same.”

Acquisto acknowledges that building for your future may involve setting boundaries, adding “you can’t serve your clients if you are not around.” Building for your future will also require agents plan and prepare for the unexpected, Acquisto has planned to cover the topic on multiple aspects of the podcast “Welcome to the Top.” Acquisto reminds that “rainy days are not an ‘if’ but ‘when’- agents need to be financially prepared.”

Proper Appraised Value

Real estate professionals need to know their worth and make sure they position themselves as value providers to their clients and community. “Real estate touches everyone and everything. Your favorite local coffee shop, how much is their lease? Your rent or mortgage. Your employer’s office building. Real estate professionals are required to facilitate these transactions and make sure the correct terms are included,” said Acquisto.

Additionally, real estate is a major driver of the U.S. economy, accounting for $3,894.3 billion or nearly 17% of the GDP in 2021. In Texas alone, the real estate industry accounted for $338.0 billion or 17.0% of the gross state product in 2021. A NAR State-by-State Economic Impact report found that every home sale generates roughly $113,200 in economic activity in local markets and every two home sales support one American job[1]

You can often find real estate agents investing their time and money defending their clients’ private property rights at the Capitol.

Acquisto knows the value her colleagues provide but warns the community often does not. “Our expertise and advocacy for our clients is unmatched. I don’t think the public is aware of what the average real estate agent does for them, and we need make sure our value is known,” said Acquisto.

Acquisto believes that “whatever you put in, you get out,” which is why Collin County Realtors can look forward to an amazing year- because Acquisto is giving her all.

[1] https://www.nar.realtor/ reports/state-by-stateeconomic-impact-of-realestate-activity

A Different Take Engels Todd

agent feature

In today’s tech-heavy, social media-driven world, door knocking seems a bit old-fashioned. But, when Todd Engels set out to build a real estate business, that’s precisely the approach he took. Todd believes in the value of face-to-face human contact, as well as his ability to gain trust and build connections in person. Since he began his real estate career in late 2016, his unique strategy has been a huge success, helping him build one of the Dallas area’s top real estate businesses in just five years.

Written by: Zachary Cohen

Photos by: Scott Peek, Scott Peek Photography

Much of Todd’s marketing in the real estate world has been unorthodox, from purchasing a moving van and allowing community members to use it for free, to hosting one of Dallas’ most extravagant home Christmas lights displays. Yet, the results show Todd’s approach is working: In 2022, his team closed an impressive 90 homes for $35.87 million.

“People tell me I’m crazy,” Todd laughs. “Sure, it’s kind of old school with all the tech available now, but I believe in the relationship with people. That face-toface interaction is what I believe in — and it works.”

Earning His Cops

A job transfer with Schwan’s Home Delivery brought Todd to Texas in 2009. By that time, he was a trainer and General Manager tasked with coaching and educating a team of sales agents. These salespeople had undergone the same training Todd had, which was heavily bent toward door-to-door marketing.

When Todd turned toward real estate eight years later, he was able to apply the same expertise that made him successful at Schwan’s to grow his real estate business. He was named Rookie of the Year in 2017, and his business has continued to swell in the years since, allowing his team, which he started in 2021, to close nearly 100 homes in 2022.

“Taking care of the customer is the top priority. We do everything to stay top of mind,” Todd says.

A Different Take

Todd has made an effort to separate himself from the pack. Rather than the standard yard signs, he uses customized, unique-looking signage. He owns one truck that he lends to clients and community

members that acts as a rolling billboard and a second truck that looks like a SWAT vehicle, representing his brand, SWAT Realty Group. He even uses his Polaris Slingshots, which he enjoys riding in his free time, to draw attention to open houses.

Todd’s biggest event is the Christmas lights show he puts on at his home in Anna. It’s become famous throughout the area, with people traveling from all over the Metroplex to experience the excitement of the display.

“The light show has the equivalent of 70,000 lights programmed to music. We partner with a company out of California to produce it,” Todd says proudly. “There are singing Christmas trees, a 15-foot megatree out front, lights that cover the garage, and four Christmas trees on the roof telling jokes and interacting with each other. We have a photo booth where people can take pictures, a mailbox where kids write to Santa — and I actually write them all back. It’s a lot of fun and interaction.”

Todd sees his Christmas display as more than an extravagant celebration. He does it as a way to give back to his community. Thousands of visitors come from all over the Dallas area, bringing people together with joy, excite ment, and holiday cheer. The event has been such a success that in 2023, he’ll be holding his first Halloween display.

“I love the smiles it brings.”

The Joys of Hard Work

With five years of real estate experience under his belt, Todd is looking forward to continuing to grow his business. He knows he has the chance to expand his team and reach in the commu nity, but it will take a lot of work in a down market. If anyone is up for the challenge, it’s Todd.

“I think the future is bright, but it takes a lot of effort to stay on top of it. I’m an extremely hard worker. I’ve worked ever since I was 14 years old… I’ve always had that work ethic and motivation, and I will continue to bring that work ethic to the real estate business.”

Left

Tyler and Ashley Edwards

MASTERCLASS EVENT WITH JOHN ISRAEL (AKA MR. THANK YOU)

For the first time in DFW Real Producers history, we hosted an education-style event, and it was a huge success! As mentioned in the Publisher’s Note, we have changed our event structures over the years, and this type of event is one everyone has been waiting for. We had 300 amazing people in attendance. Collectively, the agents who registered for this event did over $2 billion and 6,000 units in 2022 alone. Wild!

Our speaker was John Israel, AKA Mr. Thank You, who gave a powerful message on The Art of Human Connection and what he learned from his one-year social experiment. John tasked himself with writing five thank you cards a day, every day, for 365 days. This experiment radically changed John’s life. Everything from his perspective and outlook on life, to the growth in his career/business including his own TEDx Talk, and his work now impacting millions of people around the world.

After John’s message, we had time to network and connect with the best agents and businesses who attended. We heard nothing but raving reviews about this event, and we cannot wait for our next one in June. We are extremely excited to announce who the next speaker will be…soon!

Thanks again to everyone who attended and especially to the businesses that went above and beyond to sponsor this event.

See you at the next Real Producers Event!

Jordan Espeseth DFW Real Producers

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Photos by Scott Peek, Scott Peek Photography, and Jin Kim, URSPECIAL

celebrating leaders

Written by: Zachary Cohen

JASON Living to Lead

BELL

Before launching his real estate career in 2016, Jason Bell spent 16 years in the insurance business. His stepfather owned an insurance agency, and when Jason reached adulthood, he eventually wound up in the family business.

Despite Jason’s success, insurance never felt like his true calling card.

“After a few years out of school as a stockbroker, my stepdad suggested I join him. I thought it’d be temporary, but 16 years later, I was running the company,” Jason reflects. “I made good money, lived a good lifestyle, and supported my family, but I never really loved the work.”

After 16 years in the business, Jason had a lightbulb go off. It was time for a change.

“Honestly, I woke up one day and said to my wife, ‘I’m out. I’m done. If I do this for another 20 years, I’ve wasted my life. This is not what makes me happy. I need to do something else.’”

Jason was clearer than ever that his time in insurance had come to a close. Yet, he wasn’t sure what his next move would be. So he got his real estate license, intending to sell real estate as a stopgap to the next big thing — until real estate became the next big thing.

Photos by: Cruz Acevedo, StudioUSA

“I thought I could flip a few houses and make some money. I’m a handy guy. But once I started learning about the business, I fell in love with it,” Jason reflects.

As Jason’s sales business took off, his plan of flipping homes fell to the wayside. In real estate, he finally found his calling.

“I realized then that you can really love your job and make good money at the same time.”

Ascending to Leadership

Jason’s real estate career accelerated quickly. He became a top agent with Ebby Halliday in his first few years, and by 2020, he was tabbed as one of Ebby Halliday’s future Sales Leaders. When COVID hit, his path to leadership was fast-tracked.

“There was an initiative to identify the future sales leaders in the company. In that process, my name came up. In my mind, it was something that was going to happen someday, but about a week before COVID started, my manager got another opportunity and was leaving the company. He recommended I take over the office.”

After several interviews with senior leadership, Jason was named the Sales Leader for Ebby Halliday’s Flower Mound office. Not long after, he took over the Irving office, too. Jason no longer actively sells real estate, instead focusing his energy on decision-making, hiring and training agents, and mentoring the agents on his team. The Sales Leader role has proven to be the perfect fit.

“I can confidently say that I am doing what I am meant to do and I am loving it,” Jason says. “My style resonates with most agents. I’m very transparent, matter of fact. I think what people enjoy about me is that I still think like an agent. I analyze every situation by asking myself, ‘How does this impact an agent? How would an agent react to this?’ I have a natural way of putting people at ease. I can relate to people’s lives, and that’s refreshing for my agents.”

Meeting Agents Where They Are

As the real estate market shifts, Jason and his team are shifting with it. He believes that now more than ever is the time to double down on tried and true methods for success. He’s encouraging his agents to stick to the basics, like keeping in touch with their sphere of influence. It may sound simple, but Jason understands that most agents simply don’t do this consistently.

Jason and the Ebby Halliday team are also shifting their approach to meet the market’s new demands. COVID changed how agents use office space, so Jason is changing with them.

“You’ve gotta meet agents where they are. While all of us can struggle with how to get agents back into the office, the toothpaste is out of the tube, so I have to adapt the way I manage and build a culture in the office and virtually,” Jason explains. “Thankfully, we still have great attendance in the office on a daily basis. That’s part of our culture here in this office.”

Another significant change is a consolidation of Jason’s two offices into the new DFW Northwest office. The former Flower Mound office is under going a renovation worthy of the new name; it’ll include open work areas, contemporary styling, and a brighter look — all things Jason believes will help take his brand into the future.

It’s All for Fun

Outside real estate, you’ll find Jason with his family; he and his wife, Amy, have three children, Natalie (19), Jackson (17), and Whitney (14). They enjoy spending time outdoors, hanging on the boat, wake surfing, and spending time with friends and family. Above all else, perhaps, Jason is a family man who is passionate about creating enjoyable experiences.

“I’m that friend or person that tends to always say yes. You can always count on me for fun. I’m all about enjoying life to the fullest with a smile on my face, no matter the situation.”

I HAVE A NATURAL WAY OF PUTTING PEOPLE AT EASE. I CAN RELATE TO PEOPLE’S LIVES, AND THAT’S REFRESHING FOR MY AGENTS.

Photo submitted by Jason Bell