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.

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.”